Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm going to a trip for a few weeks and need to bring my snakes with me. What is the cheapest legal way to bring them across the boarder? I have 5 ball pythons and 1 king snake (i might only bring over 4 ball pythons if it's very costly). I might be moving to canada which is why i want to bring them so that they wont need to moved in the winter *i know it already snowed in toronto though. Do i need to "import" them? I might be applying for working papers and citizenship so i don't want to do anything that can get me in trouble...

For the types of snakes you have there shouldn't be any problem, however your best bet is to contact Fish and Wildlife and ask what you will need to bring pet snakes across the border. Indicate you are moving up here and the animals are legal in Canada, Ontario and Toronto to own as pets and to trade/sell.

it may be necessary to get certificates of health from your vet prior to taking your snakes across the border at the very least. This is required for pets such as cats and dogs. Also make sure the snakes are well bagged and in insulated boxes and labeled clearly as NON-VENOMOUS HARMLESS SNAKES. Plus have the species and common name listed (ie Python regius for the ball pythons)

As you are not selling or buying the snake there shouldn't be any need for an import license..as they are coming with you as pets which you owned for some time and you are moving to Canada.

I still recommend checking with the ministry of fish and wildlife, also it wouldn't hurt to contact the border authority, so you can prevent being held up at the border for a long time.
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PHLdyPayne

Forum Princess