Pets/ Canada

[SRehberg]

We are getting ready to go to Canada (B. C. ) soon and will be taking our dog with us. I know he has to be checked over by a vet to get a clearance etc. within 7-10days of the crossing. No problem there. Now, returning to the U. S. two months later, has anyone had a problem getting BACK IN since the examination was two months earlier?



Side note, any problems getting people across or do you need birth certs etc? The last time we went, it was pre- 9/11, so it was a smile and courteous conversation is all it took. What have you found to be required if anything?



Thanks

 

[GFrance]

When we went to B. C. last dec we had no problems crossing either direction. I had licence & shot records for our lab & they never asked to see them. Two piceces of ID, drivers licence, birth certificate. I did have to toss out two perfectly good T-Bone steaks out of the 5vr. That was right when the mad cow thing hit.

Me being the honest person that I'am I told them when asked about the beef. Next time I'm breaking out the grill & having a barbeque at the border.

 

[SRehberg]

I would do as you suggested, have a BBQ at the border! Good to hear there isn't an issue going either way, so that helps. Did they ask to see your birth certificates as well? We'll have to dig around for those or go to the county recorder for new copies.

 

[mbaston]

They will ask to see birth certificates or passports as well as picture ID. When I bring my dog, they ask if I have shot records etc for him but haven't actually asked to see them. I was under the understanding that it is a 30 day health check.



I had to throw away beef jerkey a couple weeks ago. No beef or poultry and they asked about fresh fruit or vegetables. I would check and see what are the current restrictions. They do have limits, going both ways, on booze, tobbacco and cash (no more than 10 grand, never had that problem). Usually border crossings are easy. . just don't try to snow them. They are pretty good at smoking out untruths. Also, don't even think of bringing a handgun. They have dogs that sniff them out in Canada. You can have a rifle or shotgun, but you must delcare it and buy a license.



I love Canada and spend a lot of time there.

 

[mbaston]

I found this on the US Customs website



Q: Why Did U. S. Customs and Border Protection Take My Food?

A: Because CBP Officers are stationed at ports of entry and along our land and sea borders, they are often called upon to enforce laws and requirements of other Government agencies. This is done to protect community health, preserve domestic plant and animal life, etc.



Many fruits and vegetables are either prohibited from entering the United States or require an import permit. Every fruit or vegetable must be declared to the Customs officer and must be presented for inspection, no matter how free of pests it appears to be. Failure to declare all food products can result in civil penalties. Meats, livestock, poultry, and their by-products are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States, depending on the animal disease condition in the country of origin. Fresh meat is generally prohibited from most countries. Canned, cured, or dried meat is severely restricted from most countries. Bakery items and all cured cheeses are generally admissible. You should contact the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Services for more detailed information.

 

[Dean Upson]

Last time I went to Canada all I needed for the dog was an up to date rabies certificate and his registration.



Dean

 

[SRehberg]

Well, I guess it's time to go searching for the birth certs, the dog has all his shots, but I don't know if I do! I don't have the problem of more than $10,000 in cash going into the country either, so no problem there.



Our dog eats beef-free dry food, so hope that won't be a problem. We'll have to make sure we don't have any meat left when we hit the border. I use to carry a pump 12ga shot gun, but since the license has been required, I decided it wasn't that big of a deal, so the gun stays home. One year the customs agent in Canada recommended we carry the bear pepper spray, rather than the shot gun, so we might buy one while there.



We have always enjoyed Canada, but have not been there for three years, so things have changed; thanks for the tips, it will make it alot easier going across.

 

[Traveler1]

We went back and forth to DTT for a few months and learned the hard way that you HAVE TO HAVE YOUR BIRTHCERTIFICATE or a Visa. We went a few times with out it and had no problem, but one person was not so nice a few times back. As far as the dog thing, we checked before we crossed in BC and in Niagara Falls, and all we needed was proof of vaccinations. They never asked to see them but did ask.

 

[SRehberg]

We just had the dog upgraded on his vaccinations (we keep them up anyway) but wanted to make sure they were recent enough to be counted. The vet is going to do a health exam just before we go, then issue a certificate indicating he's healthy.



What seems strange, is they don't check people for AIDS, STD's, TB, etc etc, but the dog has to be healthy. I think I'd be more afraid of the two legged variety.

 

[mbaston]

You are not allowed to carry pepper spray into Canada also. I don't know if you can buy it once inside or not but they usually ask if you have it while crossing.



Where are you going in Canada?

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by mbaston

You are not allowed to carry pepper spray into Canada also. I don't know if you can buy it once inside or not but they usually ask if you have it while crossing.



Where are you going in Canada?

They used to allow pepper spray if it's made in Canada. Don't even dream of taking a handgun into Canada.



Dean

 

[mbaston]

I have two friends whos pepper spray was confiscated. I have crossed the border about 10 times in the last 6 months and each time they ask. However, I found this on their website. Interesting.



Controlled, restricted, and prohibited goods



We help other government departments control the importation of goods such as firearms, ammunition, fireworks, meat and dairy products, animals, plants and plant products, firewood, fresh fruits and vegetables, and certain food and drug products.



Mace or pepper spray when designed to be used for the purpose of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person are considered prohibited weapons and are therefore, prohibited from entry into Canada.



Aerosol or similar dispensers that contain substances capable of repelling or subduing animals are not considered a weapon if the label of the container indicates specifically that it is for use against animals.



For more detailed information, call the Automated Customs Information Services (ACIS) line at:



1-800-461-9999 (toll free in Canada) or

204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064

(long distance charges apply).

 

[bombero]

The last time we went was1996 for the Firefighters World Games. The canadian customs agent asked for Chelsea the wonder dogs rabies cert (she growled at him). Not a good idea. Anyway I was the pack mule for our booze as alot of my buddies were flying. I had something like 6 1. 75 lt and 8 30pks of bud. I was never asked if I had any alcohol. thank god. Later I found out the limit was one 6 pack.

 

[DIESELMAN]

Originally posted by SRehberg

I would do as you suggested, have a BBQ at the border! Good to hear there isn't an issue going either way, so that helps. Did they ask to see your birth certificates as well? We'll have to dig around for those or go to the county recorder for new copies.

I had to read this twice... .



Question, what do I do about my dog at the border?



Answer, have a BBQ!

 

[mbaston]

Good Dog

 

[SRehberg]

Mbaston, We're heading for Powell River north of Vancouver aways. It is a nice community about two ferry rides above Vancouver, so it keeps it smaller beings it is to far to commute to Vancouver.



Regarding the pepper spray: as stated in the quotes above, if it is for animal repellent, then it is legal. The customs agent told us to buy the big aerosol can that is used for repelling bears, but she said it was real effective for the two legged pests as well. As was mentioned, the self-defense pepper spray is a no-no from the U. S. , even though you can use the bear spray. Go figure.

 

[Fireman]

Since we travel alot with our dogs, we keep their vaccination papers in the camper. No matter where we go we are able to show that all of our dogs shots are up to date.



Seemed like a good idea.



Fireman

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by Fireman

Since we travel alot with our dogs, we keep their vaccination papers in the camper. No matter where we go we are able to show that all of our dogs shots are up to date.



Seemed like a good idea.



Fireman

It is a good idea, Fireman. I have the rabies certificate in the same envelope as my registration and carry them in the glove box of my truck because my dog is in the truck about 98% of the time that I am. This is a little off subject, but the AKC has a "Companion Animal Recovery" program where a micro chip is inserted into the dog's neck that can be read by a scanner. The registry has contact and other pertinent information on file. I think this is a good, inexpensive way to help insure identification of your pet in case of loss, etc.



Dean