Moving to Nunavut with Pets: How to Do It Right

Pets

When I moved to the North, I came with my little family of animals. I have one dog and two cats.

Moving to Nunavut with pets is not the same as moving with pets in the South. There is a lot of planning and reading to do first.

In this post, I will go through the things you need to think about, one by one, before you move North with your pets. I hope this helps you plan in a better way.

Plan your flight first

First up: the flight. You need to check with the airline to find out if your pet will have to fly in cargo or if they can stay in the cabin with you.

If you are flying with a pet in the cabin, add them to your reservation when you book your seats. There is a limit on how many animals can be on one flight, so if you wait too long, there may be no space left for your pet.

So do not leave this to the last minute. Call the airline, ask your questions, and book your pet early.

Get a vet certificate of good health

Before you travel, you need a vet certificate of good health from a veterinary clinic.

This is a paper that says your animal is healthy and able to travel. I believe it needs to be dated within ten days of your trip. It cannot be an old certificate. So book the vet visit close to your travel date.

This is also a good time to make sure all the vaccines are up to date. The rabies vaccine is required. Do not forget it.

Rabies is an active, serious threat in the North and is frequently carried by local wildlife like arctic foxes. Keeping your dog vaccinated protects both the community and local sled dog teams from outbreaks.

Plan this part early too, because vet appointments can fill up fast.

Ask your vet for a first aid kit

From what I understand, the Iqaluit Animal Hospital is the only permanent vet clinic in Nunavut. Other hamlets do receive visits from traveling vets from time to time, but they are infrequent.

It is a great idea to talk to your local vet clinic in the South and ask them to help you put together a pet first aid kit before your move.

The clinic I used in the South, Silver Fox Veterinary, was incredibly kind and put together a comprehensive kit for me to bring North.

Have a cat? Bring cat supplies, especially cat litter

If you are bringing a cat, you need a solid plan for cat litter. Cat litter around here is very expensive. In my local grocery store, a small container of cat litter is one hundred dollars. The same container in the South is about seven dollars (yep).

So stock up before you move, but do it strategically. Bring scratchers and everything else your cat needs. You will not find these things easily here, and when you do, the price will shock you.

Pro tip: any heavy pet essential, like cat litter, can be shipped through sealift companies during the brief summer ice melt. This bypasses the astronomical air-cargo costs and is an essential way to affordably manage heavy pet supplies in the North.

Have a dog? Don’t forget a grooming kit and winter gear

Is your dog used to visiting a professional groomer every now and then? Well, surprise – now you are the groomer! Pack a solid grooming kit (shoutout to my dog’s groomer, Pridham’s Dog Grooming, for the tips).

Grooming essentials to pack:

When winter arrives, winter gear is more than just an accessory; it is a physical necessity. Southern dog breeds lack the natural genetic adaptations of the local dogs.

Dog boots are an absolute must to protect your dog’s paws from severe frostbite and dangerous ice buildup. If your pup doesn’t have a thick double coat, a proper, water-repellent winter jacket is also required to keep them safe.

The cold up here is no joke, and your furry friend will definitely thank you for the warm gear when you venture outside together.

Happy and safe pets, happy home

These are just a few of the tips I want to share with you. Moving to Nunavut with pets takes planning, patience, and a lot of packing. But it is worth it.

By preparing properly, you can ensure your pets integrate into the North safely and respectfully, prioritizing community safety along the way. My animals are here with me, safe and warm, and that makes the North feel like home.

I am sure these tips will help you plan in a better way. If you are getting ready for your own move North, I am cheering for you and your furry family.

Safe travels, from me, my dog, and my cats.