Traveling across the Canadian -U.S.A. border

[Stillwater]

They are only asking for a vaccination certificate for rabies if the dog is traveling with you. Not only that, you can have it in either French or English. Now that's accomodating.
We have never been asked if we've had a dog let alone if it's vaccinated. We do bring her papers with us. We did get the cursory search last time we crossed and my wife had her on a leash outside and the guards spent more time playing with her (the dog) than searching. She's one of those Golden (read Goofy) Retrievers that just want to make friends with everyone. We know some folks that have had their dog food taken away. But they also had their beef barley Campbell's soup in a can taken away. We use dog food that we know is available on both sides of the border and only arrive with a small amount in case they decide to take it away rather than losing a whole bag. We also cross with minimal food and top up dog food and groceries when we get across.

[Ottawa]

The key word that is repeated time and time again in that response is "importing". Importing is if the dog is to remain in Canada permanently, or is being brought in for commercial purposes. Visiting is an entirely different thing. The same rules would probably apply to Canadians moving to the US, not visiting.

[Ottawa]

From the Government of Canada Website

Under the National Animal Health Program, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes import requirements for all animals and animal products entering Canada-including domestic pets. The Agency can refuse entry to any animal presented for importation.

[Wayne M]

I'm sorry! Did someone miss the below post? Is there something that is not understood in the Government of Canada response? Did the "ME:" question confuse anyone? I specifically asked traveling to/through Canada. The reply was that a valid rabies vaccination certificate is require to "enter" Canada.

See the part about if a dog is under 8 months of age, or commercial, or breeding......

Again, I'm sorry, I can't add any thing else. I'm lost. I'm not going to go to Canada this year.
=============================================

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M I was wondering where this thread item went. I've been patiently waiting for it to pop back up because I'm to lazy to search for it. On May 3, 2011, I asked the following question by email to the subject, "Visitation to Canada With Pets." Here is my email, and their response: ME: "I'm hearing so many tales as to traveling to/through Canada with a household pet. Can you tell me what documentation I am required to have to take my household pet, a dog, into Canada? Thank you." RESPONSE: (French parts snipped)(Bolded by ME) "Hello Wayne, Thank you for using our website. Dogs over the age of three months require a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian to enter Canada. The original document needs to accompany the animal at the time of the inspection. This certificate should identify the animal as in breed, color, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and duration of validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered valid for one year. There is no waiting period imposed when you accompany the animal between the time it is vaccinated for rabies and the time it travels back to Canada. There is no quarantine period either. You would require an import permit for a pet dog, only if your dog is under 8 months of age and it is deemed as being used for commercial purposes and/or breeding purposes. Please note that you must apply for an import permit in advance of your dog(s)’ arrival to Canada. It takes approximately 5 business days to process import requests and import permits cannot be granted after the dog(s) have arrived in Canada. Dogs imported into Canada will have a documentary inspection by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure the rabies vaccination is current and the animal description matches. The fee is $30.00 + tax for the first animal and $5.00 + tax for each additional animal. NOTE: If the animal arrives at a Canadian port of entry and does not meet the requirements above, an inspector will order the owner-at the owner's expense-to have the animals vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time (usually 2 weeks) and to provide the vaccination certificate to an inspector. That means, if you can not find a certified veterinaria, your dog will need to be vaccinated in Canada within 2 weeks' time. I also suggest that you contact the airline carrier you will be travelling with to establish their requirements. They often require a health certificate. Contact Canada Border Services Agency for any other information. In Canada, the telephone number is 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, please telephone either 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long distance charges apply), or visit the Canada Border Services Agency website Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Kind Regards, Anima Questions Team DG Canadian Food Inspection Agency / l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments Tel: (613)225-2342 Fax:(613)228-6630 Email: anima_questions@inspection.gc.ca " I'm sorry that I can't get more official than that. Now whether the Border Guards enforce it or not is a different matter. The above are the regulations. The choice to follow them is up to the individual. Cheers!

[Ottawa]

Normally I would just let this pass, but I am feeling kind of ornrey tonight. The reason that it keeps coming back is because you keep introducing Importation or animals into the response, when the people are just visiting, and due not plan to immigrate to Canada, although I am sure we would be pleased to have them if they so decide.

[Wayne M]

Yeah! Normally I'd stop also, but I'm obnoxious, stubborn and a type A personality.

My original question to the Government of Canada never stated the word "import."

The response from the Government of Canada has the word "import" four times, and the word "imported" once. They are totally separate from the first large paragraph that indicated entry into Canada - not import - entry.

Let me rephrase their first sentences in that paragraph:

Dogs 'that are' over the age of three months 'will' require a 'current and' valid rabies vaccination certificate 'that has been' issued by a licensed veterinarian to enter 'the country of' Canada.

You can read the stuff about importing any way you wish to.

Isn't this fun?

[Ottawa]

Wayne

Your my kind of guy.

[Stevepkam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M I'm sorry! Did someone miss the below post? Is there something that is not understood in the Government of Canada response? Did the "ME:" question confuse anyone? I specifically asked traveling to/through Canada. The reply was that a valid rabies vaccination certificate is require to "enter" Canada. See the part about if a dog is under 8 months of age, or commercial, or breeding...... Again, I'm sorry, I can't add any thing else. I'm lost. I'm not going to go to Canada this year. =============================================

I have dog being treated for aplastic anemia, an autoimmune disease where his body attacks his red blood cells. There is a good possibility, according to the vet, that a rabies shot will trigger this response again. He is just recovering having been on prednisone, cyclosporine and imuran. Still on imuran. County has allowed dg not to be vaccinated but must be in our control at all times.
My question is: according to the info above, if we showed up at border without rabies vaccination we would have 2 weeks to get him vaccinated. Would we be able to travel through Canada for 1 1/2 weeks and then return to USA?

Comments please. Thanks. We are $6,000.00 poorer with one affliction and then a relapse a year later. just climbing out.
SteveK
Monaco monarch
Moorpark, ca

[Ottawa]

If you get him into Canada there are no provincial border crossings that will stop your travels across the country. No one will stop you and ask for a Rabies certification unless your dog bites someone. You may or may not have some questions asked when you cross back into the US, although I only been asked once if we had the papers.