NEW RULES FOR TRAVELING TO UNITED STATES WITH DOGS

If you travel with your dog, especially between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, please be aware of new Centers of Disease Control (CDC) entry rules that go into effect on August 1st. These new rules are designed to prevent the re-introduction of rabies into the country, and apply to all dogs entering the U.S., with no exceptions.

In summary, all dogs entering the U.S. must:

• Be at least 6 months of age at time of entry or return to the United States
• Have an implanted International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip
• This must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination
• The microchip number must be documented on all required forms and in all accompanying veterinary records
• Appear healthy upon arrival
• Dogs may not enter the United States if they are carrying a disease contagious to people.
• Isolation of the dog, veterinary examination, and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, may be required to determine if the dog has a contagious disease and prevent spread if the dog does not appear healthy upon arrival.
• Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (available beginning July 15)
• This form should be filled out online ideally 2-10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing) if you have internet access. If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate you are making changes to an existing form. All information, including port of entry where the dog is arriving, must be correct at time of arrival.
• This form requires you to upload a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. Dogs that will be less than one year of age at time of arrival should have the photograph taken within 10 days before arrival.
• There is no charge for submitting this form.
• Have additional documentation which varies depending on where the dog has been in the 6 months before entering or returning to the United States, or if the dog has a current rabies vaccine administered in the United States