Crossing the border with a border ...collie!

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Just wondering - when I move to the US, I will be driving and bringing my furry lil friend along (my dog) - what docs/proof is needed at the border?

I know when you fly, the airlines require a health cert. for the dog but I thought I read somewhere that the border guards only require you to have proof of a valid rabies vacc.

Thanks everyone for any information.

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Haha well I can answer my own question (if only I would have googled it first!)

http://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/55/kw/Dogs

"Dogs who have never been vaccinated against rabies (also known as rage), must be vaccinated at least 30 days before entering the United States. This requirement does not apply, however, to puppies less than three months of age* or to dogs originating or located for at least six months in areas designated by the U.S. Public Health Service as being rabies-free. The following procedures pertain to dogs arriving from areas that are not free of rabies: A valid rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival."

[JlovesA 109]

http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/index.html I found this, too.

[Inky 1,111]

I brought my puppys vet papers and a signd document from them that they did up for me that said he had his rabies gave the date and had the sticker from the vial that he was shot up with on it too. They never even asked to look at the paper or anything.

[Ban Hammer 13,443]

where's the pics of the doggie?

[FireKari 4]

When I called [detroit border] a few months back about bringing pets across, they told me I needed:

A record indicating:

- details about the pet, description/colour

- all shots up to date

- a statement that the pet is in good overall health

In reality when I got to the border, they peeked in the carrier and that was all.

No one asked to see the papers or the records or asked any questions.

Basically they didn't care that I had my pet with me at all.

Therefore, I wouldn't stress about it too much.

Just get something simple from your vet with at least the shots.

Good luck =)

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Here they are - both of my lil troublemakers!

[Ban Hammer 13,443]

awwww they are so cute!

[OBX 51]

I crossed with my pup and they didn't even look at him despite the fact they could hear him barking all the way from the parking lot into secondary.

Edited September 28, 2010 by OBX

[Kimbear 53]

Just be warned, depending on how long your in secondary, you may come back to a mess! lol

they got into the dog food and it was ripped open and everywhere, they ate teh entire bag of liver treats i had just bought, they chewed up the shifter between the two front seats, and had wondeful gas for the net 5 hours!!! And they slobbered over each and every window..i had to stop and by windex cuz we could literally almost not see out them.

[Inky 1,111]

Just be warned, depending on how long your in secondary, you may come back to a mess! lol

they got into the dog food and it was ripped open and everywhere, they ate teh entire bag of liver treats i had just bought, they chewed up the shifter between the two front seats, and had wondeful gas for the net 5 hours!!! And they slobbered over each and every window..i had to stop and by windex cuz we could literally almost not see out them.

omg lol! poor you!!

[Jill & Jeff 3]

I drive up to Montreal each weekend to see my husband while we're waiting on the visa process. I have to bring my cat with me because he's diabetic and I have to give him insulin shots twice a day. All I need to cross is a valid rabies certificate. I bring his entire medical record with me just in case I get pulled over. The last thing I need is grief over new or used syringes in the car. Sometimes they check, sometimes they don't, but I've never had a problem crossing.

J-

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Thanks everyone - I think, as per the link I posted, I'll just make sure I bring along my rabies vacc papers and their past medical records (to show they have been in good health all their lives).