Crossing the Line
from Nor'westing July 2007

Ahoy fellow boaters!  I’m imagining you sitting on deck right now, sipping a cool concoction while enjoying your favorite boating magazine.  Maybe you’re in the San Juan Islands and are planning a trip into Canadian waters.  Or perhaps you’re comfortably anchored off one of the Gulf Islands and are contemplating a visit to Friday Harbor.  In either case, if you have your favorite four-footed crew member by your side there are a couple of things you need to consider before crossing the line between the U.S. and Canada.

Traveling North from the United States into Canadian Waters

The rules regarding travel in Canada with your pets are much like the country itself: well-organized, user-friendly, rational and civilized. Canada does not require that your pet be quarantined and has a fixed, clearly posted fee for inspecting animals entering the country. The fees - in U.S. dollars - are $30 plus tax for the first animal and $5 plus tax for each additional animal in the same group. However, most domestic pets coming from the United States are exempt from these inspections and fees. Domestic dogs and cats may enter Canada with an Export Certificate (in either English or French) that has been signed by an official government veterinarian. An official government veterinarian is any veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine. The Export Certificate must clearly identify each animal (breed, color, weight etc.) state that rabies have not existed in the exporting country for six months prior to the shipment of the animal(s), and that all animals have been in the exporting country for that same six month period.

I’m guessing that many boaters will not have an official Export Certificate handy – not to worries.  If the Export Certificate is not available, domestic pets may enter Canada with proof of a valid rabies vaccination issued by a licensed veterinarian. Again, each animal must be clearly identified (breed, color, weight etc.) on the documents. The proof of vaccination must also note the trade name, serial number and expiration date of the rabies vaccine. Your vet can help you gather this information.  And, as long as you are updating your pet’s files, ask your vet to issue an International Health Certificate.  It’s a handy document to have when traveling outside of your home country. 

There is no waiting period required between the time your dog is vaccinated for rabies and the time you take her into Canada.  Puppies under three months of age do not require vaccination prior to entering Canada.  Unfortunately, no matter how cute or well-behaved your pet is, there is currently a ban on importing of Pit Bulls into Canada. 

At this time the Canadian Government does not require tattoo or micro-chip identification for domestic animals, although micro-chipping is inexpensive insurance in case your pet wanders off.  There is no need to make an appointment for an inspection because a certified inspector is always on duty at the Canadian Ports of Entry.  Okay, now how simple is that?

One more note about visiting this wonderful country with Fido:  Do obey the strict leash and scoop laws.  Canadians are tidy, polite people and they expect the same from their visitors.

Traveling South from Canada into the United States

            Both countries hold bans on allowing certain fruits and vegetables across their boarders.  These bans change from time to time and you’ll learn about currently prohibited food products when you check in at each major port of call.  However, the rules about bringing meat products (yes, this includes pet food) across the international border is the same for Canada as well as the United States.  Canned cat and dog food containing meat (even if unopened) is not allowed into the United States unless purchased in the United States.  The same is true with respect to Canada – canned food purchased outside of the country is not allowed across Canadian borders.  So Fido has to gobble up the last of his canned food before crossing the line – in either direction.  I made numerous inquires of officials on both sides of the border, but no one seemed clear on the rules regarding dry pet food containing meat.  One smiling Canadian official suggested that boaters simply get enough vegetarian kibble to cross the border and then stop at a local grocery and pick up enough pet food for the remaining journey.  Okay, that clears it up: no pet food – no meat products – when crossing the border.  If you’re coming from Canada, best to wait until you hit Friday Harbor to pick up that juicy New York strip steak and that can of kibble.

            Like Canada, the U.S. requires that your pet have up-to-date documentation showing proof of a rabies vaccination.  Again, obtaining an International Health Certificate from your vet will clear a lot of decks for you quickly and efficiently.  My vet doesn’t charge anything for issuing the extra bit of paper each year – it’s just part of the wonderful service she provides during our annual visits.

            Officials at the U.S. Border Patrol were polite and friendly when I asked them about bringing pets into the United States.  Other than the ban on meat products and the need for a current rabies vaccination, pets are welcome south of the border.  However, it is extremely important that the captain of each entering vessel report in and have valid passports for each person and vaccination documents (your International Health Certificate will be perfect) for each pet onboard.  No one is allowed off the vessel, except the captain, until the ship has been cleared by U.S. Customs.  The process is free (although U.S. registered boats will need to purchase an annual $25.00 Customs Decal), easy and painless.         

So, boaters, pack your PFDs, sunscreen, charts and, of course, your smiles and cross the line this summer to enjoy wonderful, pet-friendly hospitality on both sides of the border!

A Call for Help!

            I’m delighted --- thrilled --- to report that my current book, Doggy on Deck: Life at Sea With a Salty Dog, is almost sold out of its first edition.  Thank you, readers!  And – thank you for all the emails, photos and stories you’ve shared about boating with your own critters.  You’ve given me great feedback and suggestions for our second edition which will be released right before Christmas.  One of your suggestions is that I include a chapter on what breeds of dog are ‘best’ for boat travel.   My standard answer has always been, “Take the dog you love.”  But based on your questions and suggestions, I know that readers really do want to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of various breeds.  And to write the new chapter, I’m asking for your help.

            Please take a minute to tell me more about your dog(s). What breed do you have? Are there any special advantages or disadvantages to your particular breed(s)?  How well does your dog do on the boat and what problems does he/she have aboard?   Please feel free to include any photos you’d like to share.  As you know, Doggy on Deck sports lots of fun photos and yours may be included in the gallery! 

            I’ll be sailing all summer (to bring my boat, Blessed Be!, home from the South Pacific), but my assistant will collect your emails, photos and letters and will have them waiting for me when we make landfall.  Thank you so much for all the great feedback and, in advance, for your wisdom and advice about boating with different breeds. 

            Please send your emails (feel free to attach photos) to:  doggyondeck@gmail.com   You may send letters and photos (although send copies because all materials will be retained) to:  Penchant Press International,  1752 N.W. Market Street #310, Seattle, WA 98107.

Fair winds and happy summer boating!