Taking Your Pet For A Vacation

01 Aug 2008

1 Aug, 2008 Training

Pet Ownership rates in Canada match those in Britain and other Western countries. Rural regions, with boundless distances to run, things to sniff and other animals to meet, would thrill any dog. While cats are also common, they are not as obvious as their canine cousins. In addition to the usual risks from people and automobiles, domestic cats can have trouble defending themselves from wild animals.
Many people choose to keep their cats in the house and sometimes leave them unaccompanied for long periods in small apartments.

Pet owners are responsible for their animals’ actions, and towns and cities have become progressively stricter about cleaning up feces. In the winter some dog owners may be tempted to bury the evidence in the snow, which leads to much disgust once the snow melts in the spring. Communities have off-leash areas, but otherwise dogs should be walked on a lead.

The National Animal Health Program is the governing body responsible for the importation of animals and animal products, including pets. As an agricultural nation, Canada has strict rules to maintain its environmental integrity. Surprisingly, a fairly long list of creatures may enter Canada without a plant protection permit, among them tarantulas and scorpions – neither of which would fare particularly well should they escape into the snow.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the fact that Britain is a non-rabies country bodes well if you want to bring Spot with you to your new home – although the flight will be very hard on him.
Be aware that the cost of air fare. Not only is there is the price of the flight, but vets’ fees for micro chipping, vaccinations and blood tests, import permits and possibly insurance. At this time, Canada does not insist on quarantine for cats or dogs coming from countries where rabies is not prevalent, although it would be a good idea to have proof of vaccination.

Turtles and their eggs require an importation permit, and in many cases, will only be granted to zoos or research laboratories.

It is always advisable to confirm animal regulations before coming to Canada. Birds from Asia cannot be brought into the country because of avian flu. Under no circumstances may you bring your pet primate, unless you are coming from the United States. Gorillas, monkeys and their many cousins may only come into zoos, so have your husband shave his back and hands before leaving for Canada.

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