United States repeals and simplifies requirements for Canadians travelling with dogs

Earlier this month the United States’ Centre for Disease Control (CDC) issued new requirements for dogs entering the country that would have made travelling much more difficult for Canadian dog owners. 

Since the requirements the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), whose mandate includes animal imports, has been pleading with the CDC to alter these requirements to make it easier for Canadians to travel into the country with their dogs. 

As of Monday, July 22nd, the CDC has updated their new requirements, but only for countries like Canada that are currently rabies-free. 

“These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule, and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries,” wrote the CDC in a media release. 

“This update also includes a process for waiver requests for the airline industry.”

The updated requirements will be that dogs who have spent the prior six months only in rabies-free or low-risk countries will be able to enter the United States. The only stipulation is that they will need a CDC Import Form receipt from the online submission that is required.

Additionally, all dogs entering the United States must have a microchip and be over six months of age. 

The CDC says that this form can be filled out on the day of travel and the receipt can be shown to airlines and border officials as a printed copy or on a device. 

This receipt will be good for six months from the date of issuance in the United States and will be able to be used for multiple entries. 

The CDC’s new requirements will come into effect on August 1st. 

Related:

• Rules for Canadians bringing dogs into US are changing as of August

Canada’s Minister of Health, who had been heading up negotiations with the CDC over the matter, released a statement via social media shortly after the requirements were updated. 

In it he said that there will be a nine-month grace period for the new requirements and he hopes to have them reduced even further. 

Holland said the CFIA will continue to work and collaborate with the CDC so that Canadian dog owners can move as freely as possible between countries.