What do you need to do to ship a dog from a US rescue to Canada?

Question

We are looking for a dogs for our family and the local population in our shelter isn't what we are looking for. We want to know what it takes to get a dog from an American rescue into Canada.

When I check Petfinder a lot of the stuff I get is American and I see that many are marked Urgent

We live in Alberta about 2 hours above Montana and I don't know how close to the closest shelter from there.

Answer 1

Where in Canada are you located? If you are *anywhere* near the border, it might be easier to drive *into* the states and adopt at a U.S. shelter or rescue (call the shelter/rescue beforehand, however, to find out how this would work, in terms of customs, etc). Most shelters and rescues probably *won't* ship an animal. A few will to a really great family. I *have* been involved in a few rescue situations where a dog is transported via several 1-2 hour "carpool legs" across country (each leg is driven by a volunteer), but I've never been involved in this sort of thing to Canada. If you are able to do something like this, someone at the rescue agency might be plugged in enough to know how to go about setting up one of these transports (they may also know where to go -- usually online rescue groups -- to find volunteer drivers to fill the "legs" of the journey).

If you *are* anywhere near a border city (there are lots of wonderful dogs here in the Buffalo, NY area, for instance), you could pick a nearby U.S. city and then do a search via www.petfinder.com . Please talk to people at the local shelters/rescues, however, before you set your heart on a certain dog; first make sure that the shelter/rescue agency will work with you, since you are located in Canada. Good luck and good for you for giving a rescue dog a chance!! It may take a bit of work and maneuvering, but I bet you'll be able to work something out.

Answer 2

Please be careful using the airlines. Some dogs have small noses and can't handle the cargo area. Pugs, Shih Tzus etc. If you can, travel with the dog under the seat if it is a small dog. The cold air in the cargo will make the travel unbearable for the animal wait until the summer. Contact your vet for all the information on health certificates, you can't get one too early the airlines will not let you board the pet. If you can determine when you will be flying go to the vet for the certificate 9 days or less before the flight.

Answer 3

It is way easier to get an animal into Canada from the US then to get them from Canada to the US. Many live animals require permits. Often animals require a health inspection in the country of origin. A domestic dog or cat traveling with the owner need only meet the rabies certification requirements. I would call one of these numbers and they can better assist you in finding out EXACTLY what you need to do.

Eastern: 1-877-493-0468
Central: 1-800-835-4486
Western: 1-888-732-6222

Also, Here is the CBP website where you can find any other information that you might need. Good Luck!

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/other_sites/laws-e.html

Answer 4

you'll have to find a shipper that ships live animals--USPS or UPS probably will no do it Recently read about woman who tried to ship a LIVE puppy through mail--she got in trouble

Answer 5

You need proof of ownership and vaccination certificate from a vet or shelter.