Breeder Support During COVID-19

Breeding dogs during a pandemic can bring new challenges and CKC is here to provide relevant information during this uncertain time. We continue to consult with and monitor veterinary, government and public health authorities and provide up-to-date information via our dedicated COVID-19 webpage, which includes news updates, event cancellations and key COVID-19 resources.

Webinars
We continue to share opportunities to keep member breeders informed through webinars aligned to animal care best practices during COVID-19. Recently, we invited members to join a webinar by the Canadian Animal Health Institute on Animals and COVID-19, and on April 22, we invite you to participate in a FREE webinar on Protecting Dogs from Infectious Diseases, compliments of the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Veterinary and Animal Care
There are new veterinary and animal care protocols in place due to the pandemic. Please check with your local veterinary clinic and provincial veterinary medical association, in addition to local government and public health authorities, to find out more about service changes that may impact your breeding program. 

Transportation of Dogs
Whether it’s by air or ground, you can find a professional animal shipper via the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).  IPATA strongly suggests waiting to ship pets if possible and recommends that you begin planning future shipping plans even earlier than the recommended six months, as government offices may be closed and that may potentially affect the permit applications.

For the latest, up-to-date information on options for shipping dogs, contact an IPATA member as their global network of professional pet shippers is working with airlines around the world to monitor this fast-moving situation.                         

Air Canada
Air Canada continues to accept dogs in cabin and as checked baggage for domestic flights, but may not be able to transport dogs when summer temperatures exceed 29.5°C (85°F).

Just a reminder that Air Canada does not accept Brachycephalic breeds on any flights, due to an increased risk of heat stroke and breathing problems.

Due to flight changes and cancellations related to COVID-19, Air Canada Cargo no longer accepts live animal bookings as of March 20, and although animal restrictions were lifted for some live animal shipments on April 6, restrictions for cats and dogs remain in place. For further information, please contact an Air Canada Cargo representative.

WestJet
At this time, WestJet continues to transport dogs via cabin, checked baggage and WestJet Cargo across Canada, although flight options may be limited, and summer heat restrictions will take effect for select locations from May 15 to October 31, 2020. Due to international border closures, WestJet suspended flights to and from the United States (including Hawaii), Europe, Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America, as of March 22, 2020.

For more information about shipping dogs, please call WestJet at 1-888-937-8538 or WestJet Cargo at 1-866-952-2746.