shipping/bringing fish from USA?

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Long story but I will try to keep it short...This was trying to bring a fish across the boarder by plane but customs is customs...

I was moving back to vancouver from Miami. I had a puffer there for three years and did not want to give him up. I was told it would be no problem taking him across the boarder because he is just one fish and a "pet", not for sale. I knew they would need me to open the container I was shipping him in but figured it would be no big deal. So I get to the airport and they want to see the fish. I get sent to a seperate room for more "paper work". First Im told that no I can't take him because I need a permit. Then another officer says its fine but I have to fill out another form. I fill out the form, only to find out that he thought I had the permit...back to square one. The first officer continues to tell me its a stupid fish and to get another, that it could have disease or that it could even be smuggling drugs!!! (He was a huge puffer). All this time, the bag INSIDE the box that I had filled with pure oxygen for the trip is open and the puffer is freaking out with everyone coming to see him. I felt so bad for him. This went on right until the plane was boarding and I had to leave without him...Never was able to find out what they did with my big buddy but I can't imagine anyone took care of him

My point I guess is, there is not only no need to get fish from across the boarder but it can turn into a disaster. As it is now, you cannot just go down and bring fish back without a CITIES permit. Some officers may let you but why take that chance? The only place I have seen much better livestock than here in Vancouver was in Florida. It was much cheaper and way more selection but they can't ship here.

Just order from J&L...