Canada-to-Australia pet moves have a similar cost structure to US moves, with Canada-specific additions — CFIA appointment fees, Air Canada cargo, and the mandatory IPATA agent requirement. Here is the full picture.
The honest total
Moving a dog from Canada to Australia typically costs between CAD $5,000 and $12,000. Cat moves typically run CAD $4,000-8,000. The range is wide because freight cost depends heavily on crate size.
Cost by category
Veterinary fees
For dogs across the full process: rabies vaccination, RNATT blood draw, Leishmania test, Brucella test (if intact), Leptospira, CIV vaccination (or isolation + PCR), two parasite treatment visits, final health exam. Budget CAD $600-1,500 depending on province and vet. For cats: rabies vaccination, RNATT blood draw, parasite treatments, final health exam — budget CAD $300-700.
CFIA appointments
Two appointments at CFIA Animal Health Offices: one for identity verification (form HA3201) before the RNATT blood draw, and one for the RNATT declaration (form HA3202) after receiving the RNATT result. CFIA charges for these appointments — confirm current fees with your local CFIA Animal Health Office.
RNATT laboratory fee
Blood drawn in Canada is typically sent to Kansas State University in the US. Approximately USD $150-300 per test, plus shipping costs for the blood sample crossing the border.
DAFF import permit
Approximately AUD $603 for a single animal (lodgement AUD $130 + initial assessment AUD $473). Fees reviewed annually.
Quarantine at Mickleham
10-day stay: approximately AUD $1,877. 30-day stay substantially more. See the full DAFF fee schedule at agriculture.gov.au.
Air Canada cargo via IPATA agent
Air Canada does not accept direct owner bookings for international live animal cargo — all bookings must go through an IPATA-registered agent. Freight costs vary by crate size. Budget CAD $2,000-5,000+ for dogs, CAD $1,000-3,000 for cats.
Agent fee
An IPATA-registered agent is mandatory for Air Canada bookings. Full-service agent fees typically range from CAD $1,500-4,000. Confirm what is included before engaging.
Cat-specific note
Canada cat owners may need a permit variation for external parasite treatment, as DAFF-approved products for cats are not all available in Canada. Contact DAFF at imports@aff.gov.au to confirm the current process and any applicable fees.
Regulations and fees change. Always verify current costs directly with DAFF, CFIA, and your chosen agent before budgeting.