How to choose a pet relocation company in Canada

Why it matters. Both airlines move a pet that nobody collects within a few hours of landing to a kennel, at your cost. A company that leaves the arrival to you has only done half the move.

Our answer. Our driver. Leaving Toronto, our driver collects your pet at the airline's cargo office in the destination city and brings them to the new home. Coming to Toronto, our driver collects your pet at home in the other city and checks them in there, and in Toronto we collect at Pearson cargo and deliver home.

Why it matters. Airline pet rules change, and many websites copy old rules from each other. A wrong age limit, embargo date or breed rule can get your pet refused at the cargo counter.

Our answer. From the airlines' own pages, checked on a set date and listed on every guide with a link to the source. Our airline guides were last checked on October 1, 2026.

Why it matters. The crate decides whether the airline accepts your pet and most of what the flight costs. Guessing from the breed is not enough.

Our answer. From four measurements of your pet standing (nose to tail base, floor to elbow, shoulder width, floor to head or ear tips) and the weight, with a safety margin and 10% more for snub-nosed breeds. The size is an estimate until we see your pet, and the airline makes the final call at check-in. Try the crate size calculator.

Why it matters. Some quotes cover the flight only. The crate, the vet visit, the ride to the airport, airline fees and the delivery at the other end can all arrive as extras later.

Our answer. One price for the whole move: home pickup, Pearson check-in, the airline cargo booking with the airline's charges, and our driver's pickup and delivery at the other end. The crate and the vet ride are listed as separate lines when you add them, so you can see what each costs.

Why it matters. A quote without tax looks cheaper than it is.

Our answer. The tax line is shown on every quote, worked out for where the move ends, and the total is the amount you pay.

Why it matters. Airlines refuse pets for a crate that is too small, hot or cold weather, a missing certificate or a breed rule, and they close pet cargo over the holidays. Ask what the company does then, and what it costs you.

Our answer. We never promise a flight. The quote form warns you when your date falls in an embargo window, and we check the aircraft and the breed rules before we book. If a flight is refused or cancelled, we work with the airline on the next safe flight, tell you straight away and move the pickup to match. See our embargo guide.

Why it matters. Moving day is stressful. You should not have to call to find out where your pet is.

Our answer. A message when the driver is on the way, when your pet is checked in (with the air waybill number), when the flight lands, and when your pet has been delivered. By text if you opt in, and by email.

Why it matters. Shared runs mean more stops, more time in the vehicle and other animals in the same space.

Our answer. No. Each ride carries one household's pets only, with no other pickups on the way.

Why it matters. Some companies allow it, some do not. It changes insurance, seating and how the pet is secured, so get a clear answer.

Our answer. No. Pets only in our vehicles. Owners travel separately, and we tell you where and when your pet will be at every step.

Why it matters. Pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Persians and similar breeds have extra airline rules and a higher risk in heat. A company that treats them like any other pet is not reading the rules.

Our answer. We check the breed against each airline's list, including mixes. Air Canada Cargo takes these breeds only through an IPATA approved pet shipping company; WestJet Cargo takes them with a vet health certificate and may decline them in hot weather. We price these moves by hand within 24 hours and say plainly when a move is not possible. See snub-nosed breeds and flying.

Why it matters. Moves change. Find out what you lose if the date slips, and whether the airline booking can be moved.

Our answer. You can ask to change the date. For air moves, the airline's change fees and any new vet certificate are at your cost, and we tell you the amount before we change anything. Our terms set out what is refundable if you cancel, and how long a quote is valid. Read them before you book.