The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced changes to the import requirements for dogs entering the United States, coming into effect on Aug. 1 and impacting all dogs entering the country.
Under the new regulations, all dogs entering the United States must be at least six months of age, have a microchip compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), have a CDC dog import form receipt (available starting July 15) that was submitted through the CDC website, and have additional documentation depending on the breed of dog, including its whereabouts in the six months prior to entering the U.S., its rabies vaccination status, and its apparent health on arrival.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said in a statement that it is working with the CDC to finalize the documents needed and the process for dogs travelling south of the border. Further guidance was said to be provided as soon as it becomes available.
In the meantime, the CFIA is encouraging dog owners and exporters to prepare in advance. They should contact a licensed veterinarian for an appointment to implant an ISO-compliant microchip if needed for their dog and to obtain veterinary records, such as vaccination certificates, invoices, purchase records, etc., from at least six months to one year prior to the travel date. They should ensure that the microchip number is accurately recorded on all veterinary documentation.
As well, they should make sure that the dog’s rabies vaccine is up to date. While a rabies vaccination is not currently a mandatory requirement by the CDC or the U.S. Department of Agriculture for personal pet dogs that have been in Canada for over six months, it could be required in certain situations once the process is finalized. Further, dogs are subject to state requirements, some of which may require a rabies vaccination.
It was noted that a rabies vaccination is required by the majority of provinces and territories and is required by CFIA for dogs entering Canada. For the rabies vaccination to be considered valid by the CDC, it should be done after the implantation of the ISO-compliant microchip.
Dogs travelling before Aug. 1 must comply with the current requirements from other federal agencies and state authorities.
Complete import requirements can be found on the CDC’s website.
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