SEATTLE — New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements for dogs entering the U.S. go into effect Aug. 1. Here's what you should know.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations said the new requirements are meant to better protect dogs against rabies.
The rules apply to travelers crossing the border back into the U.S. from Canada, in addition to other situations.
Changes to CDC requirements include the following. Dogs must:
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Be at least six months of age
- Be microchipped
- Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt
Additionally, proof of rabies vaccination may be required based on where the dog has been in the last six months and whether the dog was vaccinated in the United States or elsewhere, according to CBP.
If a dog does not meet the requirements, it will not be allowed in the U.S. and will be sent back to where the trip originated, not the country where the dog lives, according to the CDC. This includes service dogs and dogs born in the U.S.
According to the CDC, dog rabies is not controlled in over 100 countries. CBP said dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies must be protected against rabies.
“Regulating dog importation helps protect the health and safety of people and their pets,” said Port Director Donovan Delude. “The rabies variant carried by dogs was eliminated in the U.S. in 2007 and we’re working diligently in concert with the Center for Disease Control to prevent its reintroduction.”
Visit CBP.gov/travel for additional information on animal imports and more.
