It’s common to want to bring a keepsake home from a trip. It can serve as a reminder of the good times or show off your experiences. But there are some things you should never bring back home with you from another country. Here are three things to always leave where you found them.

Plants
Some plants can carry pests and diseases that can damage Canadian agriculture and the environment. Plants from other countries could introduce invasive species or diseases. Take only photos and leave plants behind – no matter how beautiful or exotic they may be.

Animals or pets
If you discover and fall in love with a furry friend during your trip, be aware of the strict rules about bringing an animal into Canada. These requirements are in place to keep animals safe and healthy, while also preventing the spread of diseases, such as dog rabies. Dogs are the primary carriers of a strain of this deadly disease, which can affect us, our wildlife, and our pets.

Risky food products
Certain foods could also spread animal diseases like African swine fever. Known as ASF, this disease doesn’t infect humans, but it’s deadly to pigs and could seriously hurt farms and the pork industry here in Canada if it arrived. So never pack pork products or food containing pork to bring home, even if they are cured or smoked. If you do bring any food or animal products, be sure to declare them at the border or you could risk facing a penalty of more than a thousand dollars.

Find more information about ASF and the risk of international pork products at inspection.canada.ca/protect-pigs