Starting August 1 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will enforce new import requirements for dogs entering the United States. Most notably the new legislation prohibits entry for any dog less than 6 months old and, for those, over that age limit, to be equipped with a microchip, be vaccinated for rabies and be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.
According to the Federal Register, the new rules are meant to "address the public health risk of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) associated with the importation of dogs into the United States." These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning. The regulations are applicable to U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, and foreign nationals.
The CDC has made it clear that failure to comply with these regulations will result in the dog being denied entry into the United States. If a dog is denied entry, it will be sent back to the last country of departure at the owner's expense. The country of departure is defined as the location where the last trip originated, not where the dog was born or resides.
The new regulations, however, have generated quite a bit of outcry from several organizations. The Humane Society of The United States claimed to be "disappointed" with the final ruling back in may, adding that:
"We argued against the proposed requirement that travelers be able to document a dog's travel history and whereabouts for six months prior to entry, even if the dog was not coming from a country deemed high risk for rabies by the CDC. This requirement does not seem sensible or realistic, and it is unfortunately maintained in the final rule. The requirement complicates personal travel and emergency rescue work for those seeking to assist animals in need. In emergency situations, like the aftermath of a hurricane, for example, obtaining proof of a dog's whereabouts might be impossible for families or rescue workers in high-stress situations.
Paws with Cause, an organization that aims to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities, also expressed its criticism of the rule in a recent Newsweek article:
"Forcing people to provide additional documentation before traveling with their assistance dog seems to bring about the opposite effect the Americans with Disabilities Act intended, which was to make life more accessible for people with disabilities."
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