Registered: Jun 2003
Location:
Posts: 415

Trouble Crossing Canadian Border With Puppy
A friend of mine had problems getting a newly-purchased puppy across the border into Canada last week. This is the second time that this has happened recently to someone I know, even though in both cases, all of the puppy's documentation was in order: vet folder with up to date vaccine documentation, vet health certificate, separate rabies certificate signed by the vet, and Bill of Sale.

Customs is now demanding (yes, DEMANDING) that anyone bringing a puppy into Canada must now provide either a COPY OF THE CHECK used to purchase the puppy, OR emails documenting the details of the purchase of the puppy, the full amount paid, and any other identifying information pertaining to the sale and/or transfer of the puppy. They wanted to see "the entire transaction" via a series of emails, documenting all dates, times, & parties pertinent to the transaction.

Because my friend did not know that she had to have a copy of the check or any emails, customs pulled her vehicle aside, then spent the next HOUR going through her entire car, all of her luggage & equipment (they had been camping all weekend, then went to get the puppy immediately after leaving the campgrounds). She said the whole experience was "absolutely nerve-wracking", and that she was "a mess" when it was over...

Customs demanded to know if the puppy was going to be used for BREEDING OR SHOWING. She told them she bought the puppy as a pet, and since the puppy was only 12 weeks and ONE DAY old, she had no plans at that time other than housetraining !!

She told me that customs had a computer right there at the terminal, and they actually went on the Internet (she stood there and watched them do this) and looked up other TFT breeders' websites to see if there were puppies for sale and/or prices posted (which there were), in order to validate the amount on her Bill of Sale !!!

Here is what we learned:

Importing or Travelling with Domestic Dogs Less Than Eight Months of Age From Countries Not Recognized by Canada as Being Rabies-Free (this includes the United States).....

Definition of "Commercial Dogs" = Commercial dogs are REVENUE-GENERATING dogs, OR dogs in the following categories:

* dogs FOR SHOW OR EXHIBITION

* dogs for BREEDING PURPOSES, not for direct retail sale

* dogs RESCUED and destined for an animal welfare
organization

* dogs in special "TRAINING STATUS"

* dogs for resale

* dogs for scientific research

* Canadian commercial dogs RETURNING to Canada. (These dogs must have documented proof that the dog was registered in a competition, a show or a trial organized by a recognized association and MUST be accompanied by a resident of Canada).

COMMERCIAL (show, breeding) dogs entering Canada require:

* a MICROCHIP

* an IMPORT PERMIT (required if dog will be permanently staying in Canada)

* rabies certification (does not apply to animals three months or younger)

* a veterinary certificate of health (whether or not they are accompanied by their owner)

IMPORT PERMIT: Commercial dogs LESS THAN EIGHT MONTHS OLD may be imported on a temporary basis without an import permit IF PROOF IS PROVIDED that the dog is registered in a competition, a show, or a trial organized by a recognized association, and the other requirements are met.

The puppy we sent over was 12 weeks and ONE DAY old; the vet didn't want to vaccinate him for rabies due to his small size & young age; however, we were informed that customs would not budge on that requirement, so the upset veterinarian ended up giving the vaccination against her better judgement.

The end result: my friend was very traumatized by the treatment at the border, and says she will "never again" attempt to bring any animal across the border. She said that the American side gave her no problem; it was only the Canadian side that did so.

One more thing: if you go into Canada, you must have a Passport. If you plan to go to any shows over there, be sure to apply for your Passport several weeks in advance.
Good Luck.

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jun 2003
Location: illlinois
Posts: 1902

it has been required for sometime now. also, if ever arrested? misdemeanor or felony....won't let you cross into Canada. there are other countries just as strict, and even more so, around the world. especially on passport photo for women. examples....no makeup. covered to neck. covered shoulders and arms. no smiling.

animals are becoming more and more difficult to transport across borders. it is too bad a "next door" neighbor, is so demanding. puts a bad damper on traveling. in the late 1960's, we crossed from Niagara Fall, N.Y., and into Canada, to go shopping for evening. try that now! LOL! and we often went to see the rainbow lights on he falls, viewing from Canadian side. it was never a big dramatic thing. times sure have changed.

__________________

AMAZEN COONHOUNDS

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged

Registered: Jun 2006
Location: Newton, North Carolina
Posts: 12254

I'm headed to Canada next Friday on a bear hunt, my 15th year, we try to have everything in order but each year they add something or ask questions that we don't have the answer for, it's an ordeal an scary, you never know what to expect and if they don't wont you to cross your going home.

__________________
T.Osborne..Homemade Kennels!
Home Of.
GrNtCh Hardwood Bean 11/28/03 - 4/14/14.
GrNtCh Big Money
GrNtCh North Mt Mort
T&R’s Homemade Trouble

GrNtChGrCh Homemade Josie.
Homemade Tank.
GrNtCh Hardwood Bean (SEMEN)
GrNtCh Abbotts Bawling Rebel (SEMEN)
GrNtChGrCh Tj's Stylish Lipper (SEMEN)
GrNtCh Nite Life Pay Dirt (SEMEN)
GrNtCh PKC Ch Poison Smoke (SEMEN)


HomeMade Kennels
Newton N.C
2010 SETWA BREEDER OF THE YEAR!!
(828) 302-5480

Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged