Moving a dog or cat from Canada to the European Union? This practical checklist explains the key 2026 requirements to discuss with your veterinarian and pet-transport provider. The exact certificate, route, airline and destination rules depend on your circumstances. Request a personalised pet relocation quote with your origin, destination, animal and intended date.
1. First check whether the journey is commercial or non-commercial
For non-commercial movement, a dog, cat or ferret must travel with its owner or with a person authorised in writing by the owner. When an authorised person accompanies the pet, the movement must be within five days before or after the owner’s own travel. The animal cannot be sold or transferred to a new owner. Normally no more than five dogs, cats or ferrets can move under the non-commercial rules, with limited exceptions for certain events and competitions.
2026 change: An animal travelling separately and unaccompanied by either the owner or an authorised person no longer qualifies as non-commercial, even when the dates fall within the five-day window. It must meet the appropriate commercial movement rules. This distinction is particularly important when arranging transport with a third-party service.
2. Confirm the microchip and rabies vaccination sequence
For most dogs and cats entering the EU from Canada, the pet must be identified by an appropriate microchip before the rabies vaccination. A first valid rabies vaccination normally requires at least a 21-day wait before entry. Booster rules differ if vaccination has remained continuously valid. Ask your veterinarian to check the actual documentation, microchip record and vaccine product—not just the vaccination date.
3. Use the current EU health certificate and arrange CFIA endorsement
The EU introduced updated animal-health certificates in 2026. Canada’s transitional acceptance of the previous non-commercial certificates ended on 30 September 2026. A Canadian licensed veterinarian must complete and sign the appropriate certificate, then the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) must endorse it before departure. The certificate language must account for the first EU Member State of entry, including a transit entry where applicable.
For non-commercial travel, CFIA generally states that the certificate is valid for 10 days from the licensed veterinarian’s signature, with a shorter five-day period for certain dogs entering Finland, Malta, the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Destination-specific treatment and timing rules may also apply. Never book an irreversible journey without confirming the applicable deadlines with your veterinarian and the relevant authorities.
4. Check the destination, routing and animal species
Entry via an EU transit airport can affect the certificate language and paperwork. A flight solely through an international transit zone may be treated differently. Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has a separate entry regime; do not assume EU documentation automatically covers a UK move. Bird, reptile and other exotic-animal movements have different requirements and may involve additional wildlife, conservation or import permits. Species eligibility and airline acceptance must be checked individually.
5. Details to prepare for a relocation assessment
- Collection city or province in Canada and the final country/city
- Animal species, breed, age, number of pets and approximate size
- Microchip date and vaccination/veterinary record availability
- Owner’s travel dates and whether an authorised person will accompany the pet
- Preferred departure date, airline or airport constraints and any special welfare considerations
Share those details with us so the route, classification and feasibility can be checked before any booking or pricing commitment. Ask Pearl Lemon Pets Canada for a route-specific quotation.
Official guidance to verify before travelling
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency — non-commercial pet movements to the EU
- CFIA — commercial movements to the EU
- European Commission — pet movement FAQs
Last reviewed: 4 November 2026. This is a general planning guide, not a veterinary certificate or guarantee of eligibility. Authorities and airlines may change requirements.