YVR to YYZ
Vancouver to Toronto Pet Relocation
Moving to Toronto from Vancouver? We book your pet's flight to Pearson, collect them at airport cargo when they land and bring them to your new home anywhere in Toronto and the GTA.
Bringing your pet home to Toronto
Flying is the quickest way to get a pet from Vancouver to Toronto: about 4.5 hours in the air. Your pet travels as airline cargo in an approved crate, and we take over as soon as they land at Pearson.
You can fly on the same day or on a different day from your pet. Some owners fly first and send their pet a day or two later, so the new home is ready. You or someone you trust drops your pet off at YVR cargo, and we look after everything in Toronto.
We choose the flight and the timing that are easiest on your pet. Every booking depends on airline space, the time of year and the breed rules, so we confirm the flight with the airline before anything is final.
Quick facts
- Airports
- Vancouver YVR to Toronto YYZ
- Airlines
- WestJet Cargo and Air Canada Cargo
- Flight time
- About 4.5 hours (scheduled)
- Check-in
- At YVR cargo, about 3 hours before the flight
- Pickup
- About 1.5 hours after landing on WestJet, about 3 hours on Air Canada
- December
- Holiday embargo by air, very limited space
- Taxes
- Plus applicable taxes, based on where the move ends
Your price
What your Vancouver to Toronto price includes
Your price depends on your pet's size (it sets the crate size, and the airline charges by crate size or weight), your address in the Toronto area, and the extras you choose. Fill in the form and you see your exact price in about three minutes, plus applicable taxes, with a list of what is included.
Included
- Pickup at Pearson cargo when your pet lands
- Delivery to your new home in Toronto or the GTA
- Airline cargo booking, with all airline fees
- Flight tracking and updates until your pet is home
Extras
- Airline crate in the right size, ready to fly
- More than one pet: each pet flies in its own crate unless two small pets can share
Step by step
How it works on this route
- 1
Get your price
Fill in the form with your pet's size and your dates, and you see your exact price in about three minutes.
- 2
Crate
We confirm the crate size. Use your own airline crate, or ask us about getting one to you in Vancouver.
- 3
Flight booked
We book the cargo space to Pearson and send you the drop-off details.
- 4
Drop-off at YVR
You or someone you trust drops your pet at YVR cargo about 3 hours before the flight.
- 5
Home in Toronto
We collect your pet at Pearson cargo when they land and bring them to your new home.
Airline rules that matter on this route
- Health certificate: Air Canada needs one for every pet, WestJet for some pets. We tell you which applies and by when. See vet health certificate for flying.
- December and winter: holiday embargoes limit space in late December, and some aircraft take no pets in the coldest months. See winter and holiday embargoes.
- Breeds: snub-nosed and strong breeds have extra airline rules, and pit bull type dogs cannot travel through Pearson. See snub-nosed breeds and flying.
- Pickup on time: we collect your pet at Pearson cargo as soon as it is ready, well within the airline's 4-hour limit.
More questions? See the FAQ and our guides to WestJet pet cargo and Air Canada pet cargo.
Local guide: Vancouver
Leaving Vancouver with your pet
Weather and the best time to move
Vancouver has mild, wet winters, usually between 0 and 10°C, with many rainy days and little snow. Summers are warm and dry, but hot days above 30°C and wildfire smoke days are becoming more common. Plan for wet paws and towels in winter, and shade and water in summer.
May, June and September are usually the easiest months, with mild and fairly dry weather, while July and August can bring heat and smoke, and November to February bring steady rain.
Dropping off at Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Air cargo is handled in YVR's Cargo Village on Sea Island, next to the aircraft operating areas and close to the passenger terminals. Pets are handed in at the airline's cargo office, not at the passenger terminal. From downtown Vancouver to the airport is about 15 km, 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, so leave extra time on the day.
Getting your pet to the airport
You or someone you trust brings your pet to the cargo office at the drop-off time we give you, with the crate ready and the paperwork in hand. We send you the address, the opening hours and a checklist before the day.
Before you leave Vancouver
If your pet has a licence in Vancouver, let the licensing office know you are moving, and update the address on your pet's microchip record.
Ask your vet in Vancouver for a copy of your pet's records to bring to a new vet in Toronto. If your pet needs a health certificate for the flight, book that visit early: we tell you the date it must be done by.
One last walk? The Stanley Park Seawall is a classic on-leash walk with ocean views, and the Spanish Banks waterfront is popular with dog owners.
Dates to plan around in Vancouver
- Late July: Summer fireworks at English Bay (usually the Celebration of Light). Large crowds and West End road closures in the evening, plus loud fireworks that can frighten pets.
- Late August to Labour Day: PNE Fair at Hastings Park. The fair runs for about 17 days and brings heavy traffic and crowds to East Vancouver.
- October 31: Halloween. This is the only night permit holders may set off consumer fireworks in Vancouver, so expect bangs in many neighbourhoods.
- November to March: Rainy season. Frequent rain means wet pickups and drop-offs, so pack towels and a waterproof cover for the carrier.
Delivery areas in Toronto
We deliver anywhere in Toronto, including Downtown, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, York, and across the GTA: Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill. We also cover Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Caledon, King, Aurora, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville and nearby towns. The form shows the price for your address.
Settling in Toronto
- Toronto summers are hot and humid and winters bring snow and road salt. Wipe paws after winter walks.
- The City of Toronto requires a licence for dogs and cats. Mississauga, Brampton and the other GTA cities have their own rules.
- Renting in Ontario: a lease cannot ban pets, and landlords cannot charge a pet deposit. A landlord can still apply to evict if a pet causes real problems, or if condo rules ban pets.
- Book a visit with a new vet in the first few weeks and bring your pet's records.
Vancouver to Toronto: questions
How much does it cost to ship a pet from Vancouver to Toronto?
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Toronto?
Who picks up my pet in Toronto?
When is the best time to fly a pet from Vancouver?
Where do I drop off my pet at Vancouver International Airport?
Get your Vancouver to Toronto price
Takes about three minutes, and you see your price on screen.