Border Crossing with a Bird?

[NALSO]

Hallo all!

This might have been covered before, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Our pet is a Cockatiel, he sleeps and eats in his cage, has full flight feathers and is free inside the MH, when we travel. We have a vets certificate of his health with picture.

Is there anything else needed to cross in to the United States and return back in to Canada?

Any assistance would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

[TXiceman]

The regulation may have change since we lived in Canada. The best information will be to contact your local Canadian Consulates office.

Ken

[StevePav]

I can't say about a cockatiel, but I used to travel with an African Gray, and that was a real paperwork hassle (including microchipping) due to the fact the bird is considered an endangered species or some such thing.

The bird had to be quarantined for 30 days when we returned to the US at a cost of over $160 (she was left in our custody and not permitted outside).

You also might want to check with US Customs about regulations pertaining to bringing the bird back into the US.

Steve

[NALSO]

Just to let you know.

We pulled the information off the US web-site and contacted the New York State veterinary official. (En route to Bar Harbour Main)

The reply as follows: Cross at the Queenston Bridge in Niagara Falls, go through customs, (tell them that you are going to see me Dr. Hashme at the USDA office), head south on I 90, take exit 24, 1+1/2 miles, pay $35.00 and you are free to travel in the eastern US States.

Now I am wondering if we have to repeat this every time we cross the border in to the States? We will certainly find out.

Coming back in to Canada we have a passport for Oscar our 16 year old Cockatiel. (Our Vet's health certificate with picture)

The things we do for our beloved pets!

[DP01]

Hi Barb and Henry:

We also have a bird (African Grey) and have asked various US customs officers about travelling to the States. There appear to be different interpretations of the rules.

Could you post the web address that you referred to please?

Thanks

Dennis

[NALSO]

Hi DP01, Dennis.

Go towww.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

Go to the second box on the right "I Want To...."

Click on "Find a local vs area office"

Click on "the State you which to enter" this will then give you a local area telephone number.

Good Luck,

Henry.

[DP01]

Thanks Henry, I really appreciate your help!

Dennis

[NALSO]

Dennis.

Please let us know how you make out with your quest and where you are crossing!

How long have you been travelling/camping with your bird?

My Oscar has been as far west as Tofino, Vancouver Island and as far east as PEI, travelling in an "C" class he enjoyed the penthouse and created quite some flying skills.

See you on the road,

Henry.

[DP01]

Henry:

Unfortunately, it seems that the rules for Parrots because they are defined as an "endangered species", are much more strict than for Cockatiels. One has to jump through many hoops and at significant cost. $257.00 USD + the cost of tests +vet's travel costs for each trip. Crossing the border at Niagara/Ft. Erie may not incur too much extra travel cost but the Michican USDA office is in Lansing.

During our next trip across the border, I will ask some more questions, perhaps there may be a simpler way of handling the situation. Returning to Canada does not appear to be a problem as long as there is a current vet's certificate.

It's a pity, because our bird who is 21 years old does seem to enjoy camping and especially travelling during the past four years that we've been RVing. He's very vocal while we're on the move.

Dennis