Hi all,
I’m planning a move from Ontario to California at the end of July and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s gone through a similar relocation, especially with pets.
We’ll be moving with a large dog and 5 budgie birds, and I’m trying to make sure we handle everything properly without running into last-minute issues.
For the birds specifically, I understand:
A vet needs to complete an export health certificate
It then needs CFIA endorsement before travel
Where I’m getting stuck is finding a vet who is both CFIA-accredited and experienced with birds, so if anyone has recommendations or has gone through this process, I’d love to hear how you handled it.
More broadly, I’d really appreciate insight on:
How you managed the overall move (timing, sequencing, anything you’d do differently)
Pet logistics (especially flying vs driving, documentation, stress management, etc.)
Any surprises at the border or with paperwork, Tips for making the transition smoother for animals
Even if your situation wasn’t identical, any lessons learned or things to watch out for would be super helpful.
Thanks so much in advance!