Going on an international adventure with your best friend is exciting but can also be stressful. If you’re planning to travel from Spain to Canada, you’ll be pleased to know that taking your dog with you in the cabin is a viable and relatively straightforward option. We have personally done this before and will do this again in June 2023.
Airlines that Allow In-Cabin Dog Travel:
Several airlines facilitate in-cabin dog travel from Spain to Canada. Among them, major carriers such as West Jet, Air Canada, Iberia, KLM, and Air Transat. These airlines recognize the importance of your pet’s comfort and offer specific guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. The price we paid both times ended up being 125 (once CAD the other time Euro, the price is usually local currency of the departing location), our first time was with KLM and this coming is with West Jet. Booking must be done over the phone and a minimum of 48h before your flight; however, the sooner the better as there is a max number per flight allowed.
When traveling with your dog from Spain to Canada, there are several airports across the country that serve as entry points for international flights. The primary airports for international arrivals in Canada include Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Vancouver, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Montréal, and Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary. These airports have the necessary facilities and services to handle international travelers and their pets, ensuring a smooth arrival and transition into Canada. It’s worth noting that each airport may have its own specific regulations and pet relief areas, so it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the airport’s guidelines before your arrival.
Transiting: airports will allow your dog to be out of the carrier on a short lead while in the airport, you are required to clean up any mess they leave. EU airports are hit and miss with pet relief areas, Schipol has none for example. We also found that dogs are allowed into the lounge areas as well.
Remember to check with your chosen airline for the specific airports they operate in and any additional requirements they may have regarding pet travel.
Carrier Size Requirements:
To ensure your dog’s safety and comfort during the flight, it’s crucial to adhere to the airlines’ carrier size restrictions. Generally, most airlines have similar guidelines when it comes to carrier dimensions. The typical requirements include a soft-sided carrier that can fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Dimensions usually range from 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 centimeters) in length, 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 centimeters) in width, and 7.5 to 9 inches (19 to 23 centimeters) in height. Your dog must be able to stand mostly comfortably and be able to turn around. I recommend letting your dog get used to the bag early on at home first, this reduces the stress on them on the plane.
Always check with the specific airline for their exact dimensions and any additional requirements they may have.
Necessary Paperwork:
To ensure a smooth journey for your dog, it’s important to have all the necessary paperwork in order. Paperwork will be checked at the gate by the agents and again at secondary customs. Here’s a list of essential documents you’ll need :
- Valid Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required for international travel. The certificate should confirm that your dog is in good health, up to date on vaccinations, and free from any contagious diseases. It’s advisable to have the health certificate issued no more than ten days before your departure date. It’s worth noting that Canada recognizes the European Union (EU) pet passport as valid veterinary documentation, which may include health and vaccination records. If your dog has an EU pet passport, it can serve as a convenient alternative to a separate health certificate.
- Vaccination Records: Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date and that you have the relevant documentation to prove it. Rabies vaccination is the only vaccine required for entry into Canada (though additional vaccines are ideal to have for less stress), so ensure your dog is vaccinated with both doses at least 30 days prior to travel.
- Microchip Information: Ensure that your dog’s microchip is registered and functioning properly. If coming from the EU this information will all be in your passport. It must be following the EU standard as well. Import Permit: Check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for any specific import permits or requirements needed for your dog’s entry into Canada. They may require additional documentation, so it’s best to be well-prepared in advance.
- Restrictions: be aware that many airlines have minimum ages for travel with puppies, each airline will state this age. There are also breed restrictions, unfortunately if you have a flat faced dog they will not be allowed on board (in neither the cabin nor hold) due to breathing issues.
It’s important to remember that regulations and requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to verify the latest information from the CFIA and consult with your veterinarian or the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary paperwork for your dog’s travel to Canada.
Returning to the EU:
When returning to the EU, extra forms are needed. These forms are available on the government websites and also require a visit to the local ministry of animals and agriculture. Be warned: in Canada you must make an appointment and pay by cash. This has to be done before you leave. Your final destination must also be a ‘Travellers Point of Entry’, these are most of the international airports but not all.
Please note: While this information is accurate at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the airline and relevant authorities for any updates or changes to regulations before your travel date.