Bringing Dog into Canada and on BC Ferry
 

Is there anything I should know about bringing our dog across the border? I was planning on bringing immunization records but wondered if there were more to it. Also wondered if anyone had any experience bringing a dog on the car ferry into Nanaimo. Thanks.

On ferries the pets have to stay in the car on the car deck unless it's a seeing eye dog. I'm not sure what the requirements are for crossing the border but I don't think you need more than very recent, (i.e. within a few weeks), certification of immunization. The same would be required for coming back into the States.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency's website, a dog with a current rabies vaccination certificate can be brought from the U.S. to Canada:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/...tml#P174_10300

The DogFriendly.com website pretty much confirms what Gary said about BC Ferries:

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/tr...863431bc.shtml

I don't have personal experience of bringing a dog across the border or onto a ferry. The above mentioned websites are the results of a Google search.

Hi TPL,

When travelling with your dog, it is a good idea to have your vet (who should be certified by your state's Dept of Agriculture) issue a certification of health. This will outline ALL immunizations that are current, as well as a brief statement that the animal has been examined and found to have no obvious health concerns that pose a risk to public health. I always get this for my dogs, whether I'm going inter-state or cross-border.

Also, when travelling with your dog, be sure to keep a canine first aid kit in your vehicle. The AHA provides a list of items for a do-it-yourself kit, but many suppliers and stores can sell you a kit. As a supplement, get one of the nylon soft muzzles. Even the best-behaved dog can get "snappy" when panicked with pain. I hope you won't need this, but it's always best to be prepared.

Happy trails... and happy TAILS! :)

Thanks so much for the information. Looking forward to our trip!

tpl,
Spouse and I brought along both dogs with us on ferry for a trip to Vancouver Island for a month's stay. For the 1-1/2 hr. ferry ride to Victoria pets do have to stay on car deck. As there were others also traveling with their pets, we all seemed to gather, sit and visit w/one another outside our cars in a small landing by the stairs. All animals well behaved and we had no problems whatsoever.
Regards, Francie

When returning to the US, I wonder if the dog needs a birth certificate to prove he or she is an American dog?
Otherwise, the border folks might think the pooch is a terrorist in disguise.