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.