Moving to Canada with Pets: How I Relocated My Dog from India

When I decided to move to Canada permanently, one thing I knew for sure: my dog Comet was coming with me. Comet is a five-year-old super mutt/mix breed dog, a street-smart and loyal companion who has been with me through every stage of life. Leaving him behind in India was never an option. Here’s how I managed to move my pet to Canada, including the necessary documents for exporting a pet from India, choosing pet-friendly airlines, and preparing an IATA-approved crate for a long international journey.

I quickly discovered that moving to Canada with your pet requires careful planning, patience, paperwork, and finances. If you’re moving to Canada soon, don’t forget to organize your money before you arrive: learning how to transfer money to Canada is an important step to make your relocation smoother. Proper planning ensures both you and your furry companion start your new life in Canada stress-free.

1. Understanding the Paperwork: How to Apply for an Export Certificate in India

The most important step in exporting a pet from India is obtaining the Export Certificate from India’s Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS). This certificate confirms that your pet is healthy and cleared to travel.

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare before visiting the AQCS office:

• Application form (available on the AQCS website)
• Veterinary health certificate (issued within 3–5 days of travel)
• Microchip certificate (your dog must be microchipped before vaccination)
• Vaccination record (for the past year, signed and stamped by your vet)
• Your passport copy
• Confirmed air ticket copy
• Two postcard-sized photographs (4×6″, light-facing)

Booking your AQCS appointment

Email aqcs.mum-dadf@nic.in around 10 days before your departure to schedule a visit.

On the day of your appointment, bring your dog and all original documents. The process includes verifying documents and a short physical exam (they’ll check your pet’s microchip and vaccination details). Once approved, you’ll receive your Export Certificate, which is valid for your travel date.

TIP: Carry food and water for your pet, as the AQCS process can take 2–3 hours.

2. Booking the Right Flight: Airlines that Allow Pets from India to Canada

When booking your flight, it’s crucial to confirm whether the airline allows pets in-cabin or in the cargo hold. 

• In-Cabin: Your pet and crate must weigh under 7 kg.
• Cargo Hold: Airlines like Qatar Airways or Lufthansa allow pets up to 70 kg, with charges ranging from $400–500 USD.

Before booking, call the airline directly and confirm that they can accommodate a pet on your chosen route and date. Once they confirm, make sure you get an email verification that your dog is cleared to fly.

Note: If you’re transiting through the European Union, your pet will need a Rabies Titer Test, which must be processed through an EU-approved lab. There’s also a mandatory three-month waiting period after receiving test clearance, so plan your travel accordingly.

If you travel via the UK and choose British Airways, your pet cannot travel in the cargo of the same plane as you. They are put on a separate plane for the entire journey.

Considering all of the above processes, we went ahead with Qatar Airways as they didn’t require a Rabies Titer Test, they allowed Comet to fly in the cargo of the same plane as me, and the layover times between both flights (i.e, Mumbai – Doha, Doha – Montreal) were just right, not too long or too short.

3. Getting an IATA-Approved Pet Crate for Air Travel

Your pet’s crate must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards for air travel.

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

• Buy an IATA-approved crate that is sturdy and properly ventilated.

• Add a water bottle and a small pouch of kibble to the crate. Most crates come with a detachable feeding bowl, so you don’t need to buy one separately.

• Crate train your pet well in advance. Start with 10–15 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration so they feel comfortable and safe.

• Line the crate floor with pee pads and secure them with tape.

• Attach a one-page document with your pet’s name, breed, photo, travel route, feeding instructions, and emergency contact.

4. Travel Day Tips: Flying to Canada with Your Pet

What to expect on the day of your flight

• Arrive at the airport 4–5 hours early to complete check-in and documentation.
• Book an airport porter to help move the crate; they often know the fastest routes through check-in.
• Remind the airline staff that you’re traveling with a pet in cargo so they can ensure temperature regulation in the hold.
• Keep calm! Your pet can sense your anxiety, so staying composed helps them stay relaxed too.

Once you land in Canada, there are no import formalities as long as your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. You’ll collect your pet from the oversized baggage area, that’s where I first saw Comet after our long journey, tail wagging and ready to start his Canadian adventure. Since I was travelling alone with Comet, I booked a porter at the Montreal airport as I had my suitcases on a luggage cart/trolley and Comet on another one.

Tip: You can book the porter in advance on the airport’s website, and they will be waiting for you at baggage claim.

Have a pair of scissors easily accessible in your check-in bag, or if you have friends or family picking you up at the airport, ask them to carry it, as you will need it to open up the gate of the crate. (The airlines zip tie the gate for extra security, and it’s hard to find a pair of scissors at the airport!) Your pet will want to get out of their crate as soon as they see you, and you want to waste no time in doing so.

🐾FAQs About International Pet Travel

Final Thoughts: Planning, Patience, and Positivity When Moving to Canada with Pets

Moving to Canada from India with your pet means understanding Canada’s pet import requirements, airline rules, and how to prepare your pet for international travel. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s completely doable with proper planning.

Here are a few key takeaways from my experience:

• Start your documentation process at least three weeks in advance.
• Book your AQCS appointment 6–10 days before your flight.
• Choose airlines with a good track record for pet handling (Qatar Airways and Lufthansa are great options).
• Invest in a quality crate and crate train early.
• Stay calm and confident; your pet feeds off your energy.

Once you arrive, finding a pet-friendly rental is the next big step. Here’s how to find rentals in Canada.

Bringing Comet to Canada was an emotional journey, but seeing him explore his new home from Ottawa’s local parks to fall hikes in smaller towns nearby made every bit of effort worthwhile. For anyone moving to Canada with their furry companion, remember: it’s not just about relocation, it’s about keeping family together.