When it comes to pet relocation, the work happens long before wheels leave the runway. Destination requirements, documentation, airline regulations, and timing all play a role in how smoothly a journey unfolds. That’s why we recommend working with experts, like us.
WWAT operates as a team of Vancouver animal travel specialists with hands-on experience navigating this major hub, allowing us to plan pet journeys with clarity. Export rules, airline policies, and airport procedures at YVR leave very little room for interpretation, but thanks to our 30+ years of experience, our team knows how to navigate those requirements without hesitation.
We speak 15 languages, including English, German, Thai, Japanese, Persian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, and Korean. That range matters when coordinating with airlines, veterinarians, border authorities, and families across time zones. Clear communication keeps timelines intact, prevents errors, and ensures nothing critical gets missed. We support pet parents moving both within Canada and overseas, with a focus on safety, compliance, and clear communication throughout the process.
If you’re still weighing your options, keep reading! We’ll explain why working with animal travel specialists like us matters, and how the right expertise can shape a calmer, more predictable journey for your pet.
Expert Knowledge of Pet Travel Regulations
Our animal travel specialists stay current with Canadian export requirements as well as destination-specific rules around vaccinations, health certificates, permits, and airline policies. As an International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) accredited provider, we follow internationally recognized standards for animal welfare and transport. These regulations vary widely depending on where a pet is travelling and how they are flying, which is why early planning and accurate documentation are essential.
By managing these details in advance, we help reduce delays, last-minute issues, and unnecessary stress for both pets and their families.
Support for Travel Through Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
YVR is not a passive transit point for pets. It’s an operational environment with strict timelines, airline-specific rules, and live animal handling requirements. Our familiarity with how pet travel actually works at this airport allows us to plan around those realities rather than react to them.
This becomes especially important when pets are travelling as manifest cargo, where even small timing issues can disrupt routing and increase stress for the animal.
Experience With International and Domestic Relocations
Our travel specialists manage pet relocations from start to finish, handling everything from route planning and airline coordination to crate sizing guidance and arrival logistics. Each stage is mapped out in advance, so there are no last-minute decisions or surprises on travel day.
Every relocation is built as its own plan, shaped by the pet’s size, species, destination, and specific travel requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Common Questions About Pet Travel
How much does pet cargo typically cost?
Pet cargo costs vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the travel carrier, destination, airline, and services included. Airfreight pricing is based largely on crate dimensions rather than the pet’s weight alone.
For one of our most popular routes, Vancouver (YVR) to London (LHR), typical ranges are:
- One domestic cat: approximately $1,500–$2,500 CAD
- One small to medium dog: approximately $2,500–$3,500 CAD
These ranges are estimates, and final pricing depends on routing availability and individual travel needs.
Which airline is best for pet travel?
For pets travelling as manifest cargo, Air Canada is often a strong option due to its direct routing from Vancouver and established live animal handling procedures. That said, the best airline depends on the destination, timing, and available routes.
Which airlines transport pets as cargo?
Depending on the route, we work with airlines that offer direct flights or reputable live animal transit programs, including:
- Air Canada
- WestJet
- Cargojet
- Lufthansa
- KLM
- Emirates
- SWISS
- Japan Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Air Transat
- Copa Airlines
- Avianca
- Alaska Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
Additional airlines may be used depending on routing needs and seasonal availability.
How can I get my dog prepared for travel day?
One of the most important steps in travel-day prep is choosing the right travel carrier and giving your dog time to become familiar with it well before departure. Introducing the carrier early, encouraging short rest periods inside it, and pairing it with positive experiences can help reduce anxiety on travel day. When preparation happens gradually, travel feels less like a disruption and more like a manageable change for both pets and their owners.
Why Work With Animal Travel Specialists?
Relocating a pet involves both technical logistics and emotional considerations. We focus on providing clear guidance, thoughtful planning, and steady support so pet parents feel informed and prepared at every stage.
With the right expertise in place, pet relocation can feel structured, manageable, and far less overwhelming, even when journeys span continents.
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