NAVIGATING THE CDC UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR DOG IMPORTATION TO THE U.S.

The updated CDC guidelines for bringing dogs into the U.S. demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting public health and preventing the spread of diseases.

On August 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented new guidelines for dogs being imported into the United States.1 The rules are broken down into three parts: dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries within the last six months, dogs from high-risk countries within the last six months, and unvaccinated dogs from any high-risk country.

All dogs, regardless of country of origin, must adhere to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements stating they must be at least six months of age at the time of travel and issued a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, confirming the dog is healthy and free from infectious diseases.

Additional requirements are also in place in cases of commercial import or fee-based adoption, as well as specific rules for countries that have diseases, such as foot and mouth disease and screwworms.

The specifics

For the easiest and least complicated import of dogs from low-risk or rabies-free countries, dogs must be at least six months of age, appear healthy, and have a universal microchip. There is an online CDC Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination or Dog Import form‎ to be completed by the person transporting the dog into the U.S. and is valid for six months.

For dogs being imported from high-risk countries, the above must be complied with and the CDC Dog Import form must also be completed, as well as a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and microchip form if the dog is vaccinated outside the U.S.

This form is filled out by any licensed veterinarian and endorsed by an official government veterinarian. If not included on the form above, the transported will also need a valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory.

If the dog is vaccinated by a U.S. veterinarian and has a valid U.S. rabies vaccination certificate, the following are required: A Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate. These forms are filled out by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA. Lastly, dogs must have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility, and if the rabies titer is not valid, then the animal must be quarantined for 28 days.

All dogs can only enter the U.S. at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility. This includes 18 major airports located in Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).

Any dog not vaccinated for rabies and located in a high-risk country at any time in the past six months, will not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Community feedback

While the updated requirements are intended to prevent the spread of rabies and other infectious diseases, and to enhance protection for both humans and animals, the six-month age minimum is a point of contention.

Experts note that six months is a critical developmental stage for dogs, as their behavior is often shaped during this time. Restricting the ability to purchase or adopt a dog at this crucial age can affect the animal’s behavior and its ability to bond with humans.

Furthermore, the stress associated with travel at such a young age can be harmful and stressful for the dog.

Vet Tech Nation, a Facebook group with over 47,000 members, recently discussed the potential impacts of the new CDC guidelines on clinics, clients, and personal practices.

Shelby Helmerich, LVT, expressed concerns about the six-month age requirement for importing dogs. “I likely won’t import another dog due to this new rule. I prefer puppies younger than six months to maximize their socialization window. Also, at six months, dogs are in a critical fear period, and a negative experience during importation could lead to long-term behavioral issues.”

Kathrine Polzin, CVT, commented, “The previous requirement for a USDA-endorsed rabies certificate was burdensome for travelers. One family had to cancel their trip due to delays between the latest rabies booster and the submission of their application. The new CDC form requirement is less restrictive, but without a significant public announcement, many frequent travelers to Mexico might be caught off guard at the border. I believe this approach is less effective in addressing canine rabies, as dogs entering the U.S. are not the primary carriers of the disease.”

Kimberly Joy Giese Wilson, LVT, added her thoughts: “I was planning to send a puppy to Sweden this year and receive one back next year. With the new regulations, unless I have a trusted relationship with someone and am familiar with their training methods, I won’t wait until my puppy is six months old. Important developmental stages occur before then, and delaying training until six months is impractical. Previously, a rabies vaccine at 12 weeks was sufficient, and I would prefer to send puppies younger than that if it suits the new owners. The challenge will be for veterinarians to process the necessary forms quickly enough for clients to travel. Many clinics may not have the capacity to handle this promptly.”

Best practices for clinics and their clients dealing with the practicality of importing a dog into the U.S. include:

Advanced planning. Ensure all vaccinations, health checks, and documentation are completed well in advance of the planned importation date to avoid delays.
Work closely with veterinarians familiar with international travel requirements to ensure all health and vaccination protocols are met.
Regularly check for updates to the CDC guidelines, as regulations may change based on emerging health threats or policy adjustments.
Check individual airline requirements as those can also have additional paperwork.
Prepare the animal for travel by enforcing positive crate training.

Conclusion

The CDC’s updated 2024 guidelines for importing dogs into the U.S. underscore a strong commitment to public health and disease prevention. Following these revised requirements helps ensure a safer and more efficient process for bringing dogs into the country. To reduce stress for both pets and their owners, understanding and preparing for these guidelines in advance can make the transition smoother and more manageable.