Thursday, August 1, 2024
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-dog-import-rules-effect-today/

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, new rules for the importation of dogs into the United States went into effect.

Updates On The CDC Dog Import Form

To provide greater flexibility to the requirements for dogs coming from canine rabies-free or low-risk countries, dogs that have spent the prior six months only in canine rabies-free or low-risk countries will be able to enter the U.S. with a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt as acceptable documentation.  This form can be filled out the day of travel, and the receipt can be shown to airlines and border officials by phone or printed copy.  For these dogs, the receipt will be good for travel into the U.S. for six months from the date of issuance, including multiple entries into the U.S.  However, all dogs entered the U.S. must have a microchip and be over six months of age.

In a recent discussion with AKC staff, CDC staff clarified that for dogs that have not been in a canine rabies high-risk country in the six months prior to importation, the CDC Dog Import Form does not require the importer to provide a photo of the dog or its microchip number.  However, both CDC and AKC recommend that importers of these dogs travel with a digital or printed copy of their dog’s vaccination record, a photo of their dog, and a record of the dog’s microchip number as a precautionary measure.  It should be noted that some U.S. states may also require this or similar information.

For dogs that spent any time in a country classified as high-risk for canine rabies in the six months before entering the U.S., additional documents and requirements remain in effect.  For these dogs, the CDC Dog Import Form will require the dog’s microchip number and photo.

Requirements, By Type of Importation

All dogs being imported into the U.S. must:

  • Appear healthy upon arrival.
  • Be at least six months old at the time of entry or return to the U.S.
  • Have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
  • Be accompanied by a receipt for a CDC Dog Import Form.

Additional requirements may be required by CDC, depending on the type of importation.

For dogs arriving in the U.S. by air and that traveled in-cabin, airlines are now required to generate air waybills. This requirement is the same as has been required of dogs arriving in the U.S. by air but that were flown as cargo.  Airlines unable to generate an air waybill for in-cabin dogs due to the time required for technology updates may obtain a temporary waiver by providing the same data to CDC in another format. Anyone travelling with a dog who intends to arrive in the U.S. by air is strongly encouraged to contact their airline to determine and meet requirements prior to arriving at an airport for travel.

CDC staff continues to emphasize that the latest information available to importers is available on its website at www.cdc.gov/dogtravel.

CDC staff also noted that the first nine months of implementation of the new dog importation rules will be an “adaptation” period, during which it will be looking at additional information and program performance to determine reasonableness, feasibility, and potential rule changes.

If you have concerns about the new import rule, we encourage you to contact your members of the U.S. House and Senate, and the CDC.  Respectfully express your concerns.  It is recommended that  breed enthusiasts who import personally-owned dogs from canine-rabies free or low-risk countries, or owners who routinely cross a land border with their dog, ask Congress and CDC to eliminate the disproportionate impact that they experience, particularly regarding the requirement that puppies be six months of age for importation.

For More Information

First, go to www.cdc.gov/dogtravel for the latest information on CDC’s dog importation requirements or contact the AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.