Driving from Canada to USA

[fbkeays]

I had a near bad experience coming back into the US from BC last year. The US agent asked me my purpose for visiting Canada and I honestly answered for a dog show. He asked if I had a dog with me and I said yes, in back. He then tried to OPEN my van side door without asking if the dog was secured. Fortunately Fizbin was snoozing in his crate. But the agent didn't ask if he was secured or anything before trying to open my van and search it. He couldn't see the crate from where he was either.
Imagine the nightmare if he let a rottweiler loose at the border- can you say dead dog!

[Janus'sMom]

OMG, I would so be flipping out on him and telling him ( not asking ) that I want to speak to his supervisor! Not to mention what would have happened if your dog would have gotten out, but what if your dog wasn't in his crate and actually bit him! :O

I personally do not allow anyone to open any vehicle or any door in particular when I know my dog is on the other side. I don't care who it is or for what reason. If something were to happen, I would be so beyond outraged (if that made any sense).

[Maxxx]

Originally Posted by fbkeays

I had a near bad experience coming back into the US from BC last year. The US agent asked me my purpose for visiting Canada and I honestly answered for a dog show. He asked if I had a dog with me and I said yes, in back. He then tried to OPEN my van side door without asking if the dog was secured. Fortunately Fizbin was snoozing in his crate. But the agent didn't ask if he was secured or anything before trying to open my van and search it. He couldn't see the crate from where he was either.
Imagine the nightmare if he let a rottweiler loose at the border- can you say dead dog!

OMG! I'll make a mental note to travel across the border with Max in his kennel. What a scary thing to happen! Good thing Fizbin was in his crate. That could have ended up so badly!

[Janus'sMom]

No kidding Maxxx. Unfortunately I don't have enough room in my vehicle to put my boy in a crate. I only have a 3 seater truck. And after reading on old thread about an accident someone has had and some events that have happened to other people and their dogs, I will not put my dog in the bed of my truck ( especially since there's no tailgate), whether or not I can tie him or crate him. So I have a seat belt harness for him and I roll the window down only half way so he can get a breaze but not be able to stick his head out the window. ( So many harzards to sticking a dog's head out the window... debree or insects hitting them, possible cause for eye or ear infections, not to mention the added temptation for them to try to jump out or if you swurve suddenly for them to fall out completely!)

But when I do take him for a ride, not only does he wear his seat belt, but I made sure his door is locked. Even more so now since I just read about fbkeays incident about someone open the door without permission.

And for those that are interested, I'll see if I can find a website that has those seatbelt harnesses so you can see. But I got mine at a regular pet store I believe for about $20.00 or less (US currency).

[Marcino]

We drive down to the US fairly often... we use this small border crossing called Herdman (connects to Chateaugay, New York).

We have been asked on a number of occassions for our dogs vaccination records as well as his papers. I just keep a photocopy of everything in the glove compartment... that way I am never caught off guard.

Also, we are not allowed to cross food into the US. A small sandwich sized bag is all these guys let you cross (enough for a short day trip).

I think it depends on which border you cross... to be sure I would just contact the US border patrol and ask. Better be safe than sorry.