North America
Pet travel to Vancouver
CFIA-cleared cross-border transport with full health documentation.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
Current rabies vaccination certificate (dogs and cats)
- 2
Health certificate from USDA-accredited or CFIA-recognized vet
- 3
CBSA customs declaration
- 4
Import permit (if commercial purpose)
These are the official entry rules for Canada.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for Canada.
Canada-US border crossings are streamlined for compliant pets. YVR airport CBSA inspection is efficient with pre-filed documentation. We handle all CFIA advance notifications.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Vancouver.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Vancouver.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Vancouver.
YVR's CBSA inspection is efficient with pre-filed documentation. We handle all CFIA advance notifications and coordinate with YVR's dedicated live-animal reception area. For US-origin pets entering via car, the Pacific Highway and Peace Arch crossings are staffed 24 hours.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
5–10 days
Ready to travel to Vancouver?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Vancouver.
Paradox Vancouver
Paradox Vancouver allows pets of any size for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are welcome, but exotic pets are not allowed. Pet beds, bowls,
Entire House with Large Yard Near Kits Beach
This 2-bedroom house in Vancouver allows 3 dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Vancouver.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Vancouver. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Vancouver with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
TransLink (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) allows leashed dogs at all times — no carrier required. One of North America's most dog-friendly transit systems. Dogs ride free.
Private Cars
Our Vancouver network includes airport-to-hotel transfers and North Shore mountain connections. All vehicles pet-confirmed; roof-box storage available for large crates.
On Foot
The Seawall connects 28km of waterfront from Coal Harbour to Kitsilano. We map the off-lead sections, neighbourhood café stops, and the fastest trail routes into Pacific Spirit.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Vancouver, with your dog.
Charleson Park
Take Fido for a play date at Charleson Park, a dog park located in Vancouver, CA. The off-leash, fenced-in area gives room for dogs to run around and
999 Charleson St, Vancouver, BC, CA, V5Z 4A2
Hadden Park
Vancouver has many many off leash parks and lots of spaces for dogs to swim. The website has a map indicating all the spots.
1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC, CA, V6J 3J9
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is pet-friendly. This popular park attracts walkers, runners and joggers of all levels to enjoy the 30 miles of trails.
4915 West 16th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, CA, V6R 3E9
Canadian Tire Cambie & 7th
Vancouver, BC is home to Canadian Tire, a chain department store that welcomes two- and four-legged friends to shop together. This pet-friendly
2290 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC, CA, V5Z 2T7
Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours is a pet-friendly company based in Vancouver, BC. Well-behaved pups are welcome to ride in the horse-drawn carriage
735 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC, CA, V6G 3E2
Paws en Route
Want more to do with your dog? Our experts plan the perfect itinerary in Vancouver.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Canada West Veterinary Specialists
Export Clinic
Pacific Veterinary Hospital
Boarding & Daycare
Dogtopia Vancouver
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Vancouver.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Vancouver.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Vancouver: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Vancouver and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Vancouver.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
