Can I travel from Ireland to Canada with my pet dog?

If you live in Ireland and would like to go to Canada for a holiday or relocation with your dog, you might be wondering if it’s allowed. And if it is allowed, what do you need to do to make your trip 100% legal and stress-free?

You will be happy to hear that you can travel from Ireland to Canada with your dog, but you will need to have a few important things in place first before you can do so

Make sure your dog is vaccinated and has a health certificate.

In order to travel from Ireland to Canada with your dog, you dog will need to be vaccinated. You will need to have proof of these vaccines, especially Rabies, either by a EU pet passport or a health certificate signed by a licenced veterinarian (This will have to be in English or French) 

There are some countries though that Canada considers as Rabies free. Ireland is on this list! But a certificate from a licensed vet must still state that Rabies has not been in your country at all for at least 6 months. You will also need to state that your dog has lived in the Rabies free country for at least 6 months. The vet will also have to be endorsed by government officials who are responsible for pet transport. 

Puppies under 8 months of age

If you want to travel with a puppy, this might be a little bit trickier. If you are not travelling with your puppy, it will be viewed as a commercial import. Your puppy will need all its vaccinations no earlier than 6 weeks. You will also need an import permit.

If you are travelling with your puppy, you will be exempt from import requirements, but proof of ownership and age of your puppy should be available. 

Microchipping

It is not a requirement for your pet to be microchipped if you are travelling to Canada from Ireland, but it is recommended. This is in case your pet gets lost or separated from you. The only time a microchip is required though is if the import is commercial.

Air travel

Your dog will be allowed to enter a Canadian International airport, but your pet will be subject to inspection. It will cost $30.00 for the inspection. Your dog will need to be healthy. If they don’t look well, a vet will be asked to examine your dog and this will be at your expense.

Certain breeds are banned

If you want to travel to Canada from Ireland, sadly certain breeds are banned. For example if you have a Pitt Bull, an American Staffordshire Terrier, or an American Pitt Bull they will not be allowed in Ontario. Toronto or Winnipeg. Its interesting to note even dogs that are mixed with these breeds are banned in these cities. 

In conclusion

So yes! You can travel to Canada from Ireland with your dog but please be sure to follow the above rules and regulations for a stress-free trip.