Community Forums

rboozer · 03-30-2023, 08:25 AM

This may be a post for the general forum but I thought I'd start with the Newmar owners group first.

We have a trip planned to Petoskey Motorcoach Resort in June. I would like to cross over into Canada, heading to the Canadian side of Niagra Falls. We have three dogs and I wanted to get advice on taking them into Canada. All comments are welcome.

Thanks

Dennis C. · 03-30-2023, 08:52 AM

We will be crossing the Canadian border with our dog this summer. I’ve looked into the requirements, and it appears that you need the following:

1. Current vaccination records for your dog, including a rabies vaccination certificate.
2. A letter from your vet that is essentially a “certificate of health” for your dog(s). The letter needs to contain wording that specifically identifies your dog(s). It can’t be a generic letter. It also needs to identify you as the owner of the dog(s).
3. The dog(s) need to appear healthy in the event that they are inspected at the border.

I’d check the Canadian border crossing website when you get closer to your travel date to make sure nothing has changed.

Wiscampsin1 · 03-30-2023, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C.

We will be crossing the Canadian border with our dog this summer. I’ve looked into the requirements, and it appears that you need the following:

1. Current vaccination records for your dog, including a rabies vaccination certificate.
2. A letter from your vet that is essentially a “certificate of health” for your dog(s). The letter needs to contain wording that specifically identifies your dog(s). It can’t be a generic letter. It also needs to identify you as the owner of the dog(s).
3. The dog(s) need to appear healthy in the event that they are inspected at the border.

I’d check the Canadian border crossing website when you get closer to your travel date to make sure nothing has changed.

I'd have your vet include your dogs name and breed in that letter.

Dennis C. · 03-30-2023, 09:43 AM

That’s exactly my plan!

Bigd9 · 03-30-2023, 01:07 PM

Before Covid hit, we crossed the US/Canadian boarder 6 times with our 2 dogs and two cats. We had all of the bases covered. However, not one Canadian official even raised a eyebrow or ask any questions concerning our animals. However, coming back into the US, we were searched once, and asked for their paperwork once!

The only problem we had with the Canadian officials was when they asked how much alcohol we had with us. When I answer we had two bottles of wine, he responded "Oh sir that is a problem! That's not nearly enough to enjoy during your stay here. You need to enjoy our great wine at every opportunity"!

shepardmike · 03-30-2023, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

However, coming back into the US, we were searched once, and asked for their paperwork once!

Same experience. Canada waived us through no questions. US Boarder patrol came inside, inspected the fridge and asked for the pet paperwork.

Dennis C. · 03-30-2023, 01:30 PM

We’re already planning to cross with minimal alcohol. I won’t be traveling with the 9mm handgun that I normally have in the coach. It’s not worth the hassle.

Mighty_J · 03-30-2023, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C.

We’re already planning to cross with minimal alcohol. I won’t be traveling with the 9mm handgun that I normally have in the coach. It’s not worth the hassle.

Yeah. While in Canada, it’s best to defend yourself like those of us that live north of the border: using polite but passive aggressive statements or if physical intervention is required, jerseying the other person.

shepardmike · 03-30-2023, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C.

We’re already planning to cross with minimal alcohol. I won’t be traveling with the 9mm handgun that I normally have in the coach. It’s not worth the hassle.

Check your port of entry. There was Hardware store where I went through (Calais) that had a safe in the back. As long as it's locked up in a case they can store it for you.

RayJo · 03-30-2023, 05:22 PM

I travel to Toronto every year and have never experienced a problem with our Yorkie being welcomed into Canada. I have never had to show papers or vaccination records. Although we always have the information in case Max needs vet services when we are in Canada. As a cute fact, the last time we crossed the border Max, for some reason, did not like the border agent and barked at him— totally out of character for Max. The border agent laughed and waved us on.

RayJo · 03-30-2023, 05:26 PM

The fire arm will be a problem entering Canada— you are asking for major trouble if they find it! Canada does not condone fire arms. Leave it or loose it. You only need a firearm in the US.

twogypsies · 03-30-2023, 06:10 PM

Go to the Canadian Customs web site for all information you may need.

https://travel.gc.ca/returning/custo...home-to-canada

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet...20to%20Canada.

Dennis C. · 03-30-2023, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayJo

The fire arm will be a problem entering Canada— you are asking for major trouble if they find it! Canada does not condone fire arms. Leave it or loose it. You only need a firearm in the US.

If you read my post you’ll see that I’m not bringing a firearm into Canada.

BCMountain Aire · 03-31-2023, 12:33 PM

We have been traveling back and forth between Canada and the US with our dogs for 20 years going to/from our Northern Ontario cabin. We have always carried the required health papers and have never been asked for them. However, we had an issue once going into Canada because our dog food was not in the original bag showing ingredients and Canadian health approval. We also had an issue coming back into the US for the same basic reason, except this time it was with our Milk Bone dog biscuits. The US agent said they could be counterfeit. So we sat at the border holding up the line while our dogs ate a ziplock bag a treats. Lesson learned, keep dog food and treats in the original packaging.