Found a tick? Send it to us!

We've had a great response the last few weeks to Pets and Ticks, including many online submissions via the Pet Tick Tracker. Thank you!

In an effort to collect more information on the ticks in Canada, we have decided to accept tick samples that have been found on companion animals. This program is an additional component to the online Pet Tick Tracker and not a replacement. It is your choice to send in the sample once you have completed the online submission. If you only complete the online form, that's okay too! You might already know what type of tick it is, especially if you have training in tick identification.

Here are some of the key details of this pilot program:

1. Only ticks collected from companion animals (e.g., dogs, cats, horses) living in Canada will be accepted. No human samples or samples submitted by residents of other countries will be accepted.

2. The data collected are for surveillance and research purposes only. We are unable to provide any guarantee for turn-around time for results of identification. No specific pathogen testing will be conducted and no clinical guidance can be provided.

3. At this time, each submitter is responsible for covering the cost of shipping the sample.

If you have a sample to submit, please fill out the Pet Tick Tracker online submission form. The sample submission form is accessible after you have entered the details online. Information on how to prepare your sample and where to send it are provided on the form. Only samples received with a completed form will be examined.

Thank you in advance for your participation in the pilot program!

KMC