Crossing into Canada with dogs

[thumper-tx]

When we go to pick up our Escape we will have our two dogs with us. Has anyone had any issues having dogs with you at the border crossing?

[gbaglo]

Go here: Bringing Your Pet to Canada - Travel.gc.ca
Customs agents often have a biscuit for the dog.

[paulw]

Just make sure you have current shot records from your vet... I've only had to show them on the return crossing.

[Fiberglass Fan]

Going in both directions if the dog is traveling with the owner by land the only proof of shoots you need is a Rabies vaccination certificate if the dog is more than 3 months old. If less than three months they do not require rabies certification. However, proof of the dog's age must be provided on request. The US also has the requirement that dogs that have never previously been vaccinated against rabies must be vaccinated at least 30 days before entering the US.

In my 50 or more crossings with dogs i would suggest you have a less than 10% chance of being asked for the Rabies Certificate.

Much GREATER chance of being asked about the dogs food! Going into the US the dog food bag is not suppose to have been previously opened & must indicate on the bag that it is either Canadian or US country of origin. Lots of folks heading from Canada into the US to attend rallies have had their dog food taken away due to the bag being open or food was in a plastic container with no bag. Going into to Canada the food must also be in the original bag and it must also show Canada or the US as country of origin but it can have been previously opened if the dog is traveling in the car with you.... no dog - no open dog food bag allowed.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Fiberglass Fan

Much GREATER chance of being asked about the dogs food! Going into the US the dog food bag is not suppose to have been previously opened & must indicate on the bag that it is either Canadian or US country of origin. Lots of folks heading from Canada into the US to attend rallies have had their dog food taken away due to the bag being open or food was in a plastic container with no bag. Going into to Canada the food must also be in the original bag and it must also show Canada or the US as country of origin but it can have been previously opened if the dog is traveling in the car with you.... no dog - no open dog food bag allowed.

Interesting and good to know, thanks!

So, sounds like you need to purchase a brand new bag of food for your pet when you return from Canada to the US. Boy, what a pain! And an additional cost to incur. Jeez.

[Jim Bennett]

It has always been a breeze for us, and have never been asked for proof of rabies (though do carry it). Our dog is raw fed, and we just make certain that the meat in the freezer is not on the disallowed list.

Twice Jasper has received treats from US border guards. He likes them.

[Fox hunt]

and they want the rabies cert not the tag

[bshbros]

We didn't have any issue crossing either way. We had our paperwork for him just in case but never got asked for it.

We did bring a small amount of food but were not asked about food either.

[Fiberglass Fan]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Our dog is raw fed, and we just make certain that the meat in the freezer is not on the disallowed list.

LOL reminds me of when I had a motorhome and a few weeks after 9/11 I crossed the line with a freezer full of frozen chicken for the dog who was also on a raw diet. I was a little worried about it as I know there had also been recent issues with chicken products even the frozen stuff. But the dog had allergies to other meats.

The FBI where searching every vehicle that crossed the line at the time and one of them opened the freezer and all the packages of chicken fell out. I held my breath when the agent stuck his head outside and told the agents who where crawling around on the underside of the motorhome to come on in and see what he had found. I cringed figuring I know where this was heading. The agent held up a package and read out loud what that the package said putting a big exclamation on the "Organic". They all burst out laughing and said "this dog eats better than we do!" with one adding "yup but look at him, he deserves it. He would make one fine looking hunting partner!" They then proceeded to stack the packages all neatly back into the freezer with each stopping to pet the dog on their way out with one asking me what kennel he came from & what I paid for him.

I suspect as they were FBI agents looking for explosives and not border agents they may not have known whether or not it was prohibited food item or they simple didnt care enough about it to get into enforcing the rule if they did.

[Jim Bennett]

Jasper's favourite is chicken and most days gets one meal of it. Our source is organically feed too. Lots and lots of good meat left on the carcasses we get.