Transporting snakes across the border

[reptiledude987]

I'm considering driving down to the states at some point when theres a repticon event thats not too long of a drive from Ontario. What I'm wondering is what will be involved in bringing an animal back with me. I know some species are easier to get across the border than others. I'm thinking most likely would be looking at some sort of king or bull snake depending on what I find. My question is do I need to get documentation from the seller to bring it back to Canada and what kind of border inspection would be required as I've only ever purchased animals from inside Canada.

[Zoo Nanny]

Here is some information to help get you going.
Importing or Travelling with Pet Amphibians and Reptiles - Animals - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/amphibians-and-reptiles/eng/1326658752555/1326658911065)

[reptiledude987]

Thanks for the link but i'm pretty sure there is some info missing there because from conversations I've had with other breeders and retailers there ar certain cpecise that are regulated. I.E. my carpet pythons. They refer to them as SITIES ( unsure if thats the proper spelling) where a border inspection is required and theres an inspection fee (I belive $275). So I plan on getting a coloubrid as theyre not part of that restricted list. I just want to make sure before I'm past the point of no return theres no other stipulations.

[wrecker45]

Maybe call reptile express. They do cross border shipping.

[Zoo Nanny]

Thanks for the link but i'm pretty sure there is some info missing there because from conversations I've had with other breeders and retailers there ar certain cpecise that are regulated. I.E. my carpet pythons. They refer to them as SITIES ( unsure if thats the proper spelling) where a border inspection is required and theres an inspection fee (I belive $275). So I plan on getting a coloubrid as theyre not part of that restricted list. I just want to make sure before I'm past the point of no return theres no other stipulations.

It's actually C.I.T.E.S, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
and the information is there on the restrictions and agencies to contact in the event of wanting to import.

CITES Species List - CITES Species List - Environment Canada (http://ec.gc.ca/cites/listedesespeces-specieslist/index.cfm?lang=En)

Contact Us - Nature - Environment Canada (http://www.ec.gc.ca/cites/default.asp?lang=En&n=72272E7E-1)

[reptiledude987]

Maybe call reptile express. They do cross border shipping.

It wouldnt make sence to use them as they're a shipping company as you said and I'm already going to be there with the animal so I'd be paying for a service while I'm there that I can do in this case.

[reptiledude987]

It's actually C.I.T.E.S, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
and the information is there on the restrictions and agencies to contact in the event of wanting to import.

CITES Species List - CITES Species List - Environment Canada (http://ec.gc.ca/cites/listedesespeces-specieslist/index.cfm?lang=En)

Contact Us - Nature - Environment Canada (http://www.ec.gc.ca/cites/default.asp?lang=En&n=72272E7E-1)


These links were very helpful. Thanks so much Nanny! So now the only question that remains is when arriving at the border crossing what info they will want to confirm that this isnt a restricted species from this list and should I be getting documentation form the seller to confirm the species for the border guard? That was the only thing I couldn't find in that document.

[Zoo Nanny]

Your best bet would be to call the numbers on the link and ask them, kind of straight from the horses mouth. They can tell you what you will need for documentation to bring a reptile over the boarder.

[reptiledude987]

Thats what I'm going to do.
Thanks much.

[pet_snake_78]

If it were me, I'd get written permission of some form. Your request isn't likely one they deal with on a daily basis and you don't want to run into surprises at the last minute and likely a long wait while everyone tries to figure out what to do or simply be turned back.

[reptiledude987]

Ya thats a good point as well. I'm going to call them later today.

Another question before I actually spend several hours driving just to get there. I'm wondering about the variety in species at the american expos. I've been to a few here and it always seems like 80-90% of the vendors only have ball pythons. There are some cool morphs and all but not anything that I really want to drive that far for.om those of you who have been to the repticon events what do you find the selection like? Is it a bit of everything or is it the same as here where you could pretty much call it a ball python convention?

[wrecker45]

I meant call reptile express and ask what you need to bring a reptile over yourself. I sure he will be helpfull.

[Zoo Nanny]

I think a lot will depend on the laws of that state. What state are you going to? Do a google search on the laws there. Also you may be able to get info on the site for the show you are planning on going to. I've been to shows in RI, MA and NH. They all have different laws so each show was very different in the offerings. MA was the worst with very little at the time. The laws changed here the past year so the shows should be better.

[reptiledude987]

Im thinking Ill prob end up going to either MI or NY as theyre closest to me its just a matter of which has the first expo. Im still going to call the 800 # for the canadian border service to find out the details but am thinking I may bite the bullet and pay for the inspection for a CITES species as I really have my heart set on a pair of BRB's. Unless I see something super cool I cant find up here.

[reptiledude987]

Not that I cant get BRB's here but what better reason for a road trip than snake shopping :D

[Aaron_S]

Im thinking Ill prob end up going to either MI or NY as theyre closest to me its just a matter of which has the first expo. Im still going to call the 800 # for the canadian border service to find out the details but am thinking I may bite the bullet and pay for the inspection for a CITES species as I really have my heart set on a pair of BRB's. Unless I see something super cool I cant find up here.

You need more than the inspection to cross the border with a CITES animal. There's a bunch of paperwork you need. Namely the CITES paperwork. (It takes minimum a few days to get IF the seller has Master CITES)

Quite honestly, driving isn't going to get around all the fees associated with importing CITES animals. Which on average is in the $800 range. Yes, even for your BRBs. EDIT: Here's a link to the process sort of. CITES: USA to Canada (http://reptileexpress.com/usa-cites/) $520 without any other shipping fees. Also don't forget you're declaring purchased goods in the States. You will be paying tax on them.

Also, there's 26 designated ports in the States. You may want to check the border crossing you're using is one. Without it, it means you have to book the Fish and Wildlife inspection ahead of time so they can send an officer to it for the inspection. If you just show up and there's no one there then you're SOL and your animals are staying State side.

[Kuamata]

Just a word of caution, ask for documentation on anything the officials say. Border inspectors, Fish and Wildlife, etc. If you're talking to them on the phone, ask for them to either refer you to a link of the legislation or email the information to you. Don't take no for an answer.

Why do I say this? Being an exotic animal enthusiast, there are a number of exotics I would like to have that either need to be imported(which has permits and guidelines), or requires permits for ownership, among other things, and requirements you must meet to receive said permits.

I always check with the state and city/county, but not all officials are honest. I wish to god I'd got this man's name, with our state F&W, but he outright lied to me out of his biased view of the animal I wanted. He shot down every single thing I said just so I thought it was impossible for me to get said exotic. I even told him that what he was telling me was radically different from what other state officials told me about obtaining this animal, and he told me they were all wrong. I later called again and asked for all documentations and it became clear he was a big fat liar. Be very wary of corrupt officials...

[Aaron_S]

Just a word of caution, ask for documentation on anything the officials say. Border inspectors, Fish and Wildlife, etc. If you're talking to them on the phone, ask for them to either refer you to a link of the legislation or email the information to you. Don't take no for an answer.

Why do I say this? Being an exotic animal enthusiast, there are a number of exotics I would like to have that either need to be imported(which has permits and guidelines), or requires permits for ownership, among other things, and requirements you must meet to receive said permits.

I always check with the state and city/county, but not all officials are honest. I wish to god I'd got this man's name, with our state F&W, but he outright lied to me out of his biased view of the animal I wanted. He shot down every single thing I said just so I thought it was impossible for me to get said exotic. I even told him that what he was telling me was radically different from what other state officials told me about obtaining this animal, and he told me they were all wrong. I later called again and asked for all documentations and it became clear he was a big fat liar. Be very wary of corrupt officials...

That's a great point.

Double check the information given. Even then make sure to print and bring everything with you from their site to back up your claims. Last thing you want is to get to the border with animals in tow and what you thought was the appropriate paperwork and it's not.

Remember, you play by THEIR rules. It's upto you to prove your case so ensure you have everything in order.

[Kuamata]

That's a great point.

Double check the information given. Even then make sure to print and bring everything with you from their site to back up your claims. Last thing you want is to get to the border with animals in tow and what you thought was the appropriate paperwork and it's not.

Remember, you play by THEIR rules. It's upto you to prove your case so ensure you have everything in order.

Exactly. When I save up for indoor/outdoor enclosures and baby proofing the whole house for a Coatimundi, I fully intend to print out all documentations, copies of the importation permit, and copies of certificate of veterinary inspection and keeping it in a binder so it's ready to show, should some 'belongs in the wild' crusader decide to call the game warden on me. They are legal in my county, the guidelines are easy enough, just expensive, and they are from a breeder in Texas, not wild caught. :/

For the record, no, that wasn't the animal in question in my original post, lol.

[Zoo Nanny]

Something else, maybe Aaron you would know. Does Canada require a quarantine of the animal like the US does with some? That's something else you may want to look into. Quarantine facilities can be costly as you pay by the day here in the states.

[Aaron_S]

Something else, maybe Aaron you would know. Does Canada require a quarantine of the animal like the US does with some? That's something else you may want to look into. Quarantine facilities can be costly as you pay by the day here in the states.

I have never experienced or know of anyone who has with snakes.