New CDC Rules Reshape Dog Travel to the United States: What Pet Owners Need to Know

As of August 1, 2024, bringing a furry friend into the United States has become a more complex process. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented new regulations aimed at preventing the reintroduction of canine rabies into the country. These rules, which apply to all dogs entering the U.S. by air, land, or sea, have significant implications for international travelers, expatriates, service members, and anyone looking to import a dog from abroad.

The Basics: A New Form for All

At the heart of the new regulations is the CDC Dog Import Form, now required for every canine entering the country, regardless of its origin. This online form, which is free to complete, serves as the cornerstone of the CDC’s efforts to track and manage canine imports.

“The form is straightforward for no-risk travel, requiring such basic information as the dog’s name, age and breed, and your departure country and arrival date,” explains a CDC spokesperson. For dogs coming from low-risk or rabies-free countries, this form may be the only documentation needed. However, the requirements become more stringent for dogs that have been in high-risk countries within the past six months.

High-Risk vs. Low-Risk: A Crucial Distinction

The CDC maintains a list of countries considered high-risk for canine rabies, which currently includes popular destinations such as China, Thailand, and as of August 1, 2024, Israel. Dogs that have been in these countries face additional hurdles for entry into the U.S.

For U.S.-vaccinated dogs returning from high-risk countries, owners must provide both the CDC Dog Import Form and a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form. This certification must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.

The most stringent requirements apply to foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries. These animals need the CDC form, a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, a valid rabies serology titer from a CDC-approved laboratory, and a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility for examination and revaccination upon arrival.

Kimberly Graner, COO of CDC-registered animal care facility Tailwind Global Pet, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead: “Travelers must plan months ahead when exporting their pet overseas and when re-entering the United States from high-risk rabies countries. It’s complicated to travel from high-risk countries, and each scenario is different, depending on the country, airline, and pet.”

Entry Points and Age Restrictions

Another significant change is the limitation on entry points for foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries. These animals can only enter the U.S. through six designated airports: Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington Dulles (IAD).

Additionally, all dogs entering the U.S. must now be at least six months old. This age restriction aims to ensure that puppies have reached an appropriate age for effective rabies vaccination.

Microchips: A New Requirement

Under the new rules, all dogs must have a microchip that is readable by universal scanners. This microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered, or the vaccine will be considered invalid. The microchip number must be included on all required forms and supporting documents.

“If the microchip cannot be scanned on arrival for a dog that has been in a high-risk country, the dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense,” warns the CDC.

Implications for Different Travelers

These new regulations have varying impacts depending on the traveler’s situation. For frequent visitors to Canada or Mexico, the process remains relatively simple. As long as the dog hasn’t been outside these countries and the U.S. in the past six months, only the CDC Dog Import Form is needed.

However, for military families and diplomats, the changes have created new challenges. “When the CDC came out with their new policy, it completely blindsided not only military families but the diplomatic community as well,” says Liz Hensel, the 2024 AFI Marine Corps Spouse of the Year and CEO of Leave No Paws Behind USA.

The regulations also pose significant hurdles for animal rescue organizations. Anna Umansky, co-founder of Friends of Sochi Dogs, expresses concern: “We’re trying to figure things out, but I honestly don’t know, given these expenses, if we’ll continue to be able to rescue animals from there.”

Service Dogs: Special Considerations

While service dogs must meet the same basic requirements as other dogs, some accommodations are available. For instance, foreign-vaccinated service dogs from high-risk countries can enter the U.S. by seaport if they meet all other requirements and are traveling with the person they are trained to assist. However, it’s important to note that emotional support animals do not qualify for these exceptions.

A Transition Period

To ease the implementation of these new rules, the CDC has established a transition period until July 31, 2025. During this time, some alternative documentation may be accepted for U.S.-vaccinated dogs returning from high-risk countries.

The Rationale Behind the Rules

The CDC’s new policy is rooted in public health concerns. Rabies, while eliminated from dogs in the U.S. since 2007, remains a significant global health threat. The World Health Organization estimates that rabies kills approximately 59,000 people annually across more than 150 countries, with nearly all human cases traceable to dog bites.

“These regulations are important so that we don’t risk the health and safety of animals or people in our community or overrun vets,” explains Graner. The CDC reported a 52% increase in dogs ineligible for U.S. entry due to fraudulent paperwork in 2020 compared to previous years, underscoring the need for stricter controls.

Looking Ahead

As pet owners, veterinarians, airlines, and animal welfare organizations adapt to these new regulations, it’s clear that bringing a dog into the United States now requires more forethought and preparation than ever before.

Travelers planning to bring a dog into the U.S. should familiarize themselves with the new requirements well in advance of their trip. This includes determining their dog’s vaccination status, checking if they’ve been in a high-risk country, and ensuring they have all necessary documentation.

While these new rules may seem daunting, they represent a concerted effort to protect both human and canine health. As we navigate this new landscape of international pet travel, patience, planning, and a clear understanding of the requirements will be key to ensuring our four-legged friends can safely accompany us across borders.

Further information is available at: www.cdc.gov and www.usda.gov