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What Vaccines Does My Pet Need for International Travel? (Canada Guide)

What Vaccines Does My Pet Need for International Travel? (Canada Guide)

Quick Answer

Most countries require a valid rabies vaccine for dogs and cats travelling from Canada, plus a microchip and sometimes additional vaccines depending on the destination (such as distemper, parvo, FVRCP, or parasite treatments). Many destinations also require a CFIA-endorsed health certificate before travel.

Why Vaccines Matter for Pet Travel

Vaccination rules are set by each country to prevent the entry of diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and various parasites. Airlines also require up-to-date vaccines to ensure your pet is fit to fly.

Travel rules change frequently — which is why so many Canadian pet owners use SuperPets to stay compliant and avoid travel delays.

Core Vaccines Required for Most Countries

Dogs

✔ Rabies
✔ DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) – required by some countries
✔ Bordetella (kennel cough) – required by some airlines

Cats

✔ Rabies
✔ FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Rabies Vaccine Timeline for International Travel

Most countries require:

  • Rabies vaccine must be at least 21–30 days old
  • If it’s a booster vaccine, it must be given on time (before the previous one expires)
  • If the booster lapses, it resets the 21- or 30-day waiting period

Country-Specific Vaccine Requirements (Canada → Destination)

USA

  • Rabies required
  • Microchip required for re-entry to Canada
    Minimal requirements — easiest place to travel with a pet.

UK / EU

  • Rabies
  • ISO microchip
  • Rabies titre test (EU only from high-risk zones; Canada is low-risk but some EU countries still check)
  • Tapeworm treatment (dogs only, within 24–120 hours)

Japan

  • Rabies
  • Rabies titre test
  • Two-step rabies vaccine process
    Very strict — preparation takes 6–7 months.

Australia / New Zealand

  • Rabies
  • Rabies titre test
  • Multiple parasite treatments
  • Pre-travel quarantine requirements
    Extremely strict — 7+ months planning.

When Should You Vaccinate?

Here’s a travel planning timeline:

  • USA / Mexico: 30 days
  • EU / UK: 1–4 months
  • Japan: 6–7 months
  • Australia: 7+ months

Avoid These Common Mistakes

❌ Getting the rabies vaccine after microchipping
❌ Mixing up vaccine dates in the health certificate
❌ Missing a booster and resetting the travel timeline
❌ Not verifying destination country rules

Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Pet Travel: What Canadian Owners Must Know

Quick Summary

If you’re travelling internationally with a pet from Canada, you must have a valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping. Some countries require a rabies titre test, which takes several months.

Understanding Rabies Rules for Travel

Rabies is the most regulated vaccine for dogs and cats crossing borders. Every country has its own laws, but most follow similar timelines.

A rabies vaccine is considered valid only if:

  1. Your pet was microchipped before or on the same day
  2. It has been 21–30 days since the vaccine was given
  3. Boosters were given before expiry

Countries That Require ONLY Rabies

(Easiest destinations)

  • USA
  • Mexico
  • Costa Rica
  • Brazil
  • Many Caribbean countries

Traveling here usually requires only a rabies vaccine + a basic health certificate.

Countries That Also Require a Rabies Titre Test

These destinations require a blood test proving immunity:

  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • South Africa
  • Middle East (UAE, Qatar)
  • UK (in some cases)
  • EU (if entering from high-risk regions; Canada is low risk, but some border agents still verify)

How the Rabies Titre Test Works

  1. Your pet is microchipped
  2. Rabies vaccine is administered
  3. Wait 21–60 days
  4. Blood sample is drawn
  5. Sent to an approved laboratory
  6. Results take 2–6 weeks

Some countries (Japan/Australia) require a 180-day wait after the sample is collected.

Common Problems

❌ Pet vaccinated before microchipping
❌ Wrong blood draw window
❌ Wrong labs used
❌ Misreading the titre result
❌ Not meeting the 180-day wait period

Types of Acceptable Rabies Vaccines

Most countries require:

  • Inactivated/killed vaccines
  • Recombinant vaccines

Live vaccines are almost never accepted for international travel.

One-Year vs Three-Year Rabies Vaccines

Both are acceptable if:

  • Given after microchipping
  • The vaccine label is approved in Canada
  • It is valid at time of travel

Some countries, however, may only accept 1-year validity windows regardless of the vaccine type.

If Your Rabies Vaccine Lapses

The entire timeline resets — including titre tests if required.

How SuperPets Helps

SuperPets gives you a clear, destination-specific vaccine checklist and matches you with a CFIA-accredited vet in your area. We also complete your travel paperwork so your vet only fills the medical portion — saving time and avoiding mistakes.