What goes into the cost of shipping a pet from Canada
If you are moving abroad or sending your pet to a new home, the price tag is probably one of your first questions. Pet shipping costs from Canada vary widely depending on where your pet is going, how big they are, and what paperwork their destination requires.
Here is a realistic look at what you can expect to spend, what drives the price up or down, and where people commonly underestimate costs.
Domestic pet transport within Canada
In-cabin flights
If your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin (most airlines cap combined carrier-plus-pet weight around 10 kg), domestic pet transport is relatively affordable. Air Canada charges $50 CAD each way for in-cabin pets on domestic flights. WestJet charges $50 CAD as well. You will also need a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat.
Add a veterinary health certificate if crossing provincial lines for certain species, and your total is typically under $200 CAD.
Cargo flights within Canada
Larger dogs that cannot fly in-cabin travel as checked baggage or manifested cargo. Cargo fees from Air Canada range from $105 to $326 CAD depending on the route and crate size. You will also need an IATA-compliant crate, which runs $150 to $400 depending on the size of your dog.
International pet shipping from Canada
Shipping to the United States
Moving a pet from Canada to the U.S. is one of the simpler international routes, but the paperwork requirements changed significantly in 2024. The CDC now requires a CDC Dog Import Form for all dogs entering the United States, regardless of origin. You will need a veterinary health certificate, current rabies vaccination, and the completed CDC form. Total cost for a small dog flying in-cabin: roughly $300 to $600 CAD. For a larger dog in cargo with professional coordination: $2,000 to $3,500 CAD.
Shipping to the United Kingdom
The UK requires a rabies vaccination, microchip, and a tapeworm treatment administered 24 to 120 hours before arrival. There is no quarantine for pets arriving from Canada with proper documentation, but the timing of that tapeworm treatment is strict. Miss the window and your pet cannot enter. Budget $3,500 to $5,500 CAD for full-service relocation of a medium-sized dog to the UK.
Shipping to Australia or New Zealand
These are among the most expensive destinations because of mandatory quarantine. Australia requires a minimum 10-day quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility, plus a rabies titer test taken at least 180 days before travel. The process takes 6 to 8 months of preparation. Total cost: $5,000 to $10,000 CAD or more, depending on your pet’s size and the length of quarantine.
Shipping to Europe (EU countries)
EU countries follow a standardized pet passport system. Pets from Canada need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Some countries, like Germany and France, may require a rabies titer test if your pet’s vaccination history does not meet their standards. Budget $3,000 to $6,000 CAD for a medium-sized dog.
Shipping to Asia
Costs vary significantly across Asian destinations. Japan has a rigorous 180-day pre-travel process involving multiple rabies vaccinations and titer tests. Singapore requires an import permit and has strict breed restrictions. Budget $4,000 to $8,000 CAD for most Asian destinations.
What is included in full-service pet relocation
When you hire a pet relocation service, the fee typically covers:
- Route planning and airline booking (cargo or excess baggage)
- CFIA health certificate coordination and endorsement
- IATA-compliant crate (sized, assembled, labeled)
- Import permit applications where required
- Airport delivery, airline check-in, and monitoring
- Destination-side customs clearance coordination
- Door-to-door tracking and updates
The service fee covers the coordination and expertise. Airline fees, government charges, vet costs, and the crate are typically itemized separately so you can see exactly where your money goes.
Factors that increase cost
Several factors can push your pet’s shipping cost higher than the ranges above:
Pet size is the biggest variable. A 5 kg cat in-cabin is a fraction of the cost of a 40 kg dog flying cargo. Larger crates mean higher airline fees and more complex logistics.
Destination requirements matter. Countries with quarantine (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii) add facility fees and extended boarding. Countries requiring titer tests add $200 to $350 CAD per test plus the months of advance planning.
Seasonal restrictions can force route changes. Winter cold embargoes in Canada and summer heat embargoes at destination airports can limit which days and routes are available, sometimes requiring ground transport segments that add cost.
Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats) face airline restrictions that limit route options. The viable routes that remain may be more expensive.
How to get an accurate quote
Ready to start planning your pet’s move?
Request a quote and we will put together a detailed plan and price for your specific route.
Prefer to talk? Give us a call at 1-877-707-1739.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to ship a pet from Canada than from the United States?
It depends on the destination. Airline cargo rates from Canadian airports (Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, Montreal Trudeau) are comparable to major U.S. hubs. The CFIA endorsement fee is often lower than the USDA fee. However, fewer direct cargo routes from Canada to some destinations can mean a connection, which adds cost.
Can I claim pet shipping costs on my taxes?
If you are relocating for work and your employer is not covering the cost, pet shipping may be deductible as a moving expense in some provinces. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation, as CRA rules on eligible moving expenses are detailed.
Do I pay in Canadian or U.S. dollars?
This varies by provider. Airline cargo fees are typically charged in the currency of the departure country. Our quotes are in Canadian dollars for Canadian departures, so there are no exchange-rate surprises.
What is the cheapest way to ship a pet internationally?
Flying in-cabin with your pet is the least expensive option if your pet qualifies by size. For larger pets, booking as excess baggage on your own flight is typically cheaper than manifested cargo. The trade-off is that you handle all the logistics, paperwork timing, and airport coordination yourself.