Questions about bringing pets to Canada

[Loverbunnyx]

So, first off, here is a simple version of my situation and plans.
I plan to visit my boyfriend in Canada in about 2 weeks. I am bringing my 2 cats with me (I'm getting their rabies vaccinations done next week). I plan on staying for about 2 months, returning to the US for about a month, then returning to Canada to visit with him for 6 months.

So the big question is.. When I return to America for the 1 month to handle some personal things, do I NEED to bring my pets back with me? Or can I keep them at my boyfriends house while I am back home? I don't know if they mark it down in the system that you bring pets over or anything. It would just be such a hassle and a stress on them to make them travel so much.

Also, if I stay in Canada for 6 months, and apply and get approved for a 6 month extension, can I get my cats updated rabies shots in Canada? I think their vaccine is only going to be 1 year long, so by that point they would expire.

Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

You can leave your cats in Canada while you are back home.

However you should be aware that bringing your cats to Canada could cause problems for you at immigration. When entering Canada as a tourist, immigration officers will often be on the lookout for signs that someone has plans to remain long term rather than just visit as a true tourist.

Bringing cats to Canada for a visit is going to look like the behaviour of someone who has plans to remain in Canada long term rather than just visit as a tourist. If you're going to bring your cats, make sure you have plenty of other evidence that demonstrates you have strong ties to your home country (e.g. proof of employment, proof of property ownership, proof of school enrollment, etc.).

 

[Loverbunnyx]

You can leave your cats in Canada while you are back home.

However you should be aware that bringing your cats to Canada could cause problems for you at immigration. When entering Canada as a tourist, immigration officers will often be on the lookout for signs that someone has plans to remain long term rather than just visit as a true tourist.

Bringing cats to Canada for a visit is going to look like the behaviour of someone who has plans to remain in Canada long term rather than just visit as a tourist. If you're going to bring your cats, make sure you have plenty of other evidence that demonstrates you have strong ties to your home country (e.g. proof of employment, proof of property ownership, proof of school enrollment, etc.).

Yeah, I am aware of this. I have had one of the cats for 12 years, and I'm not the kind of person to abandon any animal for selfish reasons. I'm visiting with my boyfriend in hopes of our relationship moving forward. At the 6 month mark we hope to be engaged or married and have my application for PR submitted.

Unfortunately I don't have strong ties to my country. I'm at a weird point in my life where I am choosing my path. I don't have much to my name. And I doubt my word would be enough. Do you have an advice as far as this goes?

My boyfriend is going to be with me as I cross the border, if this helps at all. Thanks!

 

[scylla]

Are you already common law? Has your boyfriend already sponsored you for PR?

 

[Loverbunnyx]

Are you already common law? Has your boyfriend already sponsored you for PR?

No. We have been in a long distance relationship about a year. I'm visiting him for an extended amount of time to see how things work out and if things continue to be great, we'll get married and apply for my PR. I just wouldn't have (or want, to be honest) anyone to take care of my cats until I get PR!!

 

[steaky]

I think bringing pets to Canada as a tourist is fine. Just as I always bring my dog in each shopping road trip to the US from Canada.