Also see: Pet Birds from the United States
For import purposes, the expression "pet bird" means a personally
owned and cared for bird, and applies only to species commonly known as
"caged" birds such as psittacines, love birds, song birds, canaries,
finches, cardinals, etc. The expression does not apply to pigeons, doves,
species of wild or domesticated fowl, or game birds.
- Restrictions related to avian
influenza:
The importation of pet birds from certain countries has been suspended due to
highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). To inquire as to which
countries are suspended, please contact the CFIA office in your
area.
- Bird owners traveling to Mexico by land,
through the United States:
Due to the fact that most of Mexico is not considered to be free of Newcastle
Disease, birds returning to Canada from Mexico, cannot enter back into the
United States, by land. Alternative arrangements must be made, prior to
departure. For more details on re-entry into Canada, please contact your local
CFIA office.
An import permit issued by the CFIA Area Office must accompany the
shipment. Before issuance can be considered, you must:
- Contact the appropriate Import Officer, request an
application form, complete the form, and forward it to the regional office with
an originally signed declaration of the following:
- that the birds have been in your possession, as personally-owned pets for
at least ninety (90) days immediately prior to applying (proof of ownership
must be provided); and
- that the birds have not been in contact with any other birds while in your
possession; and
- at neither you nor members of your family have imported pet birds into
Canada during the preceding ninety (90) days; and
- that you will personally accompany the birds from the country of origin to
Canada.
- Arrange for the inspection and approval of your
proposed Canadian premises for the quarantine of the birds. To arrange for the
inspection of your premises, you should contact the CFIA Area Import Office in the
province into which you are going to reside.
Upon receipt of the above information and a report approving your premises
for the quarantine of the birds, the office will be in a position to consider
issuance of the import permit.
The essential conditions under which such birds are permitted to enter
Canada are:
- The original import permit issued by the regional office must accompany the
birds to Canada.
- The original import permit issued by the regional office must accompany the
birds to Canada.
- It is recommended that the birds be treated, by the owner, for
psittacosis-ornithosis during the quarantine period, which is a minimum of
forty-five (45) days.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
It is the importer's responsibility to determine whether the species for
importation is subject to the controls imposed by the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES), which are administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Please contact the
Canadian Wildlife Service for information.
Comments or requests for additional information.