Alaska 2025

[splitting_lanes]

Kinda expected this....

A big portion of Alaska didn't get the typical snow fall this past winter. That means the ground didn't freeze long enough and now .... bugs. All kinds of bugs. Mosquitoes are expected to be especially bad around any area of standing or swampy water. So prepare for it.

I'm picking up two cans of Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent from my local Tractor Supply. They had it on BOGO. I ordered hat/head mosquito nets several months back. Also I have an indoor, battery operated, USB rechargeable bug zapper. Typically I'm not bothered too much by mosquitoes.... we'll see. But I'd rather be proactive than reactive.

View attachment 1108561

I just picked up three cans from TSC in Gilroy.

Was right by Joes truck and RV wash!

 

[moorec47]

Please post your findings on the border crossing with pets. Researching the same here.

Hi, This is what I did.
I filled out the CDC Dog Import Form and had to get vaccines up to date (make sure you get a certificate of vaccination from your vet) and I had to get my dog microchiped.
Bring copies of everything.
If you found something different, please let me know.
Thank you,
Cheryl

 

[moorec47]

Depending on the timing, when/where etc., I’d go along. I wouldn’t say I’m a golfer, but sound about the same as you. I will not be bringing clubs though, as I’d have to buy them to do so. Renting works for me.

Good call on renting clubs. Hopefully we'll be able to golf.

 

[land’SCAPE]

I found it a bit confusing, regarding going in to the US, as there are multiple agencies. The Office of the State of Alaska, the CDC and the USDA. I think I'm getting sorted now - and so far we have our *Vet's Certificate of "Health & Vaccine" report, the *CDC Dog Import Form receipt & our *microchip number. There is also a Certified Veterinary Inspection (CVI) required, which sounds like kind of an overall wellness check. The tricky bit is they're only valid for 30 days before you enter. We have that booked for the day before we leave for the Rally in Osoyoos. That puts me at the US border in to Alaska enroute to TOK, on day 29 of that certificate (!)

I had a question about (re)entering Canada, on our way back. It appeared that we needed to own the dog, which we do not. So, I spoke to a lady at our Canadian Food Inspection Agency today (CFIA - seemed to be the animal division). She was very helpful (regarding the rules for us at least, returning to Canada). If you need some help in this regard here's a bit of info:

Bringing animals to Canada: Importing and travelling with pets - inspection.canada.ca

inspection.canada.ca

The lady I spoke to was Corinna Harvey at 1 250/ 719-6855 OR...
corinna.harvey@inspection.gc.ca, if you just want to send her an email.

Good luck!!

 

[moorec47]

I found it a bit confusing, regarding going in to the US, as there are multiple agencies. The Office of the State of Alaska, the CDC and the USDA. I think I'm getting sorted now - and so far we have our *Vet's Certificate of "Health & Vaccine" report, the *CDC Dog Import Form receipt & our *microchip number. There is also a Certified Veterinary Inspection (CVI) required, which sounds like kind of an overall wellness check. The tricky bit is they're only valid for 30 days before you enter. We have that booked for the day before we leave for the Rally in Osoyoos. That puts me at the US border in to Alaska enroute to TOK, on day 29 of that certificate (!)

I had a question about (re)entering Canada, on our way back. It appeared that we needed to own the dog, which we do not. So, I spoke to a lady at our Canadian Food Inspection Agency today (CFIA - seemed to be the animal division). She was very helpful (regarding the rules for us at least, returning to Canada). If you need some help in this regard here's a bit of info:

Bringing animals to Canada: Importing and travelling with pets - inspection.canada.ca

inspection.canada.ca

The lady I spoke to was Corinna Harvey at 1 250/ 719-6855 OR...
corinna.harvey@inspection.gc.ca, if you just want to send her an email.

Good luck!!

On a side note....I have a friend that took her 2 dogs to Newfoundland last Sept. and they didn't even ask to see paperwork. Hopefully it won't be a big deal.

 

[land’SCAPE]

Honestly, we expect it'll be fine too. However, we didn't want to be too cavalier about it since the stakes will be fairly bit high at that point. It would be a bit of a disaster if we were turned back, in the middle of nowhere, for a missed Form or whatever, when we have all of these reservations booked ahead.

 

[splitting_lanes]

We are bringing a cat, and we’ll have a proof of recent vaccination and proof of good health from our veterinary.

Edit: we don’t have her microchipped, and don’t want to. She’s 20 years old.

 

[Ron in BC]

My dog should be good in the camper. I'm just a little nervous that if he hears something he might start barking and bother other campers. I'm sure it will all work out.

Unfortunately, that's one thing that you can't count on. We've travelled the world with dogs. One, that we thought just curled up and slept, was a real barker when we were away. I guess a lot of folks were just too polite to tell us.

In that case we just started taking her with us when we could. Dogs are a real icebreaker so a lot of the time it was a plus.

Ron

 

[splitting_lanes]

I booked the shuttle to Kennicott mine. $119pp

Edit: adding that we will be in the same shuttle with Donna and Melora. I asked if we needed to eat a light breakfast to fit. Vicki said no.

 

[Mary O]

We are bringing a cat, and we’ll have a proof of recent vaccination and proof of good health from our veterinary.

Edit: we don’t have her microchipped, and don’t want to. She’s 20 years old.

I also have proof of certification and good health for my cats. They're 13 years old and are microchipped.

 

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

I had a question about (re)entering Canada, on our way back. It appeared that we needed to own the dog, which we do not.

I don't travel with pets these days, but have had a number of cats over the years - not quite crazy cat lady territory, but close a couple of times. This comment above made me curious; how would anyone know whether or not you own the dog (or a cat)? I've lived a number of places with multiple cats & never had any proof of ownership or registration or such. Is this different for dogs or in certain locations?

 

[moorec47]

Honestly, we expect it'll be fine too. However, we didn't want to be too cavalier about it since the stakes will be fairly bit high at that point. It would be a bit of a disaster if we were turned back, in the middle of nowhere, for a missed Form or whatever, when we have all of these reservations booked ahead.

I totally agree and understand.

 

[land’SCAPE]

Lorraine: This will be the first time I've crossed an international border with a dog. The CDC has a dog Import Form which you must produce upon arrival at the border. On the Form they ask you who is bringing the dog in (the Importer) AND, who is the owner. It's also a requirement to have your dog microchipped and they apparently scan that chip at the point of entry. We won't show up as the owner on that chip #.

 

[Ron in BC]

It's also a requirement to have your dog microchipped and they apparently scan that chip at the point of entry. We won't show up as the owner on that chip #.

We've crossed borders into countless countries including the US border and no one, ever, has asked if it's our dog. Many times a dog has been in plain view, or even threatening to leap out and bite the border guard and they don't even ask about the dog. Once in awhile they've handed over a dog biscuit.

Unless you're seeing documented proof that dogs are being routinely examined I don't believe that it's a high priority for border folks. Ordinary folks with a dog are unlikely to set off any alarm bells.

Ron

 

[land’SCAPE]

As I mentioned above, we’re not expecting to have an issue. However, I’ve reviewed the US rules which were changed in 2024 & then confirmed my understanding by speaking directly with the CDC. Things changed in 2024. They advised that I will be required to show them my pre-approved “dog import form”, have the dog’s vaccination report & a wellness check signed by a Vet no less than 30 days prior to entry…& the microchip scanned. With 30 days of bookings in Alaska & crossing at the Alcan border 5 1/2 hrs west of Whitehorse I’ll do what they asked…just in case. …but still expecting likely just a dog biscuit and a wave,

 

[Donna D.]

With 30 days of bookings in Alaska & crossing at the Alcan border 5 1/2 hrs west of Whitehorse I’ll do what they asked…just in case. …but still expecting likely just a dog biscuit and a wave,

Yes, better to be proactive than reactive. What's the other saying.... hope for the best, plan for the worst... on MY Itinerary, I'm crossing US/Canadian borders six times during this trip. What occurs at one may or may not occur at another.

 

[TZBrown]

A recent podcast from RV2AK Facebook group. Covers a lot of folks concerns.

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[Mike G]

This thread has gone to the dogs! Y'all are going to have so much fun! Wish I could afford to tag along.

 

[splitting_lanes]

This thread has gone to the dogs! Y'all are going to have so much fun! Wish I could afford to tag along.

I know! Orange Cats Matter!!

 

[iamunique127]

We have crossed into the US with our dog and all documents several times since the rules came into effect in 2024. We’ve never been asked anything about our dog whatsoever. When we enquired about it, a border guard told us it is at each guard’s discretion and that they are mostly concerned with puppies.

We have never been asked anything about our dog when returning to Canada countless times.