Crossing on a K-1 with Pets!

[Meg and Danny 25]

So, in addition to the basic move, at the border we will have with us, 2 dogs, two cats and a cockatiel.

I have all the required documentation(and vacciens) for all the animals, I'm just wondering if anyone else brought their pets along and how they went about caring for them if they were spoken to inside the building at the border or if they had to stay in the car, if someone is allowed to stay with them with the A/C or heat on etc....

I know some people get waved through, but others don't. Anyone have any experience with bringing a pet with them?

[TBoneTX 43,157]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process to Canada regional forum, for specialized input. ***

(Organizer hat off)

If you know which port of entry (POE) you'll go through, find it here...

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports

(click the "locate a port of entry" toward upper left)

...and call the port directly to find out how they handle it.

Manpower on the day of the week and at the time of day will influence your experience (and CBP's). The last thing that you want is to "blindside" an understaffed POE and encounter harassed, grumpy agents. Try the following:

1) Call a couple of days ahead of your planned entry, ask for the shift supervisor, explain your pending arrival, and ask when would be the least disruptive time for you to show up.

2) If the supervisor suggests an alternative POE that won't unduly inconvenience you, plan to enter there (and call ahead). If the supervisor responds with a window of time, do everything possible to adhere to it. Get the supervisor's name.

3) When you're actually on the road, call the port again when you're within range, and remind them. Cite the supervisor's name as confirmation.

Your courtesy will ease the mutual experience and will definitely be appreciated by the POE personnel.

[Arinlars 19]

That would interest me too, traveling with 10 year old cat

Edit: although with airplane

Edited May 15, 2013 by Arinlars

[Pinkrlion 2,610]

So, in addition to the basic move, at the border we will have with us, 2 dogs, two cats and a cockatiel.

I have all the required documentation(and vacciens) for all the animals, I'm just wondering if anyone else brought their pets along and how they went about caring for them if they were spoken to inside the building at the border or if they had to stay in the car, if someone is allowed to stay with them with the A/C or heat on etc....

I know some people get waved through, but others don't. Anyone have any experience with bringing a pet with them?

They have have updated shot record. For travelinf via airline, you have to contact airline. They only allow pets to travel in cargo certain times of the year.

[Lemonslice 4,563]

I left my finch to my brother because they required quarantine for birds back in 2010... See http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/BringingAnimalToUs.html

[Ontarkie 13,918]

You need a Vet to be at the border for the cockatiel, they need to look at her/him. When I took ours it was a 20 fee(5yrs ago). Call the border you will cross at, they will have a list of Vets for you to call and arrange for them to be there for you. Make sure you are very clear that it is a cockatiel not a cockatoo as the cockatoo is a lot more paperwork and the process takes about 6 months. They didn't even look at the papers for the cats or dog but the Vet came out to the car and looked over the bird, he gave us a form to take with us told us not to lose it as we may need it going through certain States. We all had to go inside, but it was early May and not hot yet or too cold. Also the car the bird was in they had us park in the garage for the Vet.

[Meg and Danny 25]

As mentioned I already have the health documents and vaccines and cockatiels do not require any special documention. Most birds do, though if you have a cites pet passport you will have to follow different rules based on he classification of species. There are no quarantine periods that I have ever seen, as of now. I know all my animals will be allows entry but I know it will be more of a production so jut looking for feedback regarding the little ins and outs of crossing with them on a visa that can sometimes be problematic by itself.

[Meg and Danny 25]

Yes thank you, I have called and found he point of entry with a vet. I know I cannot travel on a weekend for this reason. Haha

[Inky 1,110]

You cant stay in the car, the people traveling must go into the building. You must turn off the car, and hand over the keys to cbp when you go into the building. We left my puppy in the car with some cookies and the windows down somewhat for him.

CBP went out and checked on the dog and on my car / etc.

[Yssa3675 4]

I crossed the border 12 days ago at queenston lewiston with my dog. They did not ask for any documentation for my dog, but i have all his record and updated in case. I asked the officer if i can park in the shaded area for animals are not allowed inside the building. It took me less than 30 minutes inside. And thats with importing my car. I crossed the border thursday at 2pm.