Pets - from US to Canada and back?

[DebKen]

Is there anything we would need to know about possibly taking our dog into Canada near Niagara Falls? Also is there anything we would need to know about bringing her back into the US?
Thanks!

[azreddot]

We travelled to Vancouver BC two years ago. Going to Canada was pretty easy just brought shot records along. Coming back a week later the us was a bit fussier. Had to kennel him onsite while we went into the office for about an hour. (They needed to inspect our trailer and tow vehicle) They prefer dry dog food to be in its original bag ( we took a 45lb bag in a large tub to keep it from spilling) and again had his shot records. Otherwise pretty easy. Good info on travel.gc.gov


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[koko]

When we went across at Niagra Falls in 2013 all we needed was our dog's current shot records. I've heard that since then, they also want a very recent proof of physical. Sometimes the information isn't quite accurate on these forums, so don't take our word for it - definitely check that website!

[Desert RVers]

We had no problems going up to Vancouver, BC a few years ago with our GSD. I did have a notebook ready with all the essential documents just in case. Both times crossing the border, not one person asked about the big guy lounging on the back seat. As others have said, check on the Canada travel website for requirements. Here is the link.
https://travel.gc.ca

[AskewDB]

We go back and forth with our two fairly regularly. Sometimes we get questions, sometimes not. Never had a problem except for the same dog food problem coming back. Depends on what is restricted to come into the US. Keep it in its' original bag. Shot records, as said, and double check the site given, but you shouldn't have any issues.

[geezerbob]

We crossed over a number of times last year Idaho and west. B.C. YK
no problems. A toy rat terrier. We had shot records and a health cert.. We didn't have to show papers. Just once a Canadian customs person said "If I asked you for your dogs papers would you have them?" We were reaching for the papers and he just said "ok"

[RoscoW]

We cross all the time out of Ontario and we have only been asked to show records of shots once during and "agricultural" inspection. One of the first times we crossed we had to give up our dog food because it was not in the original bag and we could not prove it didn't contain lamb or goat or if it did it had to originate in the States.

Ross..

[Kim Gass]

Dog food can be an issue.. My dog had all save half a can confiscated in Lubec ME upon reentry several years ago. Its about meat. Sometimes its OK and sometimes its not. Since regs change all the time just plan for it being taken. If its not its a bonus.
The funny thing is that there was a grocery store visible from Customs so had they confiscated everything the dog would not have starved.
Take the shot record. A rabies tag is not enough.. Paperwork should be with you.

[Seann45]

I have all my dogs records but have never been asked.. most likely thing is they will be concerned about meat in the pet food.. (Always keep the original bag it came in for them to see)

[BCK]

Like others, our dog has been back and forth across the border many times without issue. Our vet gives out a "Pet Passport" for travel that gives all the info US & CAN customs require. Only had to actually show it once but have had the dog's food inspected numerous times.

[Griswald One]

On the food issue... Coming North will not be a problem... We are far more relaxed up here and recognize one bag of dog food will not destroy the countries Ecosystem You can also bring your "Human" Groceries North as well. Returning home be prepared to dump your dairy, meats and vegetables prior to arriving at the border.

We cross the border several times a year with the dog and never had an issue. As others have said it will be going back into the US that will be your problem. We keep a tupperware container full of food for the dog. But when we are crossing we also bring a small unopened bag with us that indicates it was made in the States, that way if they do make us dump the bin we at least have a few days worth so there is no rush to find the pet food store.

The only other time food can really be a challenge is if you are on a Raw Food Diet. If that is the case, plan on having to re-buy your food after re-entering the States.

Final point... We cross a Niagara Falls most often... They have never asked for the dogs papers or inspected the food. I suspect it is a product of how busy they are and the fact that they are not in the middle of Farm country so Agriculture is not their primary concern.