Pet Relocation to Canada from South Africa
Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa or anywhere else in Canada.
Get in touch
Tell us about your move and your lovely pets, and we’ll get back to you.
Moving to Canada with your pet opens the door to wide-open spaces, pet-friendly cities and four very distinct seasons. Compared with destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, Canada’s import requirements are relatively straightforward, but every document still has to be correct and every date has to line up. These rules are set by the Canadian government, and no exceptions are allowed unless clearly stated.
Whether you’re relocating to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa or anywhere else in Canada, Sky Companion manages your pet’s journey from start to finish, from microchip checks and vaccinations to health certificates, flight routing and airline coordination.
One detail that catches many owners out is the route. Most routes from South Africa to Canada connect through another hub, and travelling via an EU or UK airport adds a blood test that must be done months in advance. Planning the route early avoids unnecessary delays.
Canada Pet Import Requirements
Before your pet can travel from South Africa to Canada, the following requirements must be completed.
Microchip Identification
Your pet must be microchipped, and the microchip must be registered on the manufacturer’s database before any other procedures can begin.
Age Requirements
Pets must be at least 3 months old to travel to Canada.
Puppies under 8 months old also require an import permit for entry into Canada.
Rabies Vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is essential. The vaccination must:
- Be administered more than 30 days before travel.
- Be no older than one year at the time of travel.
Annual Vaccinations
General annual vaccinations must also be up to date:
- Dogs: 5-in-1 vaccination
- Cats: 3-in-1 vaccination
These must be more than 30 days old but no older than one year at the time of travel.
Health Certificate
A health certificate must be issued by a South African private veterinarian, confirming that:
- All vaccinations and requirements have been met.
- Your pet is healthy and fit to fly.
The certificate must be signed and stamped by the vet and is valid for 10 days from the date of issue. We provide the correct certificate template for your vet.
Breed Restrictions
Pit Bulls are not permitted to be imported or owned in Ontario or in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Please keep this in mind when planning your pet’s travel route and final destination.
Travelling via the EU or UK
If your pet’s route passes through an EU or UK airport, they will need a valid Rabies Titre Test (RNATT) result. This blood test must be done at least 3 months before travel, so we confirm your pet’s routing early in the planning process.
Download the Canada Pet Travel Requirements
Need a complete checklist before you begin?
Download our Canada Pet Travel Requirements Guide for a detailed overview of every step involved in relocating your pet from South Africa to Canada.
How Sky Companion Makes the Process Easy
Canada’s requirements may be lighter than some destinations, but timing, paperwork and routing still need to be exactly right. Sky Companion provides complete relocation support, including:
- Personal relocation planning
- Microchip verification
- Vaccination planning and timing
- Import permit assistance for young puppies
- Health certificate preparation
- Route planning, including EU and UK transit
- Breed restriction checks for your destination
- IATA-compliant travel crate guidance
- Flight booking and airline coordination
- Regular progress updates throughout your pet’s journey
Our experienced relocation specialists work closely with veterinarians, airlines and government authorities to ensure every requirement is completed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old must my pet be to travel to Canada?
Pets must be at least 3 months old. Puppies under 8 months old also require a Canadian import permit.
Does my pet need a rabies titre test for Canada?
Only if your pet travels via an EU or UK airport. In that case, the titre test (RNATT) must be done at least 3 months before travel.
How long is the health certificate valid?
The health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue, so it is completed shortly before your pet’s departure.
Are any dog breeds restricted in Canada?
Yes. Pit Bulls may not be imported or owned in Ontario or in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Can Sky Companion manage the entire relocation?
Absolutely. We coordinate every aspect of your pet’s relocation, from veterinary preparation and documentation to route planning and airline arrangements.