can a tortoise go into Canada?

[latazyo]

I posted my russian tortoise for sale and I have had two inquiries come from Canadian users...I dont' know the rules concerning me shipping the tortoise to Canada....is it legal to do that?

also...

one of the interested fellows is planning on driving here to pick it up, could that user then carry the tortoise into Canada by himself?

thanks, and sorry if this has been asked, but I wanted to get advice from someone who may know about import/export of tortoises

[hhw]

I don't know anything about tortoises, but any captive-bred non-CITES animal can get past the border no problem. I just brought back an African House Snake from Washington state not too far back...

[Matt]

i dont have my CITES book with me, but I know that most (if not all) tortoises are CITIES regulated and you need permits to get them across, you have to apply for the permits with Fish and wildlife, I believe

[Wu-Gwei]

NOPE! All torts are one CITES II at least and some on CITES I. Russians are on CITES II and you cannot just bring them over. That would be smuggling.

You'd need to export fromt he US (USFW) procedures, license, permit and check up. Then you'll you'll need to import permit for Canada (CFIA). Additionally, and the hardest part is to get the CITES II permit for the Russian tort. I am not up on that, but from I hear it tales 25 days and often difficult for CB animals. Imported WC maybe easier to get if they have original papers already. This is just hearsay, but getting the CITES permit isn to easy. This process, export and import does not make the sale of an inexpensive tort worthwhile. For that reason, Russians cost under US$100 in the US while they start at C$250 north of the border - import costs.

If you decide to JUST bring it over and get caught, there are stiff fines usually in the thousands of dollars. Just trying to provide the facts. Good luck.



Cheers,
JJ;)

[DragnDrop]

Tutles and tortoises also need a permit from Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Check out this website Canadian Food Inspection Agency (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/turtlese.shtml)


Turtles and Tortoises

An import permit* is required for turtles and tortoises from all countries.

For personal pets, these animals must have been in the owner’s personal possession in the country of origin and accompany the owner to Canada.

For research and scientific purposes within a laboratory, display in a recognized zoo, they do not need to be accompanied, but still require a permit

Turtle and Tortoise Eggs

An import permit* is required for turtle and tortoise eggs from all countries, BUT WILL ONLY BE ISSUED TO ZOOS AND RESEARCH LABORATORIES.

The reason for restrictions on turtles, tortoises and their eggs is that there is a great danger of transmitting serious diseases, such as salmonella. Until a Risk Assessment demonstrates safety, no permits will be issued for turtle and tortoise eggs for personal use or commercial purposes (ie. Pet Shops).

*Please complete an Application for Permit to Import and forward it to the CFIA Area Import Office in the province into which you wish to import the animal(s).

Note: Please apply for a permit at least 30 days in advance of the import.


Even though you are selling them, you should make sure the buyer has the proper permits for crossing the border. I've heard of a few cases where the vendor was scrutinized for not making sure the buyer had the right permits. The vendors didn't have a clue the torts were being smuggled across the border and technically it wasn't any of their business. However, it makes me think that possibly the authorities might be getting tough on smuggling, and anyone they can catch along the way is fair game. "Buyer Beware" seems to be heading to "Vendor Beware" as well.

To get CITES export permits for your torts you could have some trouble if you don't have the proper CITES permits or copies for them from the vendor you bought them from.

[Lisa]

Permits are difficult to get at best.

[latazyo]

I messaged both potential buyers and decided that it was not worth it to go ahead with the sale, so I'll just have to find someone local to purchase him