New CDC Dog Import Rule Bans Puppies Entering the U.S: Everything You Need to Know
All dogs entering the U.S. from other countries must be at least 6 months old and microchipped under new federal rules published Wednesday. The rules apply to dogs brought in by breeders or rescue groups as well as U.S. travelers' companion pets.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced stricter guidelines on Wednesday for dogs traveling to the United States, prompted by concerns about dogs originating from rabies-prone countries.
The new regulations, which take effect August 1, mandate that all dogs entering the U.S. must be at least six months old and have proof of vaccination if they have been in countries where rabies is prevalent. Additionally, dogs must be microchipped, regardless of their origin.
"These measures aim to address current challenges we're facing," stated Emily Pieracci, a rabies expert at the CDC involved in drafting the updated regulations.
The CDC's decision follows a temporary 2021 order that suspended the entry of dogs from over 100 countries where rabies remains a significant issue. The updated rules seek to ensure that dogs entering the U.S. pose no risk of transmitting rabies, a disease eliminated in domestic dogs in 2007.
Background
Dogs were once common carriers of the rabies virus in the U.S. but the type that normally circulates in dogs was eliminated through vaccinations in the 1970s. The virus invades the central nervous system and is usually a fatal disease in animals and humans. It's most commonly spread through a bite from an infected animal. There is no cure for it once symptoms begin.
With an increasing number of dogs entering the U.S. annually—approximately one million according to recent estimates—regulating their importation has become paramount to safeguarding public health.
The CDC regulations were last updated in 1956, and a lot has changed, Pieracci said. More people travel internationally with their pets, and more rescue groups and breeders have set up overseas operations to meet the demand for pets, she said.
About 1 million dogs enter the U.S. each year.
Four rabid dogs have been identified entering the U.S. since 2015, and officials worried more might get through. There was also an increase of incomplete or fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates and more puppies were denied entry because they weren't old enough to be fully vaccinated.
Key Provisions of the Rule
Effective from August 1 2024, the new CDC rule imposes several key provisions:
Minimum Age Requirement: Puppies under six months old are barred from entering the U.S. This restriction aims to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission from young, unvaccinated animals.
Microchipping Mandate: All dogs entering the U.S., regardless of age, must be microchipped. This measure facilitates the identification and verification of each dog's vaccination status, enhancing traceability and accountability.
Proof of Vaccination: Dogs originating from countries where rabies is prevalent must provide documented proof of vaccination against the disease. This requirement underscores the CDC's commitment to preventing the reintroduction of rabies into the U.S. from high-risk regions.
Stringent Documentation: Importers must adhere to stringent documentation requirements, including completing a new CDC import form and potentially undergoing additional blood testing from CDC-approved laboratories. These measures aim to ensure compliance with vaccination protocols and mitigate the risk of fraudulent documentation.
"These measures aim to address current challenges we're facing," stated Emily Pieracci, a rabies expert at the CDC involved in drafting the updated regulations.
The CDC's decision follows a temporary 2021 order that suspended the entry of dogs from over 100 countries where rabies remains a significant issue. The updated rules seek to ensure that dogs entering the U.S. pose no risk of transmitting rabies, a disease eliminated in domestic dogs in 2007.
However, the new restrictions have sparked criticism from various quarters. Angela Passman, owner of a Dallas-based company assisting with international pet transportation, voiced support for the rules, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of both animals and the public.
Conversely, Jennifer Skiff of Animal Wellness Action criticized some aspects of the regulations as unwarranted and overly burdensome. She argued that certain requirements, such as documenting a dog's travel history for the preceding six months, could prove challenging, particularly in emergency situations.
The Humane Society of the United States also expressed disappointment with the final rule, citing concerns about its potential impact on international rescue efforts and adoptions. While acknowledging the need for disease prevention measures, the organization emphasized the importance of a balanced approach that facilitates legal imports while safeguarding public health.
The implementation of these regulations underscores the complex considerations involved in balancing public safety with the welfare of animals and the needs of their human companions.
Implications and Controversies
While the CDC's ruling is primarily motivated by public health concerns, it has sparked considerable debate and raised several practical and ethical considerations.
The Humane Society of the United States, voiced disappointment with the final rule, highlighting concerns about its adverse impact on rescue operations and adoptions. The organization underscored the need for a nuanced approach that reconciles disease prevention with facilitating legal imports, particularly in light of escalating global emergencies necessitating swift and efficient rescue responses.
Impact on Families and Adoption: Critics argue that the ban on puppies under six months old may disrupt families' plans to reunite with their pets or adopt young dogs from overseas. This restriction could particularly affect military personnel, diplomats, and expatriates returning to the U.S. with their canine companions.
Logistical Challenges: Implementing the new regulations poses logistical challenges for airlines, pet transportation companies, and travelers alike. Ensuring compliance with microchipping and vaccination requirements, especially for dogs originating from remote or underserved regions, may prove cumbersome and resource-intensive.
Humanitarian/Rescue Concerns: Advocates for international rescue efforts and animal welfare organizations have expressed concerns about the rule's potential impact on their operations. Restrictions on puppy imports could hinder efforts to rescue and rehome animals from crisis situations or regions plagued by systemic cruelty, exacerbating their plight.
The CDC's new dog import rule represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and prevent the reintroduction of rabies into the United States. While aimed at bolstering disease prevention measures, the rule's implementation raises complex practical, ethical, and humanitarian considerations.
