New rules for traveling with dogs to the USA kicked into effect August 1st 2024, in an effort to decrease import of dogs with Rabies virus and decrease Rabies vaccine certificate fraud.
The Center for disease control (CDC) in the USA announced complicated and strict new rules in June of this year, which led to immediate backlash from Canadian officials, US veterinarians and foreign governments. It was a“very poorly thought-out bit of business” in the opinion of Canada’s Health Minister.
The CDC announced last week that it listened to its critics and relaxed the strict rules.
The requirements now depend on where the dog has been in the last 6 months and how old it is.
Dogs from Rabies-free and Low Risk Countries:
Owners must fill out an import form prior to the border crossing.
Dogs must be:
- At least 6 months old!
- Appear healthy
- Microchipped
Note, proof of Rabies vaccination is not required.
Dogs from high risk countries or visited a high risk country in the past 6 months:
The requirements differ depending on where the dog was vaccinated.
US Vaccinated dogs:
- Import Form
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Microchip implanted before the Rabies vaccination
- At least 6 months old!
Foreign Vaccinated dogs:
- Import Form
- Rabies and Microchip form certified by government vet
- Rabies Serology titre (blood test to check for vaccination for Rabies)
- If no valid serology titre, mandatory 28 day quarantine at a CDC facility
- At least 6 months old!
Unvaccinated dogs from high risk countries:
No entry is permitted.
Any puppy under 6 months of age, from any country:
No entry is permitted
Aww, C’mon man!
Why the fuss?
Imported dogs from high risk countries bring the Rabies virus to the US. This virus is deadly to other pets and humans. In the last few years, a few dogs imported from the Middle East later developed Rabies, with one veterinary technician being bitten.
The discovery of fraudulent Rabies vaccine certificates has increased significantly also.
But why are puppies no longer allowed?
The primary reason is the difficulty in accurately determining the age of younger puppies, which is crucial for verifying whether they are adequately protected against rabies.
In my personal opinion, this rule is aimed at slowing the flow of foreign “puppy mill” and “rescue organization” puppies that are brought to the US to be sold in that lucrative market. This may promote healthier, more ethical breeding and adoption practices.
Where it may break down:
Prior to August 1, many dogs were imported into Canada from high risk countries and then immediately shuttled across the border into the US because of the relaxed rules between Canada and the US. Perhaps the absolute ban on moving puppies under 6 months will decrease this dark side of the pet trade.
For dogs over 6 months, as far as I can see, an owner only needs to declare on the form that the dog has been in Canada for the previous 6 months, and no proof is required.
Collateral Damage:
- Legitimate breeders with healthy, vaccinated pups (puppies can be vaccinated as early as 12 weeks of age).
- Owners in border towns that need to travel with puppies for veterinary care.
- Owners that want to travel with pups for vacations, dog sporting events and other reasons.
