HOW MUCH DOES A CANADAIN PET PASSPORT COST? (2025 UPDATE)

Thinking of traveling with your pet but unsure where to start?

Before heading abroad with your furry companion, it’s essential to have the right paperwork—commonly referred to as a “Canadian pet passport.”

While Canada doesn’t issue an official passport for pets, you’ll need several important documents to travel internationally with an animal. The specific requirements depend on your destination, but one of the most commonly used documents is the Canadian International Health Certificate.

To obtain this certificate, your pet must be examined by a veterinarian. The exam typically starts at around $49. Once completed, the certificate must be endorsed and stamped by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which adds about $20 to the total cost.

However, prices and procedures can vary significantly depending on your location within Canada. Some countries may also require additional vaccinations, blood tests, or parasite treatments before entry—so it’s important to research the specific regulations of your destination well in advance.

The Importance of Getting a Canadian Pet Passport

Without the correct paperwork, you and your pet could be denied entry into other countries—or even prevented from leaving Canada. Customs officials typically require official documentation confirming your pet is healthy and fit to travel.

For most international destinations, cats and dogs need a Canadian International Health Certificate, completed by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate is based on your pet’s vaccination records and confirms they are free from infectious diseases and parasites.

While some countries accept the Canadian certificate, others issue their own specific forms or require a veterinary health certificate provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Always check the exact requirements of your destination well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.

How Much Does a Canadian Pet Passport Cost?

To have the certificate completed and endorsed, your pet must undergo a veterinary exam. At a minimum, you’ll need to cover the cost of the examination, but additional fees may apply.

If your pet is due for any vaccinations, they will need to be updated during this visit. Some countries also require pets to be microchipped for identification before entry, so it’s important to check the specific regulations for your destination in advance.

Below, you’ll find an estimate of costs depending on what part of the country you live in.

As you can see, prices vary widely depending on where in Canada you live. Remote provinces and communities often pay more for veterinary care because rural areas have service gaps and vet shortages.

Once your veterinarian has signed off on your pet’s health certificate, you must drop off or mail the original forms to the nearest CFIA for endorsement and stamping. The CFIA endorsement will cost $20. If you’re traveling with multiple pets and your vet fills out separate forms, you’ll be expected to pay for each form.

Please note that your Canadian International Health Certificate must be printed on legal paper, as no other formats will be accepted.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

What your pet needs to enter a foreign country depends entirely on your destination. Each country has its own entry requirements, and in many cases—especially for rabies-free countries—those rules are strict.

Some rabies-free countries require pets to undergo a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test (RNATT). This blood test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s system and confirms effective vaccination. If you’re traveling from a rabies-free country, the test may not be required—but it’s important to note that Canada is not considered rabies-free.

Only a limited number of laboratories worldwide are authorized to perform the RNATT. For example, Canada-bound pets traveling to Australia must have their rabies titer tested at Kansas State University in the U.S. The test costs approximately $84, but first, your local veterinarian must draw your pet’s blood, separate the serum, and send the sample to the approved lab. Veterinary bloodwork typically ranges from $80 to $150, and this is in addition to the lab fee.

In addition to rabies testing, many countries require proof of additional vaccinations. For example:

• Australia requires dogs from Canada to be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, canine influenza, and Bordetella.
• China, by contrast, only requires vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, and coronavirus.

Given the variation, it’s crucial to research your destination’s pet import requirements well in advance of your travel date.

Some countries may also require pet owners to have an import permit and an export certificate.

What If the Country I’m Traveling to Has No Certificate Requirements?

If your destination country doesn’t have a negotiated export certificate with Canada, you’ll need to take extra steps. Contact the country’s veterinary authority or embassy to obtain a list of the specific import requirements for pets.

Be aware that negotiating or meeting the requirements for an export certificate can take several months. It’s important to start the process as early as possible to ensure everything is in place well before your departure date.

If you’re unsure whether your health certificate is valid, contact the CFIA animal health office where you live as soon as possible.

What About Traveling Through Other Countries?

As of January 2022, the European Union (EU) requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets transiting through the EU to meet specific conditions. You must familiarize yourself with these requirements to prevent disappointment as you travel.

Animal health certificates are bilingual and must be completed in the official language where the animal will first enter or transit through the EU. So, for example, if you’re traveling from Canada to Poland but have a stopover in Germany, you will need to use the English/German certificate. Check out this website to find the official language of all the EU countries and ensure you’re filling out the correct bilingual form.

Conclusion

Traveling with cats can be incredibly stressful, and the sooner you can start preparing for your departure, the better. The last thing you want is to be about to board your plane only to find that your cat is missing a vaccine required to enter your destination country. If you’re unsure of the documents your pet needs before entering the new country, check the embassy website for further details.