As a Travel Consultant, I wanted to pass on a few helpful hints to those
people traveling to Toronto for the Ferret 2000 Symposium.
 
First, the entry requirements are as follows:
"CANADA - Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID required.
Minors (under 16)traveling alone or in someone else s custody, must
present written authorization signed before a notary from the parent(s) or
guardian.  Visa not required for U.S.  citizens entering from the U.S. for
a stay up to 180 days.  Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI
charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General
before travel.  Any questions, you should contact The Canadian Embassy,
501 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.  20001 (202/682-1740) or
nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2700), MI (313/567-2085), NY
(212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1777).  Proof of Citizenship
can be a certified (original) birth certificate, Certificate of
Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a
Citizen of the United States.  To prove identity, a valid driver s license
or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you
by physical description or photograph."
 
This is taken from the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular
Affairs.  Please keep in mind that the Birth Certificate MUST have the
RAISED SEAL!  Without the seal, it is just a copy and not a valid piece of
identification!  The chances are that people driving in will probably not
even be asked to provide this documentation-however, if you don't have it
and you are stopped-you could be up the proverbial creek!  Same with people
flying in...it's better to be safe than sorry!
 
You may also want to have your local bank order Canadian Funds for you now.
You can exchange your money at exchange stations near the border...but you
will pay a fee for this service!  I ordered some from my bank and was told
it would take 7-10 days to get the currency in-but I have a very, very
rural bank.  Just in case...you may want to check with your bank now...
or pay the fee later!  Also, AAA does have Canadian Travelers Checks
available.
 
If you are taking your ferrets you will need a signed statement from your
Vet giving a complete description of the animal, the animal's general
health, and a record of the vaccinations.  Chances are you won't even be
asked...but again, if you asked, you'd better be able to produce these
documents!
 
Hope this helps!
 
=====
Judy Cooke
Tyson, Hope, and Einstein
 
"The world is made up for the most part of morons and natural tyrants,
sure of themselves, strong in their own opinions, never doubting anything."
Clarence Darrow
[Posted in FML issue 3164]