Taking Your Pets to Canada
Thinking about traveling this summer but don’t know what to do with the pets? Or looking for a relaxing vacation that “everybody” can enjoy? Why not take them with you? These days’ hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts are becoming more and more pet friendly. But your travels are taking you into Canada? No worries, here’s the scoop:
Pets travel across the border all the time and the hassles are relatively few. Dogs over 6 months of age require proof of a valid rabies vaccination. That can be a certificate from your veterinarian, or even a rabies tag/license from your community. If your dog is under 6 months, a simple letter from your veterinarian stating that fact will do.
Cats, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, chinchillas, rats, and pet mice, are even easier. All you have to do is declare that you have them with you, and you are free to go. Remember if the Customs officer on either side of the border feels that your pet is sick, they have the right to deny you entry–both into Canada, and back into the US. But you shouldn’t be traveling with a sick pet anyway, (too much stress on the pet), so that should not be a problem.
Exotic pets and pet birds are another story. Service animals like monkeys are highly regulated and almost impossible to take to Canada. Birds, and yes even goldfish, require veterinary inspection which costs money and can only be done at borders with veterinarians on staff. This, plus an 8 hour work day for the port vets, makes crossing a little tricky. Some snakes, turtles, and wildlife, plus other pocket pets, like the ever popular hedgehog, are even more difficult to get across. They may need special permits from several agencies ranging from the USDA, USDI and the CDC. Leave ‘em at home.
Have a fun vacation and drop me a postcard!
July 18th, 2007 at 8:16 am
My friend goes to a “dog beach” that is somewhere just over the border. I remember her saying i was only like an hour or less into Canada. It’s a regular beach but it’s for dogs. She said it’s weird being there because the dogs out number the people. So that’s something to look into.
July 19th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Key West has a dog beach too. Very cool thing to do on a hot day with your favorite friend!