VIA Rail Canada is an independent Crown corporation, subsidized by the Ministry of Transport, mandated to offer intercity passenger rail services in Canada. Via Rail operates 475 trains per week in eight Canadian provinces (exceptions are Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island). VIA Rail allows dogs and cats to travel in cars with their owners as long as the animals are small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that meets VIA Rail carrier standards. The total weight of the carrier and animal must not exceed 10 kilograms (22 lb.). This policy applies only on Corridor trains (Québec City to Windsor). Travelling with pets as a checked item in the bagagge car – Pets require special handling for checking, and minimal safety requirements must be adhered to when handling them. Dogs, cats and small rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc.) are the only animals allowed in baggage cars. Birds cannot be checked. Please be aware that baggage cars are heated, but that most are not air-conditioned. Your pet may therefore be exposed to high temperatures. From June 1 to September 30, baggage cars cannot transport animals due to lack of proper ventilation. Usually, pets may be transported year-round on the Ocean (Montréal – Halifax), as all cars are air-conditioned.
Taking a pet to a foreign country involves preparation and planning far in advance of your departure date. Requirements for pet travel to a foreign country are set by the destination country. If you are you traveling to another country and bringing along your pet you’ll need to meet the animal health requirements of the country you are visiting.
More information on the VIA Rail Canada pet policy
