Is it legal to pass pets past the American border to Canada?

Visiting Canada for at least a month?

• I recently just came back (2 hours ago to be precise) from spending time in Canada for about 4 days. It was my first time visiting Canada and at first they gave me some trouble at the border and had to check things like criminal records (probably because of my attire). I showed them my return ticket which was to be June 15 and when I finally got through, the lady officer stapled a document to my passport detailing that I need to leave Canada by June 16. This was to visit my girlfriend in Kingston, Ontario (I live in Brooklyn, New York) and I took the greyhound. The question is, if I wanted to visit again soon for longer, like about at least a month or two, what would be some good tips or details you guys could give me to make the border crossing go smoother. The reason why I ask is because I can't help but believe that the only reason they let me through in the end is because of such a short visit duration of 4 days and that I had my return ticket anyway. I had about $300 with me at the time when they asked how much money I had with me. And I know they want to make sure you have enough money depending on the duration of your stay but the didn't even ask to see my $300. So I'm wondering things like, how much cash should I have with me if I wanted to visit my girlfriend for a month or two months (probably more if possible if anyone has any ideas feel free). I also want other info such as what I should say or do. I did say yes to the officer to take my fingerprints after she let me through and stated that I could say no to it but I allowed her anyway considering I had nothing to hide and have no criminal record. She said this would make my next visit go smoother so I wonder how much that will affect my chances of getting through if I wanted to go through the border again for a much longer visit. One of the american officers on my way back a few hours ago when I asked him how much I should bring he stated $500 is okay for a month. If anyone has any extra ideas or tips please be kind enough to share as my girlfriend and I really want to see each other alot for the next 3 years until she can come here after University. One of the ideas I have so far is I could say I'm staying at a friend's house in Toronto (which is close to Kingston, Ontario) and that friend has a job and has his own house (this so far is true) so that I don't have to bring a ridiculous amount of money to pass for the long stay. And then just stay with my girlfriend in her university dorm instead. I'd be basically just referencing my friend as the one "to take care and house me" which of course is the lie part of this idea. So if you think this is a good idea or have better suggestions please respond. Thank you.

• Answer:

  Here's what I'd do: 1) dress conservative - jeans, clean shirt, nothing outrageous, decent haircut. 2) have a return ticket - even if it's open for two months (meaning return can be made any time during this time). ask for the two months entry into your passport - travel within Canada is the reason. 3) be polite, answer the question they ask but don't volunteer extra info 4) if you have a credit card, tell them you have one. this makes the money question a non issue. 5) get the ticket to Toronto and return, give your friend's address as your first stop. ensure the friend knows! do drop by then, say hello and then move on to Kingston - new Greyhound ticket. all they really want to know, is that you plan to go back home and not go "underground". the questions are designed to elicit this from you. here's the exact wording from Immigration: To visit Canada, you must: * have a valid travel document, such as a passport * be in good health * satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin * satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit and * have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.