TL;DR
- Within Canada (Air Canada Cargo): a veterinarian-issued health certificate is required for cargo shipments.
- Canada → USA (cats): there is no single U.S. federal health-certificate rule for cats, but airlines and many states set their own paperwork (e.g., CVI) and rabies requirements.
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) endorsement: not required for cats exported from Canada to the U.S. when documents are issued by a licensed Canadian veterinarian.
- Bring for flights: a recent health certificate (airlines often want one issued within ~7–10 days), rabies/vaccine records per destination state, booking/reference, and an airline-compliant carrier.
- Transport options: in-cabin (when allowed), cargo, or pre-arranged ground hand-off in GTA/Ottawa/Montreal.
Last updated: 2025-10-07
Paperwork Matrix (Quick Reference)
| Route | Who Requires | Paperwork | Typical Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within Canada (Air Canada Cargo) |
Airline | Veterinary health certificate (“fit to fly”) | Issued ≤30 days before travel (per Air Canada), 7-10 days is a better option | Certificate lists age / sex / breed and attests overall health (book to confirm local station practices). |
| Canada → USA (in-cabin or cargo) |
Airline + Destination State | Airline: health certificate commonly requested. State: CVI / rabies varies by state (see list below). |
Airlines often 7–10 days; States typically ≤30 days for CVI | Check state snapshot list before booking. |
| CFIA endorsement for cats (Canada → USA) |
— | Not required when documents are issued by a Canadian veterinarian | — | State rules still apply. |
Per-state quick facts (cats)
- New York (NY): CVI/health certificate issued ≤30 days and current rabies for cats ≥3 months. Short-stay (<30 days) or exhibition exemptions exist. Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets
- California (CA): State does not require a CVI or rabies proof for cats; cats must be healthy. Airlines may still require a health certificate. Source: CDFA FAQs
- Texas (TX): CVI is not required by the state. Cats ≥12 weeks must have a rabies vaccination and travel with a rabies certificate. Most airlines ask for a health certificate issued ~7–10 days before travel. Source 1 · Source 2
- Washington (WA): Personal pets owned >1 month and traveling with the owner (no sale/transfer): CVI exempt, but current rabies required (no exemptions ≥90 days old). Rescue/rehomed cats must have a CVI listing current rabies. Source 1 · Source 2
- Florida (FL): Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI/CVI) required (exemption: exhibition-only stays <6 months). Proof of current rabies for cats ≥3 months. Source: Rule 5C-3.009 · FDACS guidance
- Illinois (IL): CVI issued ≤30 days before entry. Cats ≥16 weeks must have rabies vaccination documented on the CVI (product & date). Source: IL Dept. of Agriculture
Last checked: 2025-10-07
How to: Canada → U.S. (Air Canada Cargo)
- Check destination state: confirm if a CVI is required and its validity window (often ≤30 days); note rabies proof thresholds.
- Vet appointment: obtain a health certificate (age/sex/breed + “fit to fly”) and vaccine/rabies records.
- Book cargo: reserve Air Canada/WestJet Cargo; confirm crate specs and temperature policies; attach shipper/receiver contacts.
- Pre-flight review: print two sets of documents; label the kennel; add absorbent padding and a water source as instructed.
- Handover & pickup: follow cargo station procedures; receiver verifies paperwork on arrival.
Next steps
If you’re looking for a similar kitten or need transport guidance:
FAQ
Do I always need a health certificate within Canada?
For Air Canada/WestJet Cargo shipments, yes — an airline-accepted veterinary health certificate is required.
Is there a single U.S. federal cat rule for entry?
No. USDA APHIS has no single cat health-certificate rule; airlines and states set their own requirements.
Do cats from Canada to the U.S. need CFIA endorsement?
Generally no. CFIA says endorsement is not required when documents are issued by a Canadian veterinarian; state rules still apply.
Which states require a CVI?
It varies. Examples: NY and IL require a CVI (≤30 days); CA does not (state level). TX doesn’t require a CVI but airlines usually want a recent certificate; WA exempts owned pets from CVI but requires current rabies.
How old must a kitten be to fly?
Follow airline policy and your veterinarian’s advice; airlines set minimum ages and “fit-to-fly” standards.