Relocating your pet from Canada to Colombia can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and preparation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for pet travel from Canada to Colombia, ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your furry companion. Whether you're moving permanently or visiting temporarily, we'll cover everything from entry requirements to professional services like Paws en route that can help simplify the process.
Why Choose Colombia for Pet Travel?
Colombia is a vibrant, pet-friendly country with straightforward requirements for bringing pets across borders. Its warm climate, welcoming culture, and pet-friendly accommodations make it an ideal destination for internationalpettravel. Whether you're relocating or vacationing, Colombia offers plenty of opportunities for your pet to enjoy the journey alongside you.
Entry Requirements for Pet Travel to Colombia
To ensure a hassle-free experience, comply with Colombia’s regulations for petrelocation:
Health Certificate: Obtain an international health certificate from a certified veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel. This document verifies your pet is healthy and fit for transport.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel. Both 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines are accepted.
Vaccination Records: Dogs may require additional vaccinations such as distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date and documented.
ICA Office Visit: Upon arrival in Colombia, visit the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) office at the airport with your documents. The ICA will conduct a quick examination and charge a small fee (approximately $12 USD).
Preparing Your Pet for International Travel
Proper preparation is key to ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort during the journey:
Carrier Training: Familiarize your pet with their travel crate weeks before departure. Make it a cozy space with blankets and toys.
Crate Requirements: Use an airline-approved carrier that meets IATA standards for size, ventilation, and sturdiness.
Food and Water: Provide frozen water in the carrier to prevent spills during transit. Avoid feeding your pet immediately before the flight to minimize motion sickness.
Identification Tags: Attach tags with your contact information on both the carrier and your pet’s collar.
Airline Considerations for Pet Transport
When planning pet travel from Canada to Colombia, choosing the right airline is critical to ensure your pet's safety and comfort. Both Air Canada and WestJet offer options for traveling with pets, whether in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in cargo. Below, we outline their respective policies to help you make an informed decision.
Air Canada Pet Travel
Air Canada traveling with pets is a convenient option, offering accommodations for small pets in the cabin or larger ones in the baggage compartment or cargo hold. Here’s a breakdown of their policies:
In-Cabin Travel: Air Canada allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if their combined weight with the carrier does not exceed 22 lbs (10 kg). The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and meet specific size requirements (maximum dimensions: 10.5" H x 15.5" W x 21.5" L). Only one pet is permitted per passenger, and reservations must be made within 24 hours of booking your flight.
Checked Baggage: For pets too large for cabin travel, Air Canada offers a temperature- and pressure-controlled baggage compartment. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg), and carriers must adhere to size restrictions (maximum linear dimensions: 115"). Fees range from $105–$270 CAD/USD depending on the route.
Cargo Travel: For unaccompanied pets or those exceeding baggage limits, Air Canada Cargo (AC Animals) provides specialized transport services. This option ensures your pet travels safely in a climate-controlled environment.
Air Canada is a reliable choice for international pet travel, but it’s essential to book early as space for pets is limited. Additionally, certain destinations, including Hawaii and the UK, have restrictions on in-cabin pet travel.
WestJet Pets
WestJet is another excellent option for pet travel WestJet, offering flexible policies for both in-cabin and checked baggage transport:
In-Cabin Travel: WestJet allows small cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds to travel in the cabin. The pet must fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat (maximum dimensions: 16" L x 8.5" W x 10" H). Fees range from $50–$118 CAD/USD depending on your destination. Reservations must be made by contacting WestJet Customer Service as online bookings are not available for pets.
Checked Baggage: Larger pets can travel in the baggage compartment if their combined weight with the carrier does not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg). Carriers must meet IATA standards and be hard-sided with proper ventilation. Fees range from $100–$236 CAD/USD depending on the route.
Cargo Travel: For pets exceeding baggage limits or traveling unaccompanied, WestJet Cargo offers safe transport options. This service accommodates various species, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
WestJet’s policies are particularly accommodating for emotional support animals and service dogs, which can travel free of charge under specific conditions. However, note that WestJet imposes seasonal restrictions during peak holiday periods when pets may not be accepted as checked baggage.
When booking flights for your pet'srelocation:
Opt for direct flights whenever possible to reduce stress caused by layovers.
Check airline policies regarding pets in cabins versus cargo holds. Smaller pets typically travel in cabins; larger pets may need to be transported as cargo. Make sure to check out our detailed blog giving you everything you need to know about choosing the best airline-approved pet carriers!
Notify the airline staff about your pet's presence ahead of time to ensure proper handling during transit.
Tips for Stress-Free Travel
Timing Matters: Avoid traveling during peak seasons like holidays or summer to minimize delays.
Comfort Stops: If passing through major hubs like Toronto or Vancouver, arrange comfort stops where pets can rest.
Emergency Preparedness: Carry a recent photo of your pet in case they get lost during transit.
Professional Assistance: Hiring experts like Paws en route ensures compliance with regulations while prioritizing your pet’s comfort.
Cost Breakdown
The cost of relocating a pet from Canada to Colombia includes:
Airline fees (typically $120+ USD per pet).
ICA examination fees upon arrival ($12 USD).
Professionaltransportservices like Paws en route vary based on distance and services provided but offer peace of mind throughout the process.
Why Choose Paws en route?
Navigating airline policies can be overwhelming, but professional services like Paws en route simplify the process. They specialize in customizing travel plans based on your pet’s needs while ensuring compliance with airline regulations. Whether you're flying with Air Canada or WestJet, Paws en route can:
Handle reservations and documentation.
Ensure your pet meets all size and carrier requirements.
Provide real-time updates during transit.
By partnering with Paws en route, you can focus on enjoying your journey while they manage the logistics of your pet’s safe relocation.
Both Air Canada and WestJet offer reliable options for traveling with pets to Colombia. However, understanding their specific policies will help you choose the best fit for your furry companion’s needs.
Air Canada is a reliable choice for international pet travel, but it’s essential to book early as space for pets is limited. Additionally, certain destinations, including Hawaii and the UK, have restrictions on in-cabin pet travel.
Conclusion
Relocating your beloved pet from Canada to Colombia is achievable with proper planning, preparation, and support from trusted professionals like Paws en route. By adhering to entry requirements, choosing reliable transportservices, and prioritizing your pet’s comfort throughout the journey, you can ensure a safe and pleasant experience for both you and your furry companion.
Whether you're embarking on a new adventure or returning home with your four-legged friend, following these guidelines will make the process smoother while ensuring compliance with Colombian regulations.
For expert assistance with internationalpettravel or customized transport solutions, contact Paws en route today! Their team of specialists is ready to help you navigate every step of the journey with ease.
