Transporting snakes across the border

[Aaron_S]

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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...

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]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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