Taking birds across Canada border.

[Domenic]

Hi guys. I am going to be moving to Juneau, Alaska and I may have to drive over the Canada border to get to a quicker ferry route into Juneau (Juneau is only accessible by air or water.) What are the policies for taking birds over the border? Do those policies still apply if you are only PASSING THROUGH, and not actually moving into Canada? Argh you Canadians and your laws!

[CandoAviary]

Alaska get those finches some sweaters

[Domenic]

Haha well I'll have you know that Juneau is much fairer than Northern Alaska. I live in Vegas now, a notoriously hot place, and there is only a 20° F difference in temperature between here and Juneau right now. I hate living in the desert though. I'd much rather live where there are trees and life!

[CandoAviary]

Yes..some life is good
I have never been but it certaintly looks beautiful. I just don't do well with the cold. What takes you there? Family, work, adventure?

[Domenic]

What takes you there? Family, work, adventure?

God. It's a very long story. My father is going to become a pastor there. I prefer the cold as opposed to the hot I deal with here but not the icy roads or the rain. But I can't imagine a summer day there with a blue sky, it'll be breathtaking!

[lovemyfinch]

Dominic, I am hoping that Liz will chime in when she gets to her computer this morning. Quite possible that maybe she will have an answer. I am assuming that it should almost be the same thing if we were moving to the U.S.

[lovemyfinch]

Here yo are Dominic, I found the answer on the Canadian Government site, as you can see we Canadians are pretty easy going people.

Import of Personally-Owned Pet Birds from the United States
This information is current as of 2009-11-13.

Also see: Pet Birds from Countries Other than the United States


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For import purposes, the expression "pet bird" means a personally owned and cared for bird, and applies only to species commonly known as "caged" birds such as psittacines, love birds, song birds, toucans, canaries, finches, cardinals, etc. The expression does not apply to pigeons, doves, species of wild or domesticated fowl, or game birds.

It is possible to import personally-owned pet birds under the following conditions:

The birds must accompany the owner or be in the possession of an immediate family member.
The birds must be found to be healthy when inspected at the port of entry.
The owner must sign a declaration stating that the birds have been in his/her possession for the (90) ninety-day period preceding the date of importation and have not been in contact with any other birds during that time.
The owner must sign a declaration stating that the birds are the owner's personal pets and are not being imported for the purpose of re-sale.
The owner or any member of the family must not have imported birds into Canada under this pet bird provision during the preceding ninety (90) day period.
The necessary certification to clear Customs will be made by filling out the form which is available at Customs. Under the above arrangement, no import permit or quarantine period is required. If these conditions cannot be met, it will be necessary for you to obtain an import permit from the CFIA Area Import Office in the province into which you will be entering.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
It is the importer's responsibility to determine whether the species for importation is subject to the controls imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which are administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service. Please contact the Canadian Wildlife Service for information.

Comments or requests for additional information.

[cindy]

My owls came from a breeder in Canada. My breeder wanted owls and bought the Canadian breeder's stock. It cost over $400.00 in permits but this is a different situation. Liz...wake up!!!

Perhaps call the Department of Agriculture in Alaska, they may be able to answer your questions for you.

This is a page from Dept. of Ag. about importing, there is a site it refers people to in regards to birds (USDA). I would contact them to find out since you are entering Canada and leaving Canada for the purpose of relocating. The USDA I think handles permitting.

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/new ... t/pets.pdf

[L in Ontario]

Jeepers, Liz is awake... now!

But Liz is not an importer nor exporter nor very knowledgable on bringing birds across the border either way. Sorry!!

Excellent post from the Canadian Government site, Janine! And I don't think we need to worry about copyright laws there as they should be thrilled that their information gets posted elsewhere. However, Janine, could you please include the URL link in case people wish to read further on this subject?

I too think it should be fine bring birds through Canada and into Alaska but you should read the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (which covers pets too) site posted above ... as well as contact the Alaskan counterpart (if you haven't already) to ensure there will be no problem bringing your birds into their state from Canada and find out what additional forms may need to be filled in.

Do keep us posted and best wishes for a quick/safe move!

[lovemyfinch]

Oops, didn't think about copywriting, but I am hoping that being as how this is public knowledge I should be OK.
Here is the URL
http://gocanada.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1 ... etse.shtml

[cindy]

Yes keep us posted and we would love pictures of your new home...will you be doing the butterflies in your aviary when you get settled?

[Sally]

It sounds like you are OK on going thru Canada, so you just need to contact the Alaskan authorities to make sure that they will be OK with bringing the birds in. Good luck on the move!

[franny]

....
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
It is the importer's responsibility to determine whether the species for importation is subject to the controls imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which are administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service. Please contact the Canadian Wildlife Service for information.
]

This might be of help:
http://www.cites.ec.gc.ca/PDF/applicati ... ssport.pdf

[Domenic]

Thanks everyone you've been incredibly helpful! I was so nervous that I would have to rehome all my birds and then purchase new ones in Juneau (not an easy task when there is only 3 pet stores!) I would hate to have to ship them all in. I will check the Alaskan laws regarding this, but since I'm moving from within the same country I really don't think I'll have a problem. I was even thinking of just flying with the birds under my seat to Juneau so I don't have to deal with borders and things. Do you guys know anything about flying with the birds?

[Domenic]

Yes keep us posted and we would love pictures of your new home...will you be doing the butterflies in your aviary when you get settled?

Yes there is still a good possibility of that! But don't get me started on importing butterflies to Alaska! I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to settle with just painted ladies because they are non-toxic and legal.