Canada/U.S. Canine Border Crossing

[tansat]

Hi Newfnet Friends,

My husband and I and are canine kids are looking to travel cross border (Can to the US) at the end of the summer. We are going to Provincetown, MA and we are very excited.

I wanted to ask if anyone has travelled from Can to the US before and what documentation you need for your pooch. From what I've read online and from the customs and immigration agency websites, you need proof of rabies vaccination that is no more than 1 year old and no less than 3 weeks old.

Sounds pretty simple...but almost too simple.

Has anyone had any experience with this before? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone will be in or near Provincetown at the end of Aug and would like to meet up for a play date in the area or have any suggestions/tips in general, I am all ears.

Interesting note: Provincetown was voted one of the most dog-friendly places in the US. One of the reasons why we chose the spot. I really hope we are not disappointed.

Val

 

[Moonfleet]

Hi

I cross the border all the time from Sault Ste. Marie, ON to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. My rabies slips are good for 3 years - and no one has ever questioned this. Most of the time I just get the "typical" newf questions!

In my personal experience, all you will need is your current rabies vaccinations for your furries.

Good luck!

Donna

 

[KodysGrandma]

Just as added insurance I would have a certificate of general health. That used to be required but don't think it is anymore- officially anyway. The world is so nuts these days that I try to prepare for everything. When we went to Newfstock we had official letters from our doctors justifying all our medicines in case we got caught in one of those "zero hours" where they almost take a microscope to you and your vehicle. Not fun.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

We cross all the time at Thousand Islands, NY and also into New Brunswick. Have never had any problem with just the current rabies certificate. Our rabies shots are valid for 3 years also. I would say only twice has a customs person even Looked at the certificate. They just grin at the dog and say have a nice trip.

PS Provincetown is also a gay haven, so you'll see a lot of unusual folks, but very friendly town.

 

[tansat]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I've heard that it is a very colorful and fun town! I'm sure that the whole clan will have a lot of fun. If anyone in the area can suggest any off leash areas, that would be great! We are 200 ft from the water but I doubt that dogs are allowed on the waterfront. Too bad...wondering if the two will SWIM!!!

 

[tansat]

Also, we are looking to hit up Newfstock this year too! Hope to see you and your gang there Emmie Lou!

Val

 

[Joan Fisher]

We've crossed at Sarnia to go to the NCA Specialty the past two years with Tiika and our friends with two more Newfs. Each time they've asked, "Do you have your papers?" We say yes and that's it. They wave us through, don't even ask to look - both US and Canadian border guards. Tiika has not had a rabies vaccine since 6 months - the only one she's ever gotten but I get rabies titers done on her every year. The vet gives a letter saying she is in good health and that her rabies is up to date for 3 years (based on her titers).

 

[Thehallk]

My aunt takes her little dog across (Vancouver to Seattle) about every two months to visit family and she has never had a problem with just the most basic papers.

 

[Bojie]

No problems for us going into Canada from the US. I brought a boat load of papers with me just in case with all his vax records. They didn't ask for it though. You'll love Provincetown. It is a very fun little town. check out dogfriendly.com, bringfido.com websites to find out where you can take the fur kids. I think from 6a-9a dogs are allowed on beaches off leash. After that you need them on leash but I'm sure there are signs all over telling you the leash rules. Make sure to stop all around the cape on your way out to Ptown. There are beautiful places all along the drive.

 

[plafleursr]

For Provincetown ask Tricia2, she live down that way.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

PS Provincetown is also a gay haven, so you'll see a lot of unusual folks, but very friendly town.

Dog and gay friendly? Sounds like a cool place.

 

[chumleysma]

I spent $50 on the certificate of health needed to cross into Canada and the guard never asked to see anything. That made me mad. He did scold me for not signing my passport...oops.

 

[janices]

Current rabies vacinnation (mine was 3 yr) and health certificate is what I just had to have done to go into Canada.

 

[Angela]

Definately must have rabies vaccine certificate. Over here I have never been asked for proof going into the States. Sometimes, coming back into Canada they ask to see the certificates, not very often.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Dog and gay friendly? Sounds like a cool place.

It's a very cool place! Great shops, food, beaches. I love it.

 

[ozzysma]

when i crossed a few years ago with ozzy it was not the dog that caused questions it was his food. not sure if this is still on but i could not bring dog food manufactured in canada across the border. it had to be us made, even if it was sold in canada and had to be sealed (not opened) i feed orijen and they comfiscated my dog food.

 

[tansat]

Good point on the food and the certs. Just to be safe, I may just get a cert of health for both of them. My Berner (who has the most sensitive tummy ever) has finally done well with a brand called TLC and if you buy it online, they will ship all over North America. I might have a full bag sent to P-Town if the landlord will agree to hold on to it for us for a few days.

Has anyone else had any trouble crossing with dog food?

We are so excited about the trip and it would be a huge downer if we could not cross the border because we did not have the proper paperwork.

 

[Bojie]

It's a very cool place! Great shops, food, beaches. I love it.

I second that You can't not have fun in P-town.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

when i crossed a few years ago with ozzy it was not the dog that caused questions it was his food. not sure if this is still on but i could not bring dog food manufactured in canada across the border. it had to be us made, even if it was sold in canada and had to be sealed (not opened) i feed orijen and they comfiscated my dog food.

Good point, Patti. I remember being warned about that too. Can't have meat either. I just never mention the dog food at all. Don't ask, don't tell. :shuffle:

 

[Angela]

Oh yes, I could write a book on taking dog food through the U.S. Customs!!!
Do not take raw diet.
Only take unopened bags.
Depending on their mood, they don't like beef, lamb, pork, kibble that is!!!