As of August 1, 2024, a series of new regulations implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have come into effect, impacting dogs entering the United States.
The changes aim to protect the health and safety of both people and pets by preventing the spread of diseases, particularly rabies.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced these new measures in collaboration with the CDC to ensure a higher standard of health and safety for imported dogs.
New Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.
Effective immediately, all dogs entering the United States must meet several new criteria:
- Health: Dogs must appear visibly healthy upon arrival.
- Age: Dogs must be at least six months old.
- Microchipping: Dogs must be microchipped for identification purposes.
- Documentation: Dogs must be accompanied by a receipt of an online submission of the CDC Dog Import Form.
Rabies Vaccination Proof
The new regulations also place a strong emphasis on rabies vaccination.
The need for proof of rabies vaccination depends on the dog’s travel history over the past six months. Notably:
- Dogs vaccinated outside the United States must provide proof of rabies vaccination.
- Dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies must also provide proof of vaccination.
These measures are critical in ensuring that the dog rabies variant, which was eliminated in the United States in 2007, is not reintroduced.
Dog rabies remains uncontrolled in over 100 countries, posing inherent risks to both human and animal health.
Purpose and Importance of Regulations
The overarching goal of these regulations is to protect public health by regulating the importation of dogs.
By ensuring that all imported dogs meet the specified health criteria, the CDC and CBP aim to prevent the spread of diseases, particularly rabies.
The regulations also emphasize the importance of compliance to maintain the safety and well-being of the American populace and their pets.
Advice for Travelers
Travelers planning to bring dogs into the U.S. are advised to:
- Educate themselves on the new requirements well in advance of their departure.
- Obtain all necessary documentation, including the CDC Dog Import Form submission receipt and proof of rabies vaccination, if applicable.
- Visit the CBP website at CBP.gov/travel for comprehensive information on animal imports.
- Stay informed on the latest updates and news regarding dog importation regulations.
- Follow CBP and The Nomad Paws social media accounts for region-specific information and updates.
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America’s frontline law enforcement organization and the world’s first unified border management agency.
With a workforce of over 65,000 dedicated men and women, CBP is committed to protecting the nation while facilitating safe and lawful travel and trade.
The agency enhances national security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
The implementation of these new CDC regulations marks a significant step in safeguarding the health of both humans and animals in the United States.
As travelers and pet owners adapt to these changes, the CBP and CDC remain committed to ensuring a smooth and safe transition.
