Reptile importing / border crossing

[Nadamamasboy]

I was wondering if anyone knows if you need papers or documentation to cross the Canada-United States border with your pet monitor or tegu?

I live in Windsor and cross the border often. Detroit and area obviously would have a lot more selection than I have here; with mail order an option as well. Has anyone had any experience with this? Good, bad or...

Thanks in advance for your help!

[DragonBalls]

It is illegal to ship (or bring) a Tegu across the boarder. Their export is restricted due to CITES Appendix II regulations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CITES A permit can be requested but it could take many months to get.

[Nadamamasboy]

I called Canada Customs and was referred to the CFIA website where it states:

This information is current as of 2010-01-29.

Please be advised that amphibians and reptiles (excluding turtles and tortoises) are no longer regulated under the Health of Animals Regulations (other than Part XII that regulates the transport of all animals). As a result, no Canadian Food Inspection Agency import permit is required, nor a health certificate and no inspection will normally be done at the border. Imports are permitted from any country, for any use, to any destination in Canada.

I don't know if this is something new or what, but I'm going to print this out and bring it with me!!

[mumps]

What you are intending to bring only excludes reptiles from quarantine, not any CITES regulations. All tegus and monitors are at least Appendix II, requiring permits.

Going from Canada to the states you need a Canadian CITES Export permit, which can be obtained in a couple of days.

Going from the states to Canada you need an American CITES Export permit, which can be obtained from the breeder/seller, and can take up to six months or more to obtain.

Chris

[DragonBalls]

Going from the states to Canada you need an American CITES Export permit, which can be obtained from the breeder/seller, and can take up to six months or more to obtain.

That's what I thought.

[Nadamamasboy]

Thanks guys!
I figured as much. It's so frustrating to know that even when you call customs and ask what you need, they still don't give you the right info!!!

[Nadamamasboy]

Does anyone know any of tegu or monitor breeders that ship to Canada and handle the CITES permits? The selection in my area is rather dim. I can pick up in Detroit but I guess the breeder has to handle the permit on the U.S. side.