The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new regulations governing the importation of dogs.
According to the agency, dogs entering the United States as of Aug. 1 must:
- Appear healthy on arrival.
- Be at least 6 months old.
- Be microchipped.
- Have a CDC Dog Import Permit.
Other requirements depend on a dog’s arrival time, the dog’s location in the prior six months, and where the dog received a rabies vaccination.
The rules apply to all dogs, including service animals and dogs that left but are returning to the United States, regardless of ownership.
Cat importation requirements will not change unless a feline dies or becomes ill en route to or upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
The CDC’s updated regulations aim to protect people and animals from canine rabies, which was eradicated in the United States in 2007 but remains a problem in more than 100 countries. The temporary suspension of importing dogs from countries with a high rabies risk will expire when the updated regulations go into effect.
The CDC encouraged travelers to use the DogBot question-and-answer tool at bit.ly/3VdRSik to determine which rules apply to their dogs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, quoting President Dr. Rena Carlson, backs the new regulations.
“The AVMA continues to support the CDC’s efforts to improve dog importation standards and is pleased to see the implementation of this new rule that will help protect public health and positively impact canine health and welfare,” Dr. Carlson said.