What documents do I need to bring my dog or cat to Mexico from Canada?

Mexico's pet import requirements for dogs and cats from Canada are among the most straightforward of any destination. You need: (1) Official veterinary health certificate: issued by a licensed Canadian veterinarian and endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The certificate must be issued no more than 10 calendar days before your date of entry into Mexico. It must include: the owner's name and address, description of the animal (species, breed, sex, age, colour, distinctive markings), a statement that the animal is free from visible signs of disease, and confirmation of current rabies vaccination. (2) Rabies vaccination record: proof of current rabies vaccination, typically included in or accompanying the health certificate. The vaccine must not be expired at the time of entry. Most Mexican ports of entry accept dogs and cats with these two documents without issue. You do not need an advance import permit for personal pets (not commercial shipments). Mexican customs officers at airports may inspect the documents and briefly examine the animal — the process typically takes 5–15 minutes. The CFIA endorsement (also called the CFIA stamp or seal) is obtained by submitting your vet-signed health certificate to your regional CFIA office. This can take 1–5 business days; plan accordingly. Some Canadian vets in areas with high snowbird travel (Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto) are accredited CFIA endorsers themselves, streamlining the process. Important note: your health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your specific date of travel — not 10 days before departure from Canada. If your flight has a layover in the US before reaching Mexico, the 10-day clock starts from your Canada departure date.

How does the EU pet travel system work for moving to Portugal?

Bringing a pet to Portugal from Canada involves navigating the EU's pet import regulations, which differ from those of non-EU countries. The key regulatory framework: Canada is not on the EU's 'Part 1' approved country list (which allows simplified entry with fewer conditions). Canadian pets enter under 'Part 2' rules, which have more requirements. The mandatory requirements for dogs and cats entering Portugal from Canada: (1) ISO-standard microchip (15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 standard) — must be implanted before or on the same date as the rabies vaccination. (2) Rabies vaccination — administered after the microchip implantation. If the animal has never been vaccinated before or the previous vaccination has lapsed, there is a waiting period of 21 days after the vaccination before the animal can enter the EU. (3) Official EU health certificate (equivalent) — must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) in Canada who is approved by the CFIA to issue EU-format pet health certificates. This is a specific designation — not all vets can sign this form. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance. (4) The certificate may need to be endorsed by CFIA before presentation at the EU border. The process: book your appointment with a CFIA-accredited OV 6–8 weeks before travel. Ensure the microchip is ISO-compliant (check existing chip standard with your vet). Verify that all vaccination records are in order and the 21-day waiting period (if applicable) will be satisfied before your travel date. At Portugal entry, a border inspection post (BIP) veterinarian will check the documents. Most Canadian pet owners who have complete documentation pass through without issue.

What airlines allow pets from Canada to Mexico and what are the restrictions?

Several major airlines offer pet transport service from Canadian cities to Mexican resort markets, but each has specific rules: Air Canada: allows dogs and cats in the cabin for flights under 7 hours on domestic and international routes. In-cabin requirement: combined weight of pet and carrier under 10 kg. Air Canada also offers cargo-hold transport for larger pets. Restrictions: brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, etc.) are not accepted in cargo hold. WestJet: accepts pets in cabin on most domestic routes; international pet policy varies by route. Direct winter charter routes to Mexico may have specific restrictions — verify when booking. Summer vs winter: some direct Canadian routes to Mexican resort markets operate only as seasonal charters — the airline operating the charter (often Sunwing or Air Transat) may have different pet policies than Air Canada or WestJet. Always verify the operating carrier's pet policy, not just the booking carrier. Key restrictions across most airlines: maximum 2 pets per passenger in cabin. Maximum of 2 pet carriers in-cabin per flight (varies by aircraft). Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. For cargo travel: larger dogs typically travel in temperature-controlled cargo hold; ensure proper kennel sizing (minimum 2.5× height at shoulder). Budget 4–6 weeks for airline booking and documentation preparation for Mexico travel with a pet.

What is the Costa Rica SENASA import permit and how do I get it?

SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal) is Costa Rica's National Animal Health Service, responsible for controlling all animal and plant imports. For dogs and cats, SENASA requires an advance import permit before the animal travels to Costa Rica. The process: (1) Submit an application to SENASA with: your planned travel date, the destination address in Costa Rica, the animal's description (species, breed, sex, age, colour), and a copy of the animal's current vaccination record. The application can be submitted online through SENASA's portal or through an agent in Costa Rica. (2) SENASA reviews the application and issues an import permit (typically within 5–15 business days). The permit specifies the entry date, entry port, and documentation requirements. (3) In Canada: a licensed Canadian vet completes the official health certificate, which must be endorsed by the CFIA. The health certificate must document: current rabies vaccination (with a minimum 30-day period between vaccination and travel), a deworming treatment within 15 days of travel (for dogs), and a statement of good health. (4) At Costa Rican entry: present the SENASA import permit, the CFIA-endorsed health certificate, and vaccination records. A SENASA veterinarian will inspect the animal on arrival. Non-compliance or missing documentation can result in quarantine or return of the animal at owner's expense. The 30-day waiting period after rabies vaccination is the most common documentation failure — owners who decide to update their pet's rabies vaccination just before travel may not allow sufficient time. If your pet's rabies vaccine is current (within the vaccination validity period), no re-vaccination is needed.

What is quarantine like in Belize for pets from Canada?

Belize is the destination in this guide with the highest probability of quarantine for pets arriving from Canada. The Belize Ministry of Agriculture requires: an advance import permit (obtained from the Animal Health Division), an official health certificate from a Canadian vet endorsed by the CFIA, and current rabies vaccination. Despite meeting all documentation requirements, dogs arriving from Canada may be subject to a quarantine period of approximately 3 days at the government quarantine facility in Belize City. This is not guaranteed — some Canadians arrive with complete documentation and are processed without quarantine — but it is common enough that it should be planned for. The quarantine facility: basic conditions. Animals are kept in individual kennels and receive food and water, but the facility is not a luxury boarding environment. Owners can visit during quarantine hours. Cats from Canada with complete documentation typically face fewer issues than dogs and may not require quarantine. Practical advice: (1) Submit your import permit application 6–8 weeks before travel. (2) Contact the Belize Ministry of Agriculture directly to ask about the current quarantine policy — it has been inconsistently applied and the rules have changed periodically. (3) Some Belize-based expats and pet relocation specialists have experience navigating the entry process and can advise on current practical procedures. (4) If quarantine is a deal-breaker, consider whether Belize is the right destination for a pet owner who is not prepared to manage this risk.

What does it cost to move a pet from Canada to a retirement destination?

The total cost of moving a pet from Canada to your retirement destination includes documentation, airline fees, and sometimes quarantine or arrival inspection fees. Approximate cost breakdown for a dog or cat from Canada: CFIA health certificate endorsement: CAD $0–$50 (many CFIA offices process at no cost; some charge a nominal fee). Vet appointment for health certificate: CAD $100–$200 (standard examination and certificate preparation). Airline in-cabin fee: CAD $50–$100 each way (domestic leg) + USD $100–$200 each way (international). Airline cargo fee (for larger dogs): USD $200–$500 each way depending on weight, crate size, and route. Destination-specific costs: Costa Rica SENASA permit: approximately USD $20–$50. Belize quarantine (if required): USD $100–$300 for 3 days. Portugal EU health certificate from an OV vet: CAD $150–$300 (specialist certificate). Arrival inspection fees: most destinations charge USD $20–$50 for the vet inspection at the port of entry. Ongoing annual veterinary costs at destination: Mexico: USD $300–$500/year for routine care (vaccinations, parasite prevention). Costa Rica: USD $400–$700/year. Portugal: €400–€700/year. Panama: USD $300–$600/year. Rabies vaccination is mandatory annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine brand in most of these countries — more frequent boosters may be required than in Canada. Budget CAD $400–$800 for a simple Mexico trip (in-cabin, small pet, straightforward documentation) and up to CAD $1,500–$2,500 for a more complex EU or Belize move (larger dog, cargo travel, advance permits, specialist certificates).

What documents do I need to bring my dog or cat to Mexico from Canada?

Mexico's pet import requirements for dogs and cats from Canada are among the most straightforward of any destination. You need: (1) Official veterinary health certificate: issued by a licensed Canadian veterinarian and endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The certificate must be issued no more than 10 calendar days before your date of entry into Mexico. It must include: the owner's name and address, description of the animal (species, breed, sex, age, colour, distinctive markings), a statement that the animal is free from visible signs of disease, and confirmation of current rabies vaccination. (2) Rabies vaccination record: proof of current rabies vaccination, typically included in or accompanying the health certificate. The vaccine must not be expired at the time of entry. Most Mexican ports of entry accept dogs and cats with these two documents without issue. You do not need an advance import permit for personal pets (not commercial shipments). Mexican customs officers at airports may inspect the documents and briefly examine the animal — the process typically takes 5–15 minutes. The CFIA endorsement (also called the CFIA stamp or seal) is obtained by submitting your vet-signed health certificate to your regional CFIA office. This can take 1–5 business days; plan accordingly. Some Canadian vets in areas with high snowbird travel (Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto) are accredited CFIA endorsers themselves, streamlining the process. Important note: your health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your specific date of travel — not 10 days before departure from Canada. If your flight has a layover in the US before reaching Mexico, the 10-day clock starts from your Canada departure date.

How does the EU pet travel system work for moving to Portugal?

Bringing a pet to Portugal from Canada involves navigating the EU's pet import regulations, which differ from those of non-EU countries. The key regulatory framework: Canada is not on the EU's 'Part 1' approved country list (which allows simplified entry with fewer conditions). Canadian pets enter under 'Part 2' rules, which have more requirements. The mandatory requirements for dogs and cats entering Portugal from Canada: (1) ISO-standard microchip (15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 standard) — must be implanted before or on the same date as the rabies vaccination. (2) Rabies vaccination — administered after the microchip implantation. If the animal has never been vaccinated before or the previous vaccination has lapsed, there is a waiting period of 21 days after the vaccination before the animal can enter the EU. (3) Official EU health certificate (equivalent) — must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) in Canada who is approved by the CFIA to issue EU-format pet health certificates. This is a specific designation — not all vets can sign this form. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance. (4) The certificate may need to be endorsed by CFIA before presentation at the EU border. The process: book your appointment with a CFIA-accredited OV 6–8 weeks before travel. Ensure the microchip is ISO-compliant (check existing chip standard with your vet). Verify that all vaccination records are in order and the 21-day waiting period (if applicable) will be satisfied before your travel date. At Portugal entry, a border inspection post (BIP) veterinarian will check the documents. Most Canadian pet owners who have complete documentation pass through without issue.

What airlines allow pets from Canada to Mexico and what are the restrictions?

Several major airlines offer pet transport service from Canadian cities to Mexican resort markets, but each has specific rules: Air Canada: allows dogs and cats in the cabin for flights under 7 hours on domestic and international routes. In-cabin requirement: combined weight of pet and carrier under 10 kg. Air Canada also offers cargo-hold transport for larger pets. Restrictions: brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, etc.) are not accepted in cargo hold. WestJet: accepts pets in cabin on most domestic routes; international pet policy varies by route. Direct winter charter routes to Mexico may have specific restrictions — verify when booking. Summer vs winter: some direct Canadian routes to Mexican resort markets operate only as seasonal charters — the airline operating the charter (often Sunwing or Air Transat) may have different pet policies than Air Canada or WestJet. Always verify the operating carrier's pet policy, not just the booking carrier. Key restrictions across most airlines: maximum 2 pets per passenger in cabin. Maximum of 2 pet carriers in-cabin per flight (varies by aircraft). Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. For cargo travel: larger dogs typically travel in temperature-controlled cargo hold; ensure proper kennel sizing (minimum 2.5× height at shoulder). Budget 4–6 weeks for airline booking and documentation preparation for Mexico travel with a pet.

What is the Costa Rica SENASA import permit and how do I get it?

SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal) is Costa Rica's National Animal Health Service, responsible for controlling all animal and plant imports. For dogs and cats, SENASA requires an advance import permit before the animal travels to Costa Rica. The process: (1) Submit an application to SENASA with: your planned travel date, the destination address in Costa Rica, the animal's description (species, breed, sex, age, colour), and a copy of the animal's current vaccination record. The application can be submitted online through SENASA's portal or through an agent in Costa Rica. (2) SENASA reviews the application and issues an import permit (typically within 5–15 business days). The permit specifies the entry date, entry port, and documentation requirements. (3) In Canada: a licensed Canadian vet completes the official health certificate, which must be endorsed by the CFIA. The health certificate must document: current rabies vaccination (with a minimum 30-day period between vaccination and travel), a deworming treatment within 15 days of travel (for dogs), and a statement of good health. (4) At Costa Rican entry: present the SENASA import permit, the CFIA-endorsed health certificate, and vaccination records. A SENASA veterinarian will inspect the animal on arrival. Non-compliance or missing documentation can result in quarantine or return of the animal at owner's expense. The 30-day waiting period after rabies vaccination is the most common documentation failure — owners who decide to update their pet's rabies vaccination just before travel may not allow sufficient time. If your pet's rabies vaccine is current (within the vaccination validity period), no re-vaccination is needed.

What is quarantine like in Belize for pets from Canada?

Belize is the destination in this guide with the highest probability of quarantine for pets arriving from Canada. The Belize Ministry of Agriculture requires: an advance import permit (obtained from the Animal Health Division), an official health certificate from a Canadian vet endorsed by the CFIA, and current rabies vaccination. Despite meeting all documentation requirements, dogs arriving from Canada may be subject to a quarantine period of approximately 3 days at the government quarantine facility in Belize City. This is not guaranteed — some Canadians arrive with complete documentation and are processed without quarantine — but it is common enough that it should be planned for. The quarantine facility: basic conditions. Animals are kept in individual kennels and receive food and water, but the facility is not a luxury boarding environment. Owners can visit during quarantine hours. Cats from Canada with complete documentation typically face fewer issues than dogs and may not require quarantine. Practical advice: (1) Submit your import permit application 6–8 weeks before travel. (2) Contact the Belize Ministry of Agriculture directly to ask about the current quarantine policy — it has been inconsistently applied and the rules have changed periodically. (3) Some Belize-based expats and pet relocation specialists have experience navigating the entry process and can advise on current practical procedures. (4) If quarantine is a deal-breaker, consider whether Belize is the right destination for a pet owner who is not prepared to manage this risk.

What does it cost to move a pet from Canada to a retirement destination?

The total cost of moving a pet from Canada to your retirement destination includes documentation, airline fees, and sometimes quarantine or arrival inspection fees. Approximate cost breakdown for a dog or cat from Canada: CFIA health certificate endorsement: CAD $0–$50 (many CFIA offices process at no cost; some charge a nominal fee). Vet appointment for health certificate: CAD $100–$200 (standard examination and certificate preparation). Airline in-cabin fee: CAD $50–$100 each way (domestic leg) + USD $100–$200 each way (international). Airline cargo fee (for larger dogs): USD $200–$500 each way depending on weight, crate size, and route. Destination-specific costs: Costa Rica SENASA permit: approximately USD $20–$50. Belize quarantine (if required): USD $100–$300 for 3 days. Portugal EU health certificate from an OV vet: CAD $150–$300 (specialist certificate). Arrival inspection fees: most destinations charge USD $20–$50 for the vet inspection at the port of entry. Ongoing annual veterinary costs at destination: Mexico: USD $300–$500/year for routine care (vaccinations, parasite prevention). Costa Rica: USD $400–$700/year. Portugal: €400–€700/year. Panama: USD $300–$600/year. Rabies vaccination is mandatory annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine brand in most of these countries — more frequent boosters may be required than in Canada. Budget CAD $400–$800 for a simple Mexico trip (in-cabin, small pet, straightforward documentation) and up to CAD $1,500–$2,500 for a more complex EU or Belize move (larger dog, cargo travel, advance permits, specialist certificates).

Moving Abroad With Pets From Canada: Country-by-Country Requirements 2026 | Compass Abroad

Reviewed on March 2026 by the Compass Abroad editorial team

Mexico is the easiest Canadian retirement destination for pet owners — health certificate (issued ≤10 days before travel) + CFIA endorsement + current rabies vaccination. No advance permit, no quarantine. Costa Rica is the most process-heavy (SENASA advance permit required, 30-day rabies waiting period, 8–12 weeks lead time). Belize has quarantine risk (typically 3 days for dogs).

Portugal requires the EU pet travel system — ISO microchip, EU-format health certificate from an officially designated vet, and 21-day rabies waiting period if previously unvaccinated. Panama involves Panamanian consulate notarization. All destinations require a valid rabies vaccination.

Key Takeaways

Mexico is the most pet-friendly Canadian destination from a process perspective. The entry requirements for dogs and cats are straightforward: a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, signed by a Canadian vet and endorsed by the CFIA, plus current rabies vaccination records. No advance import permit is required, no quarantine applies for pets meeting documentation requirements, and Mexico's major resort areas all have established veterinary services. Millions of Canadian snowbirds travel with dogs to Mexico annually without incident.
Portugal requires the EU's standard pet travel documentation: ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate from an officially designated Canadian veterinarian. Canada is not in the EU's approved 'Part 1' country list — Canadian pets must follow the 'Part 2' entry rules, which include an approved EU-format health certificate and a waiting period after vaccination. The process is manageable but requires more lead time than Mexico (4–6 weeks minimum for proper documentation).
Costa Rica has the most process-heavy requirements of any commonly chosen Canadian retirement destination. SENASA (Costa Rica's agriculture authority) requires an advance import permit, a health certificate from a Canadian vet, CFIA endorsement, rabies vaccination with a mandatory 30-day waiting period after vaccination before travel, and sometimes additional blood tests. Start the Costa Rica pet import process at least 8–12 weeks before travel.
Panama's requirements are manageable but involve a Panamanian consulate notarization step that adds time and requires advance planning. The health certificate must be issued by an accredited Canadian vet, endorsed by CFIA, and then authenticated by the Panamanian consulate in Canada. This consulate step typically adds 1–2 weeks to the documentation timeline. Panama has no quarantine for dogs and cats arriving with proper documentation.
Belize is the destination with the highest quarantine risk of any country in this guide. The Ministry of Agriculture requires an advance import permit, and quarantine of approximately 3 days is common for dogs arriving from Canada. The quarantine facility is in Belize City and conditions vary. Cats from Canada typically face fewer quarantine days or none when fully documented. Start the Belize process at least 6 weeks in advance.
Airline restrictions on pet travel are the most frequently overlooked complication. In-cabin limits (8kg combined pet + carrier) exclude most medium and large dogs from cabin travel. Airlines may restrict total numbers of pets per flight. Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Persian cats) are banned from cargo holds by many airlines due to respiratory risk. These restrictions apply regardless of destination country's regulations.
The cost of moving a pet abroad from Canada ranges from approximately CAD $300–$600 for a simple Mexico trip (health certificate + airline fees) to CAD $800–$2,000+ for EU destinations or Belize (involving extra documentation steps, possible specialist certificates, and potential quarantine costs). Ongoing annual veterinary costs at destination are generally lower in Mexico and Central America than in Canada or Portugal.

Moving Pets Abroad From Canada: Key Facts 2026

Mexico: key requirement: USDA/CFIA-endorsed health certificate (issued ≤10 days before travel) + current rabies vaccination. No quarantine for dogs and cats.
Portugal: EU pet passport required: Microchip + rabies vaccination + EU health certificate (from accredited vet). Portugal requires an official vet certificate for non-EU pets. No quarantine if requirements met.
Costa Rica: SENASA import permit: Advance import permit from SENASA required. Health certificate from Canadian vet + CFIA endorsement. Rabies vaccination + 30-day waiting period post-vaccination before travel.
Panama: health certificate: Official health certificate from accredited Canadian vet, endorsed by CFIA, then notarized by Panamanian consulate. Rabies vaccination. No quarantine.
Belize: import permit + possible quarantine: Import permit from Belize Ministry of Agriculture required in advance. Official health certificate. Quarantine possible (typically 3 days for dogs from Canada).
Dominican Republic: DIGESA health certificate: Health certificate from Canadian vet endorsed by CFIA, then authenticated for DR. Rabies vaccination. No quarantine for dogs and cats with documentation.
In-cabin pet travel limit: Most airlines: max 8kg combined (pet + carrier) for in-cabin travel. Dogs above this size must travel as checked baggage or air cargo.
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed restrictions: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Persian cats, and similar breeds are restricted by most major airlines due to breathing risk at altitude — some banned from cargo entirely.

Pet Import Requirements: 8 Countries at a Glance

Pet import requirements by destination country for Canadian owners — dogs and cats 2026
Country	Advance Permit?	Key Documents	Quarantine?	Rabies Req.	Lead Time
Mexico	No	Health cert (≤10 days) + CFIA endorsement	No (if documented)	Yes — current	1–2 weeks
Costa Rica	YES — SENASA	SENASA permit + health cert + CFIA + blood test possible	No (if documented)	Yes — 30+ days pre-travel	8–12 weeks
Portugal	No	EU-format health cert + microchip + CFIA	No (if documented)	Yes — with waiting period	4–6 weeks
Panama	No	Health cert + CFIA + Panamanian consulate notarization	No (if documented)	Yes — current	3–5 weeks
Belize	YES — Ministry of Agriculture	Permit + health cert + CFIA	Possible (3 days typical for dogs)	Yes — current	6–8 weeks
Dominican Republic	No	Health cert + CFIA + authentication	No (if documented)	Yes — current	2–4 weeks
Colombia	No (basic)	Health cert + CFIA + ICA inspection possible	No (if documented)	Yes — current	2–4 weeks
Ecuador	No (basic)	Health cert + AGROCALIDAD endorsement	No (if documented)	Yes — current	2–4 weeks

Country-by-Country Details

MexicoEasiest — 1–2 weeks lead time, no quarantine

Health certificate issued ≤10 days before travel, signed by Canadian vet and endorsed by CFIA. Current rabies vaccination. No advance permit. No quarantine. Established veterinary services in all major resort markets (Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cancun, Mérida, Cabo). Mexico is where millions of Canadian snowbirds travel with pets annually — the process is mature and well-understood.

Costa RicaMost complex — 8–12 weeks lead time, SENASA permit required

SENASA advance import permit required (apply 6–8 weeks early). Health certificate + CFIA endorsement. Rabies vaccination must have been administered 30+ days before travel. Deworming within 15 days before travel for dogs. SENASA inspection on arrival. Costa Rica’s veterinary system is excellent once you arrive — the entry process is the friction point.

PortugalEU pet passport system — 4–6 weeks

ISO microchip required (must precede rabies vaccination). EU-format health certificate from an officially designated Canadian vet. 21-day post-rabies waiting period if unvaccinated or vaccination lapsed. CFIA endorsement. EU border inspection post check on arrival. No quarantine if documented correctly. Good vet infrastructure throughout Portugal.

PanamaConsulate notarization required — 3–5 weeks

Health certificate from accredited Canadian vet + CFIA endorsement + authentication by the Panamanian consulate in Canada. The consulate step adds 1–2 weeks. Rabies vaccination required. No quarantine for properly documented pets. Panama City has good private veterinary infrastructure.

BelizeQuarantine risk — 6–8 weeks lead time, possible 3-day quarantine

Advance import permit from Belize Ministry of Agriculture required. Official health certificate + CFIA endorsement. Quarantine of approximately 3 days is common for dogs from Canada even with full documentation. The quarantine facility is basic. Cats typically face fewer quarantine complications. Verify current rules with the Ministry before travel — policies have changed periodically.

Dominican RepublicAuthentication required — 2–4 weeks

Health certificate from Canadian vet + CFIA endorsement + document authentication for the DR. Rabies vaccination required. No quarantine for documented pets. DIGESA (Dirección General de Salud Ambiental) inspection on arrival. Good private veterinary services in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.

Airline Pet Policies: What You Need to Know

In-Cabin Limits

Most airlines: combined pet + carrier weight under 8–10 kg for in-cabin travel. One pet per passenger. Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you (typically 45 × 35 × 20 cm). Book early — most flights allow only 1–2 in-cabin pets total.

Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Restrictions

Pugs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and similar breeds are restricted or banned from cargo holds by most major airlines. Some airlines permit them in-cabin only; others ban them entirely. Verify breed-specific restrictions with your airline before booking.

Seasonal Restrictions

Many airlines restrict pet cargo travel during extreme heat or cold. Summer cargo restrictions (above 30°C at any transfer point) may affect summer travel. Winter restrictions are less common for tropical routes.

Charter Flight Pet Policies

Seasonal charter flights to Mexican resort markets (operated by Sunwing, Air Transat) have their own pet policies that may differ from Air Canada or WestJet regular service. Verify the operating carrier’s pet policy when booking a charter flight.

Moving Pets Abroad From Canada: Frequently Asked Questions

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Moving Abroad With Pets From Canada: 8 Country Guide 2026