Border crossing with a pet

The Canadian information site reads as follows:
"Only dogs less than eight months of age that are not accompanied by their owners require a signed veterinary certificate of health."

Depending upon the type of pet, the requirements are listed within the pet-type link;

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/eng/1326600389775/1326600500578

n7bsn wrote:
The government web-sites actually list the health certificate.

Where?

At the minimum for crossing any USA-Canada border, all you need is a vaccination certificate which is valid for one to three years for a dog or cat.

Returning to Alaska crossing at Port Alcan, I had to present paperwork on my pets in 1991, 1998, 2008 - all other times US Customs never asked for paperwork...

In 1994 crossing at the old Port Skagway station, US Customs also asked me to present paperwork on the pet...

In 2006 and 2012, Canada Customs at the (Boundary) Poker Creek Station wanted to see paperwork on my pets as well upon entry...

Guess I got the "make sure I am in compliance with pet requirements" magnet as out of 23 total crossings for me, 11 of those border crossings were involved with pets as I had to present paperwork 6 out of 11 times when asked to submit.

Although you will not be asked everytime for paperwork pertaining to pets, just goes to show it is still a requirement that you have it whether sometimes asked or not at all.

Aadkins101 wrote:

I wish I could say the same for our US Customs people. They are abrupt, suspicious and make one feel unwelcome when returning to the US.

With the exception of the last two times I crossed back into Alaska at Port Alcan, I do tend to agree with this statement as I personally had more unpleasant encounters being leaned on at Port Alcan Alaska and Port Sumas Washington more than any other US port crossing or anywhere else for that matter, makes me cringe when it is time to cross back into the United States because of it while not wanting to leave Canada....overall the CBP are doing their job and all as I give them that much respect as so far I been permitted entry everytime entering Canada or upon returning to the US.

Aadkins101 wrote:
I wish I could say the same for our US Customs people. They are abrupt, suspicious and make one feel unwelcome when returning to the US.

Our crossings into Alaska have always been pleasant. The US agents we've met even had a sense of humour.

One asked our exuberant 90lb dog if she was friendly or whether she was a trained licker. Ursa learned as a young girl that people at the window mean cookies so she's always clamoring at the window to get her treats. The agent didn't have any, but he did get a lick on his nose.

Another agent let me keep my oranges after I had peeled them and left the peels with him for 'disposal in their nuclear incineration device' (his words).

One commented on my husband's t-shirt for Moose Drool Beer, remarking that it was a fine beer and contemplated if there was any available in Alaska (not!).

So maybe you need to bring those RVs and pets to Alaska for a visit!

We always get both a rabies and health certificate from the vet. These go in the same envelope as our passports, so that we can hand over a single thing with all the info they might want.

Being prepared like this makes life a little easier for the guards and we tend to get through very quickly. They'll usually count the kids and pets in the car, ask about firearms or fruit, and we're on our way.

We've visited Canada with our beagle each of the last three summers and have never been requested to provide any documentation on our dog. However, as there is always a first time, we are sure to have his shot record along with a certificate attesting to his good health. Additionally, no one has ever asked to inspect the contents of our trailer. They have just asked us the purpose of our visit; if we have alcohol and/or cigarettes; or firearms. It's never taken us more than 5 minutes and our encounters with Canadian customs have been pleasant and welcoming. I wish I could say the same for our US Customs people. They are abrupt, suspicious and make one feel unwelcome when returning to the US. Of course, I realize the reasons for comprehensive inspections, however, those inspections should be done more politely. Good manners and a snile go a long way.

In my experience while crossing the border on return to the USA with dogs, the guard will look at the pet, and if the animal appears healthy and is wearing a visible rabies tag you might be asked if the rabies shots are up to date.
As far as dog food goes, as long as the food is in the ORIGINAL packaging (product of USA or Canada) and the ingredient list is visible and there is NO sheep, lamb, or goat listed as ingredients (due to ongoing BSE concerns), you will have no issues with dog food while crossing the border back into the USA.
Looking at the BIG picture, rabies and BSE concerns are minor issues with comparison to what the border folks are diligently watching for, example: terrorists, weapons of mass effect, illegal aliens, illegal contraband, and criminals. If you are NOT a T, have no WoME, are NOT an IA, have no IC, and are NOT a C, you have nothing to worry about while crossing the border into the USA. Answer all questions truthfully and be prepared to present travel documents if required to. Travel safe.

Lakeside

Crossed from NY into Ontario, Canada on May 15, 2013. Was never asked about guns or pets (we are traveling with a Pomeranian and a Cat. Entered into Sault St. Marie, MI, never asked about animals. Entered into BC from Montana, never asked about animals. Entered Alaska, just was asked if we had rabies shots for them. Came down to Haines, AK and they just asked if we were up to date with shots for animals. No problems anywhere! We have all the necessary paperwork, did not have to show it once since leaving on our trip May 15th and crossed the border MANY times. Just have the paperwork, just in case, but don't panic about it, relax, you will be fine. Enjoy your trip. Safe travels.

No border guard will ever ask about all they have regulations about. There are just too many items.

Pets become a priority when there are concerns about things that affect them, i.e., bird flu could affect pet food.

Compare to the European Union. You don't get stopped at borders, but all of your paper work must be in order. If you get stopped without it, you likely will be in jail.

So, don't go around thinking, don't have to do such and such just because others haven't had questions.

:C