Transporting snakes across the border

reptiledude987 · 01-17-15, 11:15 AM

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 · 01-17-15, 04:10 PM

Here is some information to help get you going.
Importing or Travelling with Pet Amphibians and Reptiles - Animals - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

reptiledude987 · 01-17-15, 04:17 PM

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.

Zoo Nanny · 01-18-15, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Contact Us - Nature - Environment Canada

reptiledude987 · 01-18-15, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoo Nanny

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

Contact Us - Nature - Environment Canada

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.

wrecker45 · 01-17-15, 05:39 PM

Maybe call reptile express. They do cross border shipping.

reptiledude987 · 01-18-15, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecker45

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.

Zoo Nanny · 01-18-15, 10:51 AM

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 · 01-18-15, 10:53 AM

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

pet_snake_78 · 01-18-15, 11:00 AM

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 · 01-18-15, 11:33 AM

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 · 01-18-15, 01:04 PM

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

Zoo Nanny · 01-18-15, 03:30 PM

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 · 01-18-15, 03:59 PM

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.

**Aaron_S** · 01-19-15, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 $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.