The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced new regulations for bringing dogs into the United States, effective August 1, 2024. The updated rules aim to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies into the country, which was eliminated in 2007.
The new regulations require all dogs entering the US to:
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Be at least 6 months old
- Be microchipped
- Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, filled out online 2-10 days before arrival
Additionally, dogs from high-risk countries must meet further requirements, including:
- Rabies vaccination
- Titer results from blood serology tests
- Quarantine at an animal care facility for 28 days if titer results are not available upon arrival
The CDC has also extended its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk countries until July 31, 2024.
The new rules have received mixed reactions. Animal advocacy groups like Animal Wellness Action have expressed concerns that the regulations are excessive and costly, particularly the requirement for titer tests to be done in CDC-approved laboratories, which may not be available in all countries.
On the other hand, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports the CDC's efforts to improve dog importation standards, citing the importance of protecting public health and canine welfare.
The CDC encourages dog owners to plan ahead and use their personalized question-and-answer tool, "DogBot," to determine the specific requirements for their dogs based on travel dates, country of origin, and vaccination history.
Overall, the updated regulations aim to ensure that dogs entering the US are healthy and vaccinated against rabies, reducing the risk of reintroducing the disease into the country.
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