WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced new, streamlined guidelines for bringing dogs into the United States from rabies-free and low-risk countries. The updated rules, which take effect on August 1, 2024, aim to safeguard public health and prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies into the country.
The CDC’s new regulations simplify the process for dog importation, addressing concerns from the public, industry partners, and international stakeholders. These changes are designed to make it easier for dog owners and airlines while maintaining strict health protections.
New Requirements for Dog Importation
Under the new guidelines, dogs that have spent the last six months in rabies-free or low-risk countries will be allowed to enter the United States with a CDC Import Form online submission receipt. This form can be completed on the day of travel, and the receipt can be shown to airlines and border officials either as a printed copy or on a phone. The receipt will be valid for six months from the date of issuance and can be used for multiple entries.
All imported dogs must have a microchip and be over six months of age. These requirements aim to ensure that dogs entering the country are healthy and traceable.
Flexibility and Efficiency
The revised rules offer greater flexibility for dog owners and the airline industry. The CDC has introduced a waiver process for airlines to facilitate smoother operations. This update responds to feedback from various quarters, seeking to balance ease of travel with public health priorities.
High-Risk Countries
For dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries, additional documents and requirements will still apply. This measure ensures that dogs from regions with higher risks undergo more stringent checks to prevent the spread of rabies.
Protecting Public Health
The CDC’s primary mission is to protect the health of U.S. communities and animals. Dog rabies is a serious concern, and the agency’s efforts are focused on preventing its reintroduction into the United States. The new rules are part of a broader strategy to maintain the country’s rabies-free status.
Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including humans. The United States has been free of dog rabies since 2007, thanks to rigorous vaccination and importation protocols. However, the risk of reintroduction remains, particularly from countries where dog rabies is still prevalent.
Streamlining Travel
The updated guidelines are expected to streamline travel for pet owners, making it easier to bring dogs into the country without compromising on safety. By allowing the CDC Import Form to be filled out on the day of travel, the process becomes more convenient and less time-consuming.
The new rules also provide clarity for airlines, who have been seeking more straightforward procedures for transporting pets. The waiver process introduced by the CDC will help airlines better manage the logistics of dog importation.
Enhancing Traveler Convenience and Public Health
The CDC’s updated dog importation rules represent a significant step in ensuring both public health and convenience for travelers. As the new guidelines take effect on August 1, 2024, they promise to make the process of bringing dogs into the United States more manageable while maintaining the highest standards of health protection.
For dog owners planning to travel to the U.S. from rabies-free or low-risk countries, the new rules offer a more flexible and efficient system. With the CDC’s continued vigilance, the goal of keeping the United States free of dog rabies remains firmly in sight.
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