New government rules published on Wednesday mandate that all dogs entering the U.S. from other countries must be at least 6 months old and microchipped to prevent the spread of rabies. The regulations also require vaccination for dogs coming from countries where rabies is prevalent. These rules apply to dogs brought in by breeders, rescue groups, or traveling with their U.S. owners.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the regulations to address current challenges, with a focus on preventing the spread of rabies. The new rules, effective August 1, replace a temporary 2021 order that suspended the entry of dogs from over 100 countries where rabies is still a concern.
Under the new regulations, all dogs entering the U.S. must be at least 6 months old, microchipped for rabies verification, vaccinated if required, and have completed a CDC import form. Additional restrictions may apply based on the dog's origin, including blood testing from CDC-approved labs.
The updated regulations reflect the changing landscape of international pet travel, with an estimated 1 million dogs entering the U.S. annually. While dogs were once common carriers of the rabies virus in the U.S., the type circulating in dogs was eliminated through vaccinations in the 1970s.
Rabies is a fatal disease that affects animals and humans, primarily transmitted through bites from infected animals. Since 2015, four rabid dogs have been identified entering the U.S., prompting concerns about incomplete or fraudulent vaccination certificates and underage puppies being denied entry.
While some support the new rules for enhancing public health and safety, others find them unwarranted and costly. The regulations aim to streamline the process for families moving pets internationally, ensuring compliance with vaccination and identification requirements.
The CDC's updated regulations mark a significant step in safeguarding against the spread of rabies through imported dogs, reflecting the evolving landscape of global pet travel and the need for enhanced preventive measures.
