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Crossing the northern border with pets
We are begining final plans for an excursion into Canada this Fall. Early to mid September. We are likely crossing to Victoria. See Vancouver island. And then the mainland.

We are concerned about regs for animals and procedures we must endure in the crossing. Rv inspections?

Rabies records with brand names of vaccines I know if. But have heard odd stuff regarding pet food.

Any first hand accounts out there?

Thanks!
Lydia
Lydia.
Current: 2020 JLUR w 15’ Squaredrop
Former: 2006 30IB Anniversary Edition
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #1 –
Here are the Canadian rules for taking a pet across the border:  Importing or Travelling with Pets - Animals - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

As far as any restrictions on pet food, you'll want to make sure the pet food is in its original bag (that applies to many of the human foods that are taken across, too).  There were restrictions during the big mad cow scare, but I don't know if there are any now...which can change from day to day.  The best thing to do would be to verify what can and can't be taken across the border prior to your crossing:

Food, Plant and Animal Inspections - Be aware and declare
Linda Hylton
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #2 –
Lydia, in addition to the links that Linda provided (some overIap), a source of current information on crossing the border is this:

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Home

Click on the "Travellers" tab and scroll to the pertinent sections.

Anecdotal experience reports on border crossings may offer some general insights, but they may not be relevant; my experiences have varied. Your experience will depend largely on where you cross, when you cross, whom you draw as an "inspector" (some are courteous and efficient, some are not, on both sides of the border!), the rules and circumstances/"triggers" in play at the time, and other variables that my not be immediately apparent.  ::) 

The vast majority of people cross the border every day without hassle or incident; rig searches are pretty rare, and usually don't happen unless there is some red flag. This is my general advice for an expedient crossing:

Know the rules; they can and do change. Look up the current crossing times at your preferred crossing station. Have your passports, vehicle docs, and any/all of the "required" animal paperwork ready (you may or may not be asked; don't offer any "paper" until the person at the window asks), answer the questions asked in a pleasant, but businesslike, manner; don't chat, offer comments, or volunteer "extra" information. Don't try to sneak anything through.

Have fun!  :D





2003 TK has a new home
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #3 –
We took the health(shot) record for each dog, layed it on the copier with a recent photo then made a few copies.
Essentially producing a dog photo ID.🐕🐺 The Canadian border guard lady said she had never seen a dog passport until now.

Plus should a dog get separated from us, we have a current picture and description to show around.

Enjoy your trip.
Canadians tend to be friendly and courteous people.

Ed
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #4 –
Hi Lydia.  In addition to the advice offered above, keep in mind that certain human foods are not permited to cross as well, mostly certain fruits and vegies.  And, there are limits on booze.  So, I reinforce the idea to carefully check the web sites posted by others.

Finally, remember as you travel further north, many campgrounds and businesses that cater to tourists begin to close by mid-September.  If your trip hugs the border, this will be less of an issue.

Have a great trip!
2011 MB
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #5 –
Lydia, it just clicked that you said "crossing into Victoria" and touring Vancouver Island before heading to  mainland BC; since the LD doesn't float real well, you might be interested in this link (if you haven't already done this research and made reservations):

WSDOT - Washington State Ferries Visitors Center - Traveling to Canada
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #6 –
"Your experience will depend largely on where you cross, when you cross, whom you draw as an "inspector"

On one of several crossings I must have had my 'Bad Boy Dossier' pulled by the Inspector because I was singled out for 'special attention'. We were directed to park in a specified location and were told that we had to stand away from the RV. I have driven across the demilitarized zone between West Germany and Berlin back in the day, in civilian clothes under diplomatic orders and was not scrutinized near as thoroughly as with the Canadians. 

They nearly went ballistic when they found my wife's diabetic syringes until we explained her condition.

They nearly had apoplexy when they seen an NRA magazine laying on the bed. They did not want to believe that I did not have any guns on board. Finally, after nearly an hour, they grudgingly cut us loose.  :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Crossing the northern border with pets
Reply #7 –
Joan said, "...since the LD doesn't float real well..."

Indeed--which is why I'm bumfuzzled about those two LDs out in the Atlantic, and another one in the Pacific, on the member map--really curious about those mods...   :D

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm