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Flying with a dog or cat from Toronto to Orlando

Flying to Florida with a pet is simple. Dogs need the free online CDC Dog Import Form, a microchip and to be at least 6 months old, and you clear US customs in Toronto before you fly. The theme parks don't allow pets, but there are ways around that.

Plan, then confirm. This guide sums up the official rules as we found them. Rules change, and your airline has its own. Check every step with the sources below and your airline before you book.

Your trip, step by step

  1. Before you go

    • Dogs: since August 2024 a dog flying from Canada to the US needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (fill it in online, free, valid 6 months), must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and healthy. Cats don't need the CDC form.
    • Keep your pet's rabies certificate with you for the trip home to Canada.

  2. At Toronto Pearson

    • Pearson has pet relief areas after security in both terminals, including Terminal 1 domestic (Level 2), Terminal 1 transborder by gate F83, and Terminal 3 by gate B26 and by gate A9. There are outdoor areas before security too, such as outside Terminal 1 departures at Aisle 15.
    • Pets must stay in their carrier inside the terminal (service animals excepted). At security, tell the screening officer you have a pet. You'll carry your pet through the walk-through scanner while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray.
    • Full Toronto Pearson airport guide
    • You clear US customs at Pearson's US preclearance, so have your dog's CDC receipt ready there.

  3. The flight

    • Air Canada, WestJet and Porter fly nonstop. Small pets usually fly in the cabin; snowbird season fills pet spaces fast.

  4. Arriving in Orlando

    • You land as a domestic passenger. US airports have animal relief areas inside security and outside the terminal.

  5. With your pet in Orlando

    • Disney and Universal parks don't allow pets (service animals aside). Walt Disney World has a pet-care centre, and some Disney campsites at Fort Wilderness welcome dogs.
    • Florida heat and humidity are serious for dogs from April to October: walk early, avoid hot pavement, never leave a pet in a car.
    • Don't let dogs swim in lakes or ponds; Florida waters can have alligators.

  6. Coming home

    • Coming home, use the CFIA's online pet import tool before you leave Canada so you know what you'll need at the border. Keep your pet's rabies vaccination certificate valid for the whole trip; dogs and cats 3 months and older usually need one to come back into Canada.

Questions

What does my dog need to fly from Toronto to Orlando?

A CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and to be at least 6 months old and healthy. You clear US customs at Pearson before you fly.

Can I take my dog to Disney World?

Not into the parks (service animals aside). Walt Disney World has a pet-care centre, and some Fort Wilderness campsites welcome dogs.

Sources