Dog Restrictions in Canada?

[RickO]

We're planning our first venture into Canada and starting to map out our course and target CGs, etc. At first blush, it seems that quite a few CGs have a limit of two dogs.

Anyone have experience taking three dogs into Canada or can some of our Canadian friends shed any light on what we might be facing?

Rick

[Murf2u]

Funny, we noticed last year most of the campgrounds south of the border said the same thing, 2 or less, but we did notice several folks with 3 or 4, but only very small ones.

The one person who I spoke to said in most cases the limit is to keep it to 'pets' so campgrounds don't get swamped when there's a dog show nearby. The CG owners just told them to only walk 2 at time.

I would check with park management and explain the situation, I'm sure most are wiling to work with responsible owners.

[sirpurrcival]

Some CG's will charge extra $ for each dog, it might be $5.00 per night or something less.

You will need to make sure they all have valid Rabies Vaccinations and be able to prove it at the border

There have been some issues here and there with food. Make sure you keep your food in the original packaging and preferably unopened when you cross. It has to do with mad cow and meat products. Some kinds of food may not be allowed across (either direction, esp. if it has been put into another container).
This could be esp inconvenient if you have any pets with special diet requirements.

Other than that, most places are pretty cool with dogs provided that they are picked up after and kept on leashes.

Pretty much the same story as south of the border I expect.

[RickO]

Thanks guys. We've got all of their records and they just came from getting their shots so we should be good to go. I had heard that food could be a problem so we'll try to have only unopened packages and hope for the best.

Rick

[clyon51]

No experience with dogs into Canada. As always, the best thing to do is contact Canadian Customs.

No doubt you will need rabies vacination papers as well distemper. If you're planning on doing any boarding, you will certainly need "kennel cough" papers. I wouldn't worry too much about having 3 dogs anywhere, as long as you're discreet about it and they don't become a problem. My experience has been, many CGs have many rules for extreme cases, those rules are bent for folks with good dogs that don't create problems.

[sirpurrcival]

Originally Posted by RickO

Thanks guys. We've got all of their records and they just came from getting their shots so we should be good to go. I had heard that food could be a problem so we'll try to have only unopened packages and hope for the best.

Rick

I think they were particularly concerned with lamb and goat but that was heading south. If you do check with customs about anything, that is a good question for them.

[Fred1609]

Heres a web page that should help Import of Pet Food, Treats and Chews Containing Animal Products and By-Products - Animals - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
And this deals with bringin your pooch's to Canada
http://www.resteddoginn.ca/guidelines.php#US
Hope this helps. Have a great trip

[sirpurrcival]

This is the relevant section


16. Pet food – traveller's exemption

The provisions of subsections 6.5(1) and (2) of the Health of Animals Regulations apply to persons entering Canada and wishing to import pet food for personal use:
6.5(1) Except in accordance with a permit issued under section 160, no person shall feed to any animal material in any form – whether or not incorporated into another thing – that is derived form specified risk material.
(2) Subsection(1) does not apply to a person who feeds a pet food, pet chew or pet treat to an animal if:

1. the country of origin of that product is the U.S.;
2. the person on entry into Canada from the U.S., was in possession of the product and was accompanied by the animal to which it is fed;
3. the person legally imported both the product and the animal into Canada; and
4. the product is fed only to the animal that accompanied the person into Canada.

In addition to the provisions stipulated in the Regulations, the pet food must be commercially prepared processed pet food, either wet or dry. It must be in its original unopened bag or can, and the label must clearly indicate the list of ingredients. A maximum of 20 kg per entry is allowed.
Countries other than the U.S.

• Pet food containing animal ingredients: Not permitted – entry prohibited.