I am heavily considering leaving the US to go to Canada.
I really do not want to lose my animals- and frankly I don’t even know how I would rehome them since I have many odd species and rehoming even “normal” pets is really hard right now.
For anyone who has made the move what was the process like? Can I just drive over and meet with whoever and disclose what animals I have?
I have not moved, but finding this information isn’t too hard. You absolutely cannot just drive over, you’ll be stopped at the border and some of your animals likely confiscated and destroyed. Some species require import permits and/or veterinary certificates. You’ll also need to know the local laws of the province/city you plan to move to, as some ban certain species. Most of your reptiles would be fine, barring there’s no laws/regulations for them where you’re moving. That said…
Turtles and tortoises require import permits, and the paperwork must be submitted at least 30 days beforehand.
Require a rabies certificate or veterinary certificate if over 3 months old.
The Spotted Salamander is native to parts of South Eastern Canada it might be a problem too. I live in their range in NY and it’s completely illegal to have them here without a permit. I know Canada has similar protection laws in place.
@noodlehaus already touched on this, but in addition to federal Canadian laws, you’ll also need to be aware of the laws in the province and city where you plan to live. Much like the US, laws and ordinances can vary by province and city, sometimes pretty dramatically. For example, some may have no issues with your big snakes, but others may ban some or all large constrictors. So if you haven’t already picked a town/city, that would be something to consider while looking for the perfect spot.
I haven’t picked an area, this is something I’ve only thought about recently. I have a ton of research to do- and even decide if I am able to afford it at all
If you do make this move, having gotten all of the requisite veterinary checks and paperwork, all the legal permits, all of the things of every sort (whatever these may be), do take at least two copies of all of that proper paperwork when you cross the border. That’s at least one for you to retain plus one for the border official who may wasn’t to hang onto it even if this isn’t part of the procedure. Have on hand, in printed, the information from the Canadian government which spells out what is necessary.
My son took his rabbit through Canada when he drove from the Mississippi coast to Fairbanks, Alaska. He had what he was supposed to have but it still took quite a bit of convincing before the border officials would let him through with the rabbit. Basically, don’t expect the border guards to be intimately familiar with the rules for impirting all of your animals. Be ready and able to demonstrate that you’re following all of the rules.
As a canuck I can tell you: no giant constrictors that normally grow over 3m or 10 feet. No lizard over 2m 6’8" in length.
You will need to check on your salamanders and tree frogs. I think they are a no. Check.
Smaller lizards and snakes are ok but you’ll need to check if they are CITES listed and get permits.
Canada does NOT require vet checks for reptiles but the cats and dogs as well as any live stock do.
Plants are a strange thing. You may be able to bring house plants but any agriculturally important will have to be checked by APHIS.