A few weeks ago, we informed you about upcoming changes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the entry of dogs into the United States. Initially, these changes would have introduced several new requirements, including the need for a “Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination” form to be electronically submitted and endorsed by a USDA officer for all dogs entering from foreign countries, including Canada and Mexico.
Good news!
The CDC has since revised its plan, simplifying the process based on feedback from various countries, industry partners, and the public. Under the updated regulations, which take effect on August 1, 2024, dogs entering the U.S. from rabies-free or low-risk countries like Canada and Mexico will only need their owners to complete a Dog Import Form prior to arrival in addition to any items required by transportation companies and local governments. You can find instructions and a link to the form here: Dog Import Form Instructions.
As a reminder, please bring a copy of your dog’s up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate. While the CDC doesn’t require proof of current rabies vaccination, Canadian regulations do, and the state of Washington also mandates it. Additionally, all dogs entering the U.S. must be at least six months old, appear healthy, and be microchipped with a chip detectable by a universal scanner.
The CDC’s new requirements are part of ongoing efforts to prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies into the U.S. and to address issues like fraudulent vaccine documentation and unsafe conditions for dogs at ports of entry.
Here’s a quick summary of the key changes:
For All Dogs:
- Age Requirement: All dogs must be at least six months old to enter the U.S.
- Health: Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
- Microchipping: All dogs must be microchipped, and the microchip must be detectable with a universal scanner.
- Dog Import Form: A CDC Dog Import Form must be completed and submitted by the owner before the dog enters the U.S. This form generates a receipt that should be printed or kept digitally for travel. The receipt is valid for six months and can be used for repeated entries, provided the dog hasn’t been to a high-risk rabies country during that time.
For Dogs from Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries:
- Documentation: No additional documentation is required beyond the Dog Import Form.
For Dogs from High-Risk Rabies Countries:
- U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs: These dogs need a USDA-endorsed “Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination” form.
- Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs: These dogs must have a “Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip” form and may need to undergo a physical exam, revaccination, and a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility if they don’t have proof of an adequate rabies titer.
Owners should begin preparing for these requirements 30-90 days ahead of a dog’s entry into the U.S., especially if the dog has spent time in a high-risk rabies country. If a dog is leaving the U.S. with its owner and plans to return, a physical exam and necessary documentation should be completed and sent for endorsement before departure.
Ultimately, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to complete and submit the CDC Dog Import Form 2-10 days before returning to the U.S.
Stay Updated:
Since regulations may continue to evolve, it’s a good idea to check the CDC’s website before completing any documentation.