Taking dogs into Canada

[fwagner]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed in some thread but the search function on this site isn't very efficient. Does anyone have experience bringing dogs into Canada. I know I need to produce rabies documentation and there are regulations on food, and getting a certificate of health from a vet close to crossing is also a good idea and I'll be doing all of that. Does anyone have any other suggestions or experiences to help? I have a 10 year old black lab that wants to sit at the cabin while I moose hunt and tag along when we go fishing!!! Thanks!!

 

[Ben Long]

Yes, you will need documentation from your vet. At least last time I took my dog across I did. And make sure it's the document signed by the vet. I handed the wrong document to the Canadian border guard and she said (imagine French Canadian accent.) "This document means nothing to me!" To which I said "Well, your border means nothing to my dog." DON"T DO THAT. No one likes a smart ass, least of all border guards.

 

[Ben Long]

One more tip. Careful around loons. Once, canoeing in Banff/Jasper National Park, my Lab saw a loon in the water. Thinking it was a wounded duck, the dog vaulted the gunnel and took off swimming for the loon. This was a busy national park, with tourists and rangers leading nature hikes all around us. I screamed obscenities at the dog, while she swam faster than I could paddle. The loon, evidently, could not fly (molting?) but sure as hell could yodel its loon warning cries. The loon would yodel, dive, and resurface and the dog was charging full bore after it. I was cussing and paddling trying to keep up against a headwind with a canoe that suddenly had no weight in the bow, just trying to get close enough to the dog to knock it silly with a paddle stroke. Little clusters of Japanese tourists were horrified. Park rangers were huddled up, deciding whether to call in the SWAT team or just open fire with sidearms. It ruined a lovely day. Don't do that, either. Canadians take their loons seriously.

 

[mtmiller]

When I cross it is usually near Glacier. I grab shot records at the vet as I am driving out of town. Never been an issue crossing with a dog and no mention of food (which is usually in a plastic bin and not the original bag). On another note, don't tell them you have no firearms and then have them inspect the vehicle and find a box of shotgun shells under the seat. They allowed me through, but probably on a watch list now.

 

[fwagner]

Great stuff....My lab has also been intrigued by the occasional loon, lol!!! That was a funny story!!! I have my paperwork squared away for my rifle and will make sure to get everything ready for my dog. Suppose the last test will be the prop plane taking us to our cabin, ha!

 

[huntin24/7]

The biggest thing is having your dogs shot records, even though they generally won't look at them on either side. Also bring the original bag of dog food with you to show when you return. As a general rule, food must be from US or Canada and avoid foods containing lamb or goat from other countries so you don't lose it.

 

[Hunting Wife]

Take our lab up for waterfowl hunting all the time. They always ask for the signed rabies certificate showing when the vaccine expires. Have never been asked a single question about dog food. This is going to Saskatchewan, I suppose it could possibly be different depending on the province?

 

[huntin24/7]

Take our lab up for waterfowl hunting all the time. They always ask for the signed rabies certificate showing when the vaccine expires. Have never been asked a single question about dog food. This is going to Saskatchewan, I suppose it could possibly be different depending on the province?

The dog food issue is generally just returning back into the states. Getting your dog itself into Canada and back is almost never a problem unless it was foaming at the mouth like Kujo.

 

[idnative1948]

Sounds like it is easier to transport dogs than food and beverages. We are still working on that one....

 

[Crossbowguy]

If you want the exact answers the number to Canada CBSA(Canada Border Services Agency) in Lansdown On is 6136592301

 

[Jcs271]

When traveling out of the U.S. I always go to the source...........

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals...als/pets/dogs/eng/1331876172009/1331876307796

 

[Sytes]

For U.S. (Canada is less stringent)
CDC reg: Current rabies vaccination certificate... NOT the receipt showing vacc shot. There are 1 & 3 year.
Dog must be minimal 4 months and that is based on rabies vacc given once dog turned 3 months. (First shot must have 1 month prior to entry.)

USDA reg: Dog food w/ original packaging... no lamb or goat.

 

[Northwoods Labs]

One more tip. Careful around loons. Once, canoeing in Banff/Jasper National Park, my Lab saw a loon in the water. Thinking it was a wounded duck, the dog vaulted the gunnel and took off swimming for the loon. This was a busy national park, with tourists and rangers leading nature hikes all around us. I screamed obscenities at the dog, while she swam faster than I could paddle. The loon, evidently, could not fly (molting?) but sure as hell could yodel its loon warning cries. The loon would yodel, dive, and resurface and the dog was charging full bore after it. I was cussing and paddling trying to keep up against a headwind with a canoe that suddenly had no weight in the bow, just trying to get close enough to the dog to knock it silly with a paddle stroke. Little clusters of Japanese tourists were horrified. Park rangers were huddled up, deciding whether to call in the SWAT team or just open fire with sidearms. It ruined a lovely day. Don't do that, either. Canadians take their loons seriously.

Hilarious because this happened to me with my lab. Not as dramatic however because it was on a secluded lake and the only people around were some disgruntled looking cabin owners standing on the edge of their dock watching. I had to motor our boat out from the launch and cut in front of my dog. When I grabbed her by the collar and dragged her into the boat she knew I was not happy