There are new rules for dogs from the CDC
New rules for dogs being brought into the U.S. go into effect later this summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Starting Aug. 1, dogs reentering or entering the U.S. for the first time must be at least six months old, be microchipped, appear healthy upon arrival and be accompanied by a receipt for a CDC Dog Import Form online submission. Proof of rabies vaccinations may be required based on where the dog has been for the last six months and whether it was vaccinated in the U.S. or elsewhere, U.S. Border and Customs Patrol said.
The rules will apply to all dogs entering the U.S.– including puppies, service animals and dogs that left the country but are returning. It also covers any dog owner whether they are a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident or foreign national.
“If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States. If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated—not where the dog was born or where it lives,” CDC said in a statement.
To assist travelers, CDC has DogBot which can help determine criteria for your animal based on dates of travel and where the dog is traveling from.
The changes come following an update of CDC’s importation regulations that address travelers who bring animals into the U.S. The regulations particularly target rabies, which is uncontrolled in more than 100 countries, the agency said, “creating a risk to the U.S. in imported dogs.”
“Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority. Each dog imported with rabies could infect people and other animals and could cost more than half a million dollars to contain,” CDC said.