Dog equipment specialists You have provided us with the necessary utensils (tableware, aircraft-approved transport cages, etc.) that you need to transport your little treasure.
“I've had a lot of customers lately come for a muzzle, especially because it's mandatory in subway transport,” said Carolanne Richard-Parent, manager of a Pattes et Griffes store in Montreal we met. I also have many customers who buy carrier bags to travel with their dog.”
Sophie Létourneau, co-owner of Quebec boutique Létourno, also sells soft carriers for small dogs that can be slipped under airplane seats. “And to travel in the hold, you need a plastic carrier approved for the plane,” explains Ms. Létourneau, who also sells calming treats for stress or motion sickness.
“We also have to take care of our dog,” adds Ms. Létourneau, while we can put a small coat on him in winter if he is cold and boots in summer so that he does not burn his paw pads.
Carolanne Richard-Parent, manager of a Pattes et Griffes boutique, properly equipped Guss (a French spaniel) with a coat, muzzle and leash before entering the subway. Photo Simon Dessureault
The state dog supervision regulations stipulate that dogs in public places must be kept on a leash with a maximum length of 1.85 m.
And for dogs weighing 20kg or more, this leash must be attached to a head harness (often called a halter) or a body harness, so a simple collar is not sufficient.
Dog regulations can vary from city to city, as municipalities have the ability to impose stricter rules.
Dogs on the subway
As part of an ongoing pilot project by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), dogs have been allowed on the Montreal subway since October 2022.
One dog per passenger is allowed Monday to Friday from opening to 7 a.m., from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to closing. Admission is all day on weekends and public holidays.
Carolanne Richard-Parent, manager of a Pattes et Griffes boutique, is at Mont-Royal train station with Guss, a French spaniel who has to wear his muzzle on the subway. Photo Simon Dessureault
The STM regulations stipulate that dogs must always be muzzled and on a leash (maximum length 1.25 m).
Dogs are not allowed to occupy seats or benches on the platforms.
Dogs are required to wear a muzzle when entering the Montreal subway. Photo Simon Dessureault
It is possible that the animal is not allowed in certain entrances to buildings that are not part of the STM.
Pitou has to go through customs!
Some countries require an export certificate before a dog can cross the border through customs, like Dr. Parthi Muthukumarasamy, executive director of the international programs division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, wrote to us (CFIA).
An export certificate contains information about the dog, its owner and the dog's health.
“The content of the export certificate will vary greatly depending on the destination country and its requirements,” says Dr. Muthukumarasamy, whereby the certificate must be completed and signed by a Canadian veterinarian.
Upon returning to the border, dogs must be screened by the CFIA or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to determine whether they are allowed to enter Canada.