Traveling international with pets can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be time-consuming and stressful. Especially when you find yourself stuck waiting in long immigration and airport security lines in the US and Canada with no pet relief area in sight. Luckily, there’s a solution that not only saves you time, but also ensures a smoother journey for your pet: NEXUS.
What is NEXUS?
NEXUS, a Trusted Traveler Program that is jointly run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). NEXUS was designed to expedite the border clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. With a five-year membership and USD 50 application fee until October 1, 2024, having NEXUS makes your travels with your pet between the United States and Canada more efficient.
Can I Use NEXUS with My Pet?
Absolutely! One of the advantages of being a NEXUS cardholder is that your pet automatically benefits from your trusted traveler status without even needing their own Known Traveller Number (KTN). This means that both you and your pet can utilize the dedicated NEXUS and SENTRI lanes at the land border crossings. Don’t forget, you will still need to make a verbal declaration to CBP or CBSA officers that your pet is accompanying you, and present any required documentation, such as health certificates or a valid certificate of rabies vaccination.
Is NEXUS Right for You?
If you and your pet are frequent travelers between the United States and Canada, especially by land, NEXUS is worth applying for if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Canadian citizen, Canadian permanent residents, or Mexican national
- Travel more than twice per year between the US and Canada, or internationally, by both land or air
- Find yourself (and your pet) tired of waiting in long security screening and immigration queues.
How NEXUS Has Made Recent Travels With My Dogs Easier
After recently being approved for NEXUS and already having used it at Preclearance at BDA, upon arrival at YVR, and at both of the Blaine/Surrey land border crossings, I’ve experienced firsthand how valuable being a member of this Trusted Traveler Program is for me and my dogs; Chewie and Leia.
For example, a few weeks ago, Chewie and I were returning to British Columbia after a day of cross-border shopping and we only needed to wait behind two cars in the NEXUS lane rather than behind more than a dozen cars in the regular lanes! The estimated total time saved was about 20 minutes thanks to my NEXUS card.
Conclusion
Not sure which program is best for you? I recommend using the tool here the TTP DHS website to receive a personalized recommendation of which Trusted Traveler Program is best for you. The tool will rank different programs based on your travel preferences and nationality. If you are not eligible for NEXUS, then check if you are eligible to use ArriveCAN or MPC applications to streamline your arrivals at major US and Canada airports.
I prioritize the comfort and well-being of my pets and my clients’ pets during travel. That’s why I think applying for NEXUS, or another Trusted Traveler Program best for you, is worth it as a traveler with pets.
