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What do I need to travel to Canada with a dog?

Traveling to Canada accompanied by a pet dog is a popular choice for people who hate leaving home without their loyal and affectionate companion. The good news is that for travelers crossing the Canadian border from the United States, it’s relatively straightforward to bring a dog along, whether it’s a service dog or a personal pet.

Responsible pet owners naturally want the best for their dogs — at home and on the road. So if you’re traveling with the family pet or an assistance dog, you should consider taking out extra travel insurance to protect you and your pet from unanticipated events and costs.

battleface offers pet travel insurance which includes coverage for pet medical expenses that you might incur when traveling, as well as the cost of returning your pet to your permanent address if you’re unable to travel home with it due to illness or injury. This benefit can be added on to your travel insurance policy, which includes standard benefits such as travel medical insurance, medical evacuation, baggage loss and delay, and trip cancellation coverage.

Can I travel with my dog to Canada?

Yes — most dogs will be permitted entry by the Canada Border Services Agency, but you’ll need to ensure your pet meets certain requirements before entering the country. The requirements for dogs entering Canada vary depending on several factors including the dog’s age, and whether it’s a service dog or a personal pet. Dogs intended to be commercial dogs — meaning those that will be used for commercial purposes such as breeding or onward sale — are subject to a stricter set of rules and requirements.

It’s best to show up to a Canadian border crossing prepared and already familiar with the requirements to make for a smooth entry. If you come unprepared, border guards may refuse entry to your pet. Furthermore, if you’ve already entered the country with a pet that doesn’t meet import requirements, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency may order the removal of your pet.

What is required to bring a dog into Canada?

If you’re planning a trip based around the Day of the Dead in Mexico, there are many options for places to visit. The holiday is honored throughout all of Mexico, as well as in some southern border towns in the United States including Los Angeles, and various locations dotted around Latin America. Celebrations of the holiday can vary by region within Mexico, with each location having its own unique traditions, offerings, and customs to enjoy.

In Mexico City, the Day of the Dead celebrations can stretch over an entire week, and often feature a large parade for locals and visitors alike to enjoy, a custom which began in 2016. The spectacle includes floats, painted skeletons, and colorful costumes — all culminating in a celebration in Mexico City’s main square.

Indeed, tens of thousands gather in the Plaza del Zócalo to watch performers and take in the colors, sights, and sounds. If you’re keen to be in the thick of the action and get an unforgettable experience, then heading to Mexico’s stunning capital city is your best bet.
Mexico’s indigenous Aztec people had a celebration known as Quecholli — celebrated around the same time of year, and featuring a similar ritual around altars and a focus on the afterlife — which points to the celebration’s indigenous roots. Most likely though, it’s a blend of these indigenous traditions meeting the Catholic traditions brought by the Spanish colonists in the 16th century.

Regardless of where it came from, the Day of the Dead is now celebrated as a national public holiday that is deeply rooted in Mexican identity. It is a truly unique celebration of life’s impermanence and a beautiful example of the relationship between the deceased and the living.

Taking dog food and treats into Canada

You can’t travel with a dog and not bring along some dog food. However, the amount and type of pet food and treats you are permitted to bring into Canada from the United States is restricted.

If you’re bringing dog food into Canada, it must weigh no more than 44 lbs, it must be commercially packaged and produced in the United States, and intended only for the consumption of the dog you are traveling with. You cannot bring dog food into Canada if the dog who will eat it is not physically with you. If you wish to bring a large quantity of dog food into Canada, bear in mind that import permits may be required. It’s always worth checking with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for the latest guidelines before your trip.

Tips for traveling with a dog to Canada

For most dog owners, traveling to Canada accompanied by a dog is a relatively stress-free experience. If your dog is in good health and you have all the relevant documentation, you are unlikely to run into any issues. Purchasing pet protection as part of your travel insurance is also a good idea for extra peace of mind.

Just be sure to travel with adequate space and supplies for your animal, and keep an eye on any extreme temperatures, as dogs can be at risk in hot vehicles. In addition, be sure to take regular travel breaks to allow your dog to stretch and rest. Arriving at the border crossing with a relaxed and content animal will help make your experience even smoother.

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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :
  1. received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
  2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
  3. required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
    1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
    2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.
If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

  • surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
  • medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
  • medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states
Travel Protection Benefits Limits
Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay
Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay $100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included $100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental $750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Up to $500,000
Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage $1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Trip Interruption 2,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 5,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 2,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability 500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage up to 10,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation up to $20,000
Trip Interruption $1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses $5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit $25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident up to $50,000
Baggage $2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash $500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability $500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)