Small pet immigration?

[LucyJane]

Hi everyone. I am not far from the Canadian/US border. I see so many adoptables just over the border, (Petfinder has tons in Ontario) but I have no idea what the rules are for bringing new animals back into the US. Does anyone have any info on this, or know where I should look? Thanks!

[Rattie Mom]

I've helped with transport/adoption of rats, bunnies and guinea pigs quite a few times that involved crossing the border. I'm part of a rescue that resides in Vancouver, BC and I live in Portland Oregon.

You do not need health certificates for rats, bunnies and piggies. I believe ferrets might be a different story (though I'm not sure). The problem is, not all of the border patrol are knowledgable about not needing the certificates.

You might want to check the US agriculture website and do a search on animals. They have a write up on what animals are ok, which need certs etc. The first time I went up to pick up my two bunnies, I kept a copy of that with me.

Of the handful of times I've had small animals with me, I've only had to pull in for a check once. That was due to an unknowlegable border agent. The minute I walked inside and told the agent that I had a piggie and two rats, he just sent me on my way.

[piggly wiggly]

It is pretty easy to bring them over. I know with dogs if they are over 16 weeks old they need to have rabies shots, under that age they don't need anything. With guinea pigs I am not sure of the criteria, they are a few members on here that have done it with no problems. I think you only need the adoption form o show the border officers. All they really care about is that you didn't buy the animal, because if you did than you would have to pay tax, but adoption you don't have to pay. What I am telling you is things I have been told when I brought animals across from the U.S border here to Canada, I am not sure if the same rules apply for you. The best thing to do is call your border patrol agency, that is what I did when I brought over my first dog, and I have done it many times now with no problems. Good luck!

[LucyJane]

Thanks, guys. I'll check with US AG and Border Patrol. I've heard New York State is a bit touchy about live animals - there was an awful case some years back where a guy was smuggling large ammounts of narcotics across the border in the stomachs of cattle. I'm not sure if the rules would standard nationwide, or vary by state. I'll post whatever I find out.