New Federal Rules Effective August 1
Starting August 1, dogs entering the United States must comply with new federal import requirements aimed at preventing the reintroduction of canine rabies. These requirements mandate that dogs be at least 6 months old and microchipped to ensure the country remains free from this deadly disease.
CDC Updates and Regulations
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will officially publish updated dog and cat importation regulations on May 13 in the Federal Register. These changes align closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health’s standards for the international movement of dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies.
In a statement, the CDC emphasized that the regulation addresses recent challenges with international dog importations, including fraudulent documentation and unsafe housing conditions for dogs that did not meet entry requirements. The CDC’s temporary suspension of dog importations from over 100 high-risk countries, initiated in 2021 due to public health concerns, will expire when the new regulation takes effect on August 1.
Prior and New Requirements
Before the CDC suspension, about 1 million dogs were imported into the U.S. annually, requiring a rabies vaccination certificate for dogs from high-risk countries. No documentation was necessary for dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries. The U.S. has been free of canine rabies since 2007.
Under the new CDC rule, all dogs entering the country must:
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Be at least 6 months old
- Have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted before any required rabies vaccinations
- Be accompanied by a “CDC Dog Import Form” receipt
Additional documents may be required depending on the dog’s travel history and vaccination status in the United States.
High-Risk Country Requirements
Dogs from high-risk rabies countries must also:
- Arrive via air at a port with a CDC-registered animal care facility (ACF)
- Have a reservation at an ACF before arrival
- Have a valid rabies titer from a CDC-approved lab or undergo a 28-day quarantine at an ACF
Cat Importation Regulations
There are no new import requirements for cats unless a cat is found ill or dead en route to or upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
Resources and Support
The CDC offers a question-and-answer tool on its website to help travelers determine the applicable rules for their dogs based on travel dates, origin, and vaccination status.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports the updated regulation. The AVMA has been working with Congress on legislation, such as the Healthy Dog Importation Act, to reduce unhealthy dog imports into the U.S.
“The AVMA continues to support the CDC’s efforts to improve dog importation standards and is pleased to see the implementation of this new rule that will help protect public health and positively impact canine health and welfare,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, AVMA president.
Key Takeaways
- New dog import requirements effective August 1 to prevent rabies
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old and microchipped
- High-risk country dogs need additional documentation and may require quarantine
- Updated regulations align with international standards and address recent import challenges
- AVMA and CDC provide resources to ensure compliance and protect public health
For more detailed information, visit the CDC website and use their question-and-answer tool to determine specific import requirements based on your dog’s travel and vaccination details.
