Travelling with a pet can be a joy, but it rewards planning. Whether you’re driving a few hours or flying across the world, a little preparation is the difference between a calm companion and a stressful trip for both of you. Here’s how we’d approach it.
Start with the rules, because they vary
Every airline and every country sets its own requirements for pets, and they change, so confirm the current rules directly before you commit to anything. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and has a clean bill of health from your vet. If you’re crossing a border, check the destination country’s import requirements well ahead, since some ask for specific vaccinations, paperwork, or timing.
Choose how you’ll travel
By air: Not all airlines take pets, and those that do differ on whether your pet can ride in the cabin under the seat or has to go in the cargo hold. Check the airline’s policy first, get a carrier that meets their rules, offer water right up to check-in, and empty the dish before boarding to avoid spills. On layovers, find the pet relief area for a stretch and a break.
By car: Often the calmer option for anxious animals, but only if they’re secured. Use a crate belted into the back seat, or a proper pet seatbelt harness, never loose in the car. Stop regularly for water, a walk, and a bathroom break, and bring the toys and blanket that smell like home.
Get your pet ready
Ease them into it rather than springing it on the day. Let them get comfortable with the carrier at home, and take a few short car rides first so the real trip isn’t their first. Pack enough of their regular food and water for the whole journey, and don’t introduce new food that might upset their stomach. If your pet gets motion sick or very anxious, talk to your vet about options before you go.
Pick the right carrier
A good carrier is well ventilated, sturdy, and secure, with a lock your pet can’t nose open. It should be big enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so cavernous they slide around in transit. Soft-sided carriers are lighter and easier to carry; hard-sided ones protect better. If you’re flying, match the carrier to your airline’s exact requirements before you buy.
The paperwork (Canadian travellers)
Leaving Canada, contact the destination country’s embassy about their import rules for animals. The Canadian International Health Certificate is the common document for dogs and cats travelling abroad: it’s printed on legal-size paper, signed by a licensed vet, and only valid for a limited window, so time it carefully. You may also need vaccination records and proof of ownership. Coming back into Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets the import requirements, which depend on the animal, its age, and where it’s coming from. Check the current CFIA guidance before you fly, as it’s the part that trips people up.
Don’t forget ID
Have your pet microchipped and wearing a tag with your contact details before you travel. If they slip away in an unfamiliar place, it’s the fastest route back to you.
Once you arrive
If your pet had any health trouble on the way, or you’ve come from a country with different disease risks, book a check-up with a vet after you land. Even if all went smoothly, keep an eye on them for a day or two as they settle into new surroundings.
Quick answers
Which airlines allow pets in the cabin? Policies vary and change often. Air Canada and WestJet both carry pets with the right carrier and paperwork, as do several international carriers. Always confirm the current rules with the airline before booking.
What documents do I need? Usually a health certificate and proof of vaccinations at minimum, sometimes import permits or microchip details. It depends on the airline and destination, so check both.
How much does it cost to fly a dog? It ranges widely by airline and pet size, often from around 50 to several hundred dollars per flight. Check the specific airline’s fees when you book.
Travelling with a pet takes more thought than travelling without one, but with the carrier sorted, the paperwork in order, and their comfort looked after, it turns into exactly what you hoped for: a trip you get to share with them.
