Moving to Canada with pet parrot

[Tulojow]

I’m an American vet student and am, officially, five weeks away from graduating vet school. I have accepted a position as a new vet in Canada and am in the process of planning the move. I have a Green Cheek Conure and I hope to bring her with me and am looking for information or insight from anyone else who has crossed the border with a pet bird.

The official information from then Canadian imports page says they only need proof of ownership for 6 months but it isn’t clear what they accept as proof. It doesn’t even sound like they need a health certificate but I’d love to hear what others’ experiences were with the process.

I’m especially interested to find out if anyone has experience doing so during COVID with the border closed.

 

[SailBoat]

Welcome to Parrotforum!

Crossing from the US into Canada is very different depending on where you are cross into Canada. COVID is effecting different crossing areas, differently depending on infection rate on where you are crossing. It is my understanding that Ontario has very recently slowed (become more difficult) to cross into.

You need to be working with a Certified Avian Vet, this very moment so that you can obtain a health document for your Parrot. Yes, you will need one and most all require a 30 day time period in advance of providing a Health Certificate. The good news is that you can home quarantine with your CAV visiting several times during that time period.

Ownership is best provided with Purchase Documents from a Pet Shop /Breeder with date of purchase and within days of Purchase your visiting a CAV as that establishes clear documentation. Larger Parrots are helped by a Microchip, which was placed over six months ago.

Canada has specific documents for your entry, which commonly include documents from the Vet Clinic you will be working for which includes a employment offer.

Assure you are vaccinated!

 

[Scott]

Congratulations, best wishes as you apply knowledge and passion as new vet!

In addition to Sailboat's excellent advice, method of crossing may be crucial to success. Are you planning to fly or drive to new location?

 

[Laurasea]

congratulations!! I wish you'd success and happiness ! But have no advice.

Except, hopefully you already track your burds weight. A move can be stressful, so it's extra important to monitor and make sure they don't drop weight .

 

[Tulojow]

Thank you so much for the congratulations and advice! I do track my bird's weight and I've done two long distance trips with my conure before (Seattle to New Orleans and back). So, this won't be a new experience for her but I'll be watching her closely, anyway.



I have the luxury of choosing where I cross into Canada. I'm starting in Washington State and heading towards Nova Scotia so I, literally, have the entire border to chose from. I currently plan on crossing at Maine / New Brunswick to take full advantage of US fuel prices but can make adjustments along the way.



I'll get in touch with our exotics / avian vet at the vet school and get started on the paperwork. The health inspection at the point of entry has me a little nervous - I'm super worried they'll claim to find something and take her.

 

[Scott]

Thank you so much for the congratulations and advice! I do track my bird's weight and I've done two long distance trips with my conure before (Seattle to New Orleans and back). So, this won't be a new experience for her but I'll be watching her closely, anyway.



I have the luxury of choosing where I cross into Canada. I'm starting in Washington State and heading towards Nova Scotia so I, literally, have the entire border to chose from. I currently plan on crossing at Maine / New Brunswick to take full advantage of US fuel prices but can make adjustments along the way.



I'll get in touch with our exotics / avian vet at the vet school and get started on the paperwork. The health inspection at the point of entry has me a little nervous - I'm super worried they'll claim to find something and take her.

I'd carefully research confiscation criteria and attempt to secure some sort of provisional "clearance" based on paperwork and examination before crossing. I have no idea the protocols but hope Canadian customs/immigrations is not capricious.

 

[Terry57]

First, good luck on your move!

This thread may be able to give you some tips, even though it is a few years old:

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/71504-u-s-canada-eclectus-import-help-hi-may-long-one-background-m.html

Also, this is the most current link that I can find about crossing the border during Covid:

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/border

I hope you have no issues crossing the border, and that you have a safe trip!