Attention Canadian Gecko Owners, Or Wannabe Owners.

[Lady_Kiya]

Okay, so as many of you Canadians may know it is very hard to find reasonably priced geckos from breeders in Canada. I know if you have had my luck you have run into issues with finding not only a gecko at a good price, but shipping at a good price as well.

So, in my quest to find a way to get geckos from a U.S. breeder I stumbled upon this; http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/turtlese.shtml

Now, as to get further information on the importation of leopard geckos and what exactly would be needed to be able to import them to me from the U.S. I decided to contact someone.

The appropriate person I had to contact in this case was Ms. Chris Paolini - Live Animals & Germplasm. I did not get her on the phone, but I did get her supervisor. I explained the situation to her and she promptly checked her system to see what would be needed for these precious animals to cross the boarder to a new home. After that she told me, NO FORM OF LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION IS NEEDED. To verify, I asked her if there would be any problems at the boarder that would cause these animals to be held back. To which she said, "None at all. There is nothing at all needed to have them cross the boarder."

So, I thought I would share this information with all the Canadian gecko lovers who have been dying to get their hands on geckos from breeders in the states, cause I know I am one of them myself.

Here is the site in case you want to contact the person in your area;

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/conpere.shtml

 

[Haligren]

I know you sent me a note on this but I just wanted to thank you again. lol I couldn't believe it when I first saw that and was looking for anything that would contradict that. Having found nothing and you said that you've talked to a person to verify it I'm all HAPPY. lol

 

[supperl]

I don´t know all about it but I´ve seen many breeders stating they can send to canada.
For example JMG

 

[Haligren]

I think perhaps you might have to have a permit to SELL animals and export them, but I'm not sure. Sometimes Canadian laws can be contridictory. Either that or like I said, it's just really expensive. Like $160-$200 to send ONE live animal.

 

[havbrecis]

I myself have had geckos sent to me from the states to be picked up at my local reptile expo. No problems what so ever.

 

[mynewturtle]

Guys its not hard to find breeders at all.. look around.

Greenknight exotics..
Western Gecko..*I think* Calgary
The Urban Gecko..Ontario
Between a Rock and a hot place.. (Jeremy doesnt have a website)ontario
Reptile Fanatics.. (not sure if they have anything left)ontario
Gecko land (kevin is in manitoba)

Theres a lot more just look around on Canadian forums some people dont post much on there.

 

[2.1SRR.YYC]

There are no restrictions on the importation of leopard geckos from the Canadian side other than paying your GST. This get's quite complex if you're bringing a commercial shipment across the border as now you're dealing with Customs documents. This is all laid out in the reptilescanada.com forum in the Import/Export, Shipping, CITES, FAQ's section BTW.

Import/Export, Shipping, CITES, FAQ's

The problem is not the Canadian side it's the US side. Any and all reptiles leaving the US require a USF&W Inspection ($55 USD) and must be brought across the border with a 3-177 form filled out and signed by the US Exporter. This US Exporter needs to have a USF&W Export Permit ($100 USD/yr). Not all border locations have a USF&W Inspector available so you may have to apply for a Preferred Border Exemption Permit ($100 USD/yr I think) or take your geckos to a crossing with an Inspector.

You'll get many different opinions, from other Canadians, on what's needed to bring leopard geckos across the border but this is the legal and proper way to go about it. If you show up at the border with few geckos, skipping the USF&W stop, and claim ignorance they'll let you through with a slap on the wrist and a "Don't do it again." comment. If you show up with a box full of geckos it may be a different story?

I suggest you do your homework if you want to import legally...

If you can't find what you're looking for in Canada there are a number of us who make buying trips to the US a few times a year that can accomodate you for a fraction of what it would cost you to import on your own. Do we charge for this service? Your damn right we do!!! There are a lot of costs involved. When CAD was at par with USD it was quite attractive to import but now things are different.

My advice to you is look around in Canada first and if you still can't find what you want contact an importer. When people show up at Canadain Customs with a box full of geckos and no paperwork it makes us, as reptile keepers, look bad and may cause more restrictions in the future.

I'm not telling you DON'T IMPORT your geckos I'm asking that if you do decide to import please do it properly...

 

[2.1SRR.YYC]

The problem is not the Canadian side it's the US side. Any and all reptiles leaving the US require a USF&W Inspection ($55 USD) and must be brought across the border with a 3-177 form filled out and signed by the US Exporter.

After further investigation it looks like the requirement for a USF&W Inspection is only for Commercial shipments. Personal importation of reptiles by car is not required to be inspected and will not incur a fee but there will be a fee when using a non-designated port of entry.

The USF&W rates have change as well. It looks like they have a whole new rate structure as of Jan 8, 2009. Of course the rates have gone up!

I'm still trying to digest all this...
http://www.fws.gov/le/AboutLE/InspectionFeeIncreasesLicenseFeeChanges.htm

I'll get back to this thread once I've read and understand the new rates...

 

[Lady_Kiya]

Trust me, I have looked at my Canadian options as far as breeders. Endlessly looking for someone who sells gecko at a decent price. However, usually it is the shipping that kills me in the end. As, one quote I got for shipping alone was $120.00. If there was another way to ship in Canada I would consider it. But I was told that was the only option.

 

[Lady_Kiya]

Guys its not hard to find breeders at all.. look around.

Greenknight exotics..
Western Gecko..*I think* Calgary
The Urban Gecko..Ontario
Between a Rock and a hot place.. (Jeremy doesnt have a website)ontario
Reptile Fanatics.. (not sure if they have anything left)ontario
Gecko land (kevin is in manitoba)

Theres a lot more just look around on Canadian forums some people dont post much on there.

How do you go about viewing the options that do not have a website. I like to see what I am buying before purchasing. Especially in the case of geckos.

 

[2.1SRR.YYC]

I've done a bit more digging and here is what I've found...

as per...
http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/Questions&Answers12092008.pdf

Commercial
For commercial importation of non-cites geckos the following fees are in order...

Designated Port or one that functions as "designated"
$87 base inspection fee (climbing every year to $93 in 2012)

Service-staffed, non-designated port
$136 base inspection fee (climbing every year to $145 in 2012)

None-staffed, non-designated port
DON'T EVEN GO THERE!...you pay travel and per diem expenses

In addition to the base inspection fees above you will pay a "premium fee" of $37 if your shipment contains live wildlife and $37 if the animals are protected (CITES) species. Premium fees apply to all ports. Outside of regular hours your fees go up.


Non-commercial
For non-commercial importation of non-cites geckos the following is the case...

If you import or export your non-commercial shipment at a designated port (or one that functions as designated for the type of wildlife involved), you will not pay a base inspection fee...

You will pay the base inspection fee of $136 if you import or export your non-commercial shipment at either a Service-staffed non-designated port or an unstaffed, non-designated port. (This fee will rise to $145 by 2012.)

Your shipment may also be subject to the new premium fees depending on what you are importing or exporting and how your wildlife is being shipped (see "Premium Fees" below).

If you import or export live or protected wildlife for non-commercial purposes, you will pay a premium fee under the following circumstances:
1) You import or export your shipment at a designated port (or at a port that functions as designated for the type of wildlife involved) and your shipment is being transported by air, ocean, rail or truck cargo.
2) You import or export your wildlife at any non-designated port.

My interpretation is that a personal vehicle is not "truck cargo" hence there is no fee for non-commercial leopard geckos brought across the border. That begs the question; do I even need to stop at the USF&W desk?

as per...
http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/E8-29070-1FinalRule.pdf

Individuals or organizations who import or export shipments that contain protected species or live specimens for noncommercial purposes at designated ports by using the mail, by traveling as passengers, or by using a personal vehicle will be exempt from designated port base inspection fees and premium inspection fees. However, they will still be responsible for overtime fees for any inspections that take place outside normal working hours. These shipments are currently exempt from designated port inspection fees other than overtime charges. We decided to retain this exemption under these circumstances because we do not consistently provide inspection services at mail facilities or passenger terminals, or for personal vehicles.

There you have it...

 

[Haligren]

I've done a bit more digging and here is what I've found...

as per...
http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/Questions&Answers12092008.pdf

Commercial
For commercial importation of non-cites geckos the following fees are in order...

Designated Port or one that functions as "designated"
$87 base inspection fee (climbing every year to $93 in 2012)

Service-staffed, non-designated port
$136 base inspection fee (climbing every year to $145 in 2012)

None-staffed, non-designated port
DON'T EVEN GO THERE!...you pay travel and per diem expenses

In addition to the base inspection fees above you will pay a "premium fee" of $37 if your shipment contains live wildlife and $37 if the animals are protected (CITES) species. Premium fees apply to all ports. Outside of regular hours your fees go up.


Non-commercial
For non-commercial importation of non-cites geckos the following is the case...

If you import or export your non-commercial shipment at a designated port (or one that functions as designated for the type of wildlife involved), you will not pay a base inspection fee...

You will pay the base inspection fee of $136 if you import or export your non-commercial shipment at either a Service-staffed non-designated port or an unstaffed, non-designated port. (This fee will rise to $145 by 2012.)

Your shipment may also be subject to the new premium fees depending on what you are importing or exporting and how your wildlife is being shipped (see "Premium Fees" below).

If you import or export live or protected wildlife for non-commercial purposes, you will pay a premium fee under the following circumstances:
1) You import or export your shipment at a designated port (or at a port that functions as designated for the type of wildlife involved) and your shipment is being transported by air, ocean, rail or truck cargo.
2) You import or export your wildlife at any non-designated port.

My interpretation is that a personal vehicle is not "truck cargo" hence there is no fee for non-commercial leopard geckos brought across the border. That begs the question; do I even need to stop at the USF&W desk?

as per...
http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/E8-29070-1FinalRule.pdf

Individuals or organizations who import or export shipments that contain protected species or live specimens for noncommercial purposes at designated ports by using the mail, by traveling as passengers, or by using a personal vehicle will be exempt from designated port base inspection fees and premium inspection fees. However, they will still be responsible for overtime fees for any inspections that take place outside normal working hours. These shipments are currently exempt from designated port inspection fees other than overtime charges. We decided to retain this exemption under these circumstances because we do not consistently provide inspection services at mail facilities or passenger terminals, or for personal vehicles.

There you have it...

Well I really appreciate you finding all this out for us.

Well let's assume the following scenario just to make sure I understand what I'm reading: I'm looking to have a non-commercial gecko shipped to me in Canada from the US. I remember seeing a list of designated ports somewhere and reading that Vancouver was one of them. So if the gecko came in through Vancouver I MIGHT not be charged a fee based on whether the package arrived when people are working?

If that's true then you just have to make sure your gecko arrives there during designated hours, right? And I guess in order to obtain that you'd just have to get in contact with the wildlife inspections part of the airport (I'm assuming that's where the package would go - Vancouver International Airport.)

Just want to make sure I understand all this. I hate government mumbo jumbo. I had my fill of it when I was getting my permanent residency. @.@

 

[Haligren]

Guys its not hard to find breeders at all.. look around.

Greenknight exotics..
Western Gecko..*I think* Calgary
The Urban Gecko..Ontario
Between a Rock and a hot place.. (Jeremy doesnt have a website)ontario
Reptile Fanatics.. (not sure if they have anything left)ontario
Gecko land (kevin is in manitoba)

Theres a lot more just look around on Canadian forums some people dont post much on there.

Most of the links I've found to Canadian gecko breeders are down. And I am considering buying a gecko from Western Gecko or Urban Gecko (And maybe JMG Reptiles who are based in Ohio but ship to Canada). But I have to say, as nice as those breeders are, we don't have much of a choice. ESPECIALLY in British Columbia. I did a search for breeders in this province and have found ZILCH except for some small, shadey ones that I'm not sure about - they advertise on kijiji.com and the pictures they provide don't exactly encourage me too much. (Saw several pics of a bunch of baby geckos in a small container - they didn't look very healthy either.)

I do have faith that there's probably a lot of breeders here that don't advertise. Apparently there's a breeder in my city but no one seems to know the guy's name! :O

 

[Lady_Kiya]

Most of the links I've found to Canadian gecko breeders are down. And I am considering buying a gecko from Western Gecko or Urban Gecko (And maybe JMG Reptiles who are based in Ohio but ship to Canada). But I have to say, as nice as those breeders are, we don't have much of a choice. ESPECIALLY in British Columbia. I did a search for breeders in this province and have found ZILCH except for some small, shadey ones that I'm not sure about - they advertise on kijiji.com and the pictures they provide don't exactly encourage me too much. (Saw several pics of a bunch of baby geckos in a small container - they didn't look very healthy either.)

I do have faith that there's probably a lot of breeders here that don't advertise. Apparently there's a breeder in my city but no one seems to know the guy's name! :O

I know exactly what you mean. I have checked many listing for breeders. Been up and down the mississauga expo webpage to find breeders there. I have contacted some already. But in a lot of the cases shipping is what really has me stuck. In a lot of cases I would have been paying more for shipping then I was for the gecko itself. I have also had other sites that listed Canadian Breeders and found many of the links were broken or there was no web page found.

 

[havbrecis]

Check out Lizard Lair link on this site. Shes from Montana and has some great offerings at great prices. Im in Ontario and she ships to a guy that attends our local expo and he distributes them. I believe JMG does this as well.

 

[Western Gecko]

Well I really appreciate you finding all this out for us.

Well let's assume the following scenario just to make sure I understand what I'm reading: I'm looking to have a non-commercial gecko shipped to me in Canada from the US. I remember seeing a list of designated ports somewhere and reading that Vancouver was one of them. So if the gecko came in through Vancouver I MIGHT not be charged a fee based on whether the package arrived when people are working?

If that's true then you just have to make sure your gecko arrives there during designated hours, right? And I guess in order to obtain that you'd just have to get in contact with the wildlife inspections part of the airport (I'm assuming that's where the package would go - Vancouver International Airport.)

Just want to make sure I understand all this. I hate government mumbo jumbo. I had my fill of it when I was getting my permanent residency. @.@

You would be covered under the Blaine, WA office and they do mention Vancouver Intl Airport as a location they cover so you would need to contact them if importing from the US into Vancouver. They may have someone stationed in Vancouver during the hunting season. I would imagine that the Premium Fee for an Air shipment would apply.

http://www.fws.gov/pacific/lawenforcement/portbl.html

Yes, these offices are only open during normal business hours. You don't want to pay their OT for after hours work, trust me!!

 

[Western Gecko]

Check out Lizard Lair link on this site. Shes from Montana and has some great offerings at great prices. Im in Ontario and she ships to a guy that attends our local expo and he distributes them. I believe JMG does this as well.

Shelly is great to deal with! Many of the geckos in my collection came from Lizard Lair...

http://www.lizardlair.net/

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I made an inquiry and received this information from the Canadian Dept. of Fish and Wildlife about USA gecko breeders shipping/exporting to Canada:

Dear Marcia,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the exportation of geckos to Canada that will require clearance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Our mission is, working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Since you intend to export these geckos for commercial purposes, consistent with our definition of commercial, regulations contained in Title 50, of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 14.91, require that you must obtain an import/export license prior to engaging in business as an importer or exporter of wildlife or wildlife products. The license is valid for one year from the date of issuance and costs $100.00. In addition, as an import/export license holder, you must pay inspection fees for each wildlife shipment imported or exported under the license. For information on inspection fees and how to calculate the inspection fees that you will be required to pay, please visit our website at: http://www.fws.gov/le/AboutLE/InspectionFeeIncreasesLicenseFeeChanges.htm
Any wildlife shipment would be considered commercial if the shipment is being imported or exported " related to the offering for sale or resale, purchase, trade, barter, or the actual or intended transfer in the pursuit of gain or profit, of any item of wildlife and includes the use of any wildlife article as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting sales."

You can view our complete definition of commercial at the following website: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...iv8&view=text&node=50:1.0.1.2.8.1.7.4&idno=50

You can find the application for an import/export license on our website at the following address: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3_200_3.pdf

An import/export license only authorizes the importation or exportation of wildlife or wildlife products in general terms. Please be advised that this license is in addition to, and not in place of, any other licenses or permits required for protected species of wildlife.

Whether or not these geckos are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), as you prepare to export these geckos out of the United States, you must complete Form 3-177, Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife. You can find this form on our website at the following address: http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/faqs.htm This form is not difficult to complete, although you must provide the scientific name for each species of gecko that you wish to export.

Please have this form completed and have it, and these geckos available for inspection as you prepare to export them out of the United States.

You can export your geckos at any designated port listed at the following address: http://www.fws.gov/le/ImpExp/Designated_Ports.htm or, at any of the ports listed at the following link: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/tex...iv8&view=text&node=50:1.0.1.2.8.2.7.6&idno=50

We require that you contact 48 hours in advance the port where you will be exporting your geckos in order to coordinate their clearance out of the United States.

Thank you for your cooperation in complying with our regulations that help protect fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. Please feel free to respond to this message with any further inquiries that you may have regarding this matter.

 

[KelliH]

Yep, you most definitely need an import/export license to legally ship reptiles to Canada.

 

[Haligren]

Yep, you most definitely need an import/export license to legally ship reptiles to Canada.

Makes sense. But you don't need a license to ship if it's non-commercial right? Like if you're moving and you want to ship your gecko to your new location or if someone wants to give you one as a gift?