04/16/2026
To my valued clients,
I would be so pleased to be able to send my Canadian handmade ruffs to American cats and their people. Yesterday, I made my first attempt in over a year to ship a single tier ruff to a client south of the border. It didn't quite work out, but I've but learned a few facts in the process. To ship my ruffs, it is a requirement that I process each shipment through your government’s customs software, provide personal details, and submit a photo of the goods. This software adjudicates the photo, then applies an $8.00 CAD duty and taxes on a $30 Canadian hand-made product as seen above. This cost must be paid online before I am able to ship over the border with Canada Post. Additionally, actual shipping costs have increased due to associated shipping rules, and my ruffs will now need to be sent as parcels, and can no longer be flat shipped. Yes - it is ridiculously complex and rather expensive for a casual maker of a helpful cat care item. I'm willing to jump through the hoops, if you feel able to cover these costs. The estimated inclusive shipping cost for one ruff heading south is around $23.00 CAD. Multiples in one package would incur a further charge of $8.00 CAD per added item. I truly understand (and directly experience) how very discouraging these policies are. I hope one day our countries will once again enjoy a supportive alliance. I hope you get to read this before it is “removed.” Big thanks to everyone for your understanding and continued interest in my ruffs. i
