New US Rules: Dogs Entering Must Be Over 6 Months and Microchipped

In a significant move to combat the spread of rabies, the United States has introduced new regulations for dogs entering the country from abroad. Effective from August 1, these measures mandate that all dogs must be at least 6 months old and microchipped before entry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced these updated rules, which also require vaccination against rabies for dogs arriving from countries where the disease is prevalent.

Emily Pieracci, a CDC rabies expert involved in the regulation update, highlighted the necessity of these changes. According to Pieracci, the modifications aim to address the evolving challenges associated with international pet travel and importation. The CDC's decision comes as a response to the increasing number of dogs entering the US annually, now estimated at about 1 million. This update marks a significant overhaul of the CDC's dog importation regulations, which were last revised in 1956.

The new requirements stipulate that dogs must be old enough for vaccination and that their rabies shots have had sufficient time to take effect. Additionally, each dog must have a microchip for identification and verification of its rabies vaccination status. The regulations also introduce a new CDC import form and specify that additional restrictions may apply based on the dog's previous six-month residency, potentially including mandatory blood tests from CDC-approved laboratories.

This regulatory update follows a temporary order issued in 2021, which prohibited the entry of dogs from over 100 countries with ongoing rabies concerns. The move reflects growing concerns over rabies transmission risks posed by imported dogs, including instances of incomplete or fraudulent vaccination documentation. Since 2015, four rabid dogs have been identified upon entering the US, raising alarms over potential public health risks.

Feedback on the draft version of these regulations has been mixed. Angela Passman, who assists with international pet relocations through her Dallas-based company, supports the new rules despite acknowledging they may increase workload for pet owners. As a board member for the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, Passman views these measures as beneficial for overall safety.

Conversely, Jennifer Skiff of Animal Wellness Action criticizes some aspects of the updated regulations as excessive and financially burdensome. Skiff's organization, which focuses on preventing animal cruelty and supports animal importation efforts, has encountered difficulties meeting these stringent requirements. This has led to situations where owners, including diplomats and military personnel, have had to leave their pets behind.

The CDC's updated regulations represent a critical step towards safeguarding public health against rabies risks associated with international dog importation. By enforcing stricter entry requirements, the US aims to prevent the introduction of rabid animals and ensure safer environments for both pets and people.