U.S. Drops Planned Regulations for Dogs Crossing Border from Rabies-Free Countries
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has rescinded its planned regulations requiring dog owners crossing the border from Canada to complete extensive paperwork this summer, the agency announced on Monday.
In May, the CDC had proposed new rules aimed at preventing the entry of dog-variant rabies into the country. These regulations would have mandated that dogs be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by two forms, including one signed by a veterinarian. The forms were to include photos of the dog’s teeth and would be verified by border agents upon arrival.
These changes, set to take effect on August 1, had faced strong opposition from veterinary associations, the tourism industry, and the Canadian federal government. Canadian officials were seeking an exemption due to Canada’s rabies-free status.
Last week, Health Minister Mark Holland announced a partial exemption and expressed hope for a grace period. The CDC’s announcement on Monday provides further relief.
“These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule, and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries,” the CDC stated.
Under the new guidelines, as long as a dog has been in a low-risk or rabies-free country for the last six months, it can cross the border with just an import form that can be completed online on the day of travel.
This change has alleviated some concerns among advocates, including those pushing for an exemption for service dogs. However, Michelle Barlak, a public relations specialist with The Seeing Eye, a New Jersey-based non-profit that trains guide dogs and handlers, noted that challenges remain.
“Unfortunately, the CDC dog import form, which is still required in all cases, is inaccessible to those using screen readers to access the page,” Barlak said in an email on Monday. Additionally, handlers from high-risk rabies countries will still need to comply with the original requirements starting August 1.
The CDC’s list of high-risk rabies countries includes popular vacation destinations such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam. Without an exemption, any service dog handler who has traveled to one of these countries in the previous six months would have to meet the CDC’s stringent requirements, even if they reside in Canada or another rabies-free country.
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