Lax standards have eroded travel conveniences for dog owners in high-trust Canada — when can humans expect the same?

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

It may disappoint you to learn that someone has been importing rabid dogs from Iran to Canada (just two, but that’s two too many). Others may have been using Canada as a clearing house for dogs from disease-laden countries en route to the United States.

Well, the U.S. has clued in, and now, as of Aug. 1, responsible border-crossing pet-owning Canadians will be bound to additional travel restrictions: pups under six months can’t cross the border, and those over that age must be microchipped and must have had a rabies vaccine prior to said microchip. Additional forms will have to be filled out by one’s veterinarian before travelling, as well.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Don't have an account? Create Account

The new rules and their associated costs won’t affect most Canadians, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take note. Canada has trouble screening humans, too, so a frostier reception at the border could eventually be in the cards for everybody.

For now, the new inconveniences of being Canadian lie with responsible pet owners. Snowbirds, ethical breeders, truckers whose dogs ride shotgun, service dog owners and anyone involved in canine athletics and the show circuit are among those most likely to be affected.

Blame can largely be placed on a few bad actors — so-called rescuers who import pestilent animals with fraudulent veterinary........

© National Post