NEW U.S. BORDER RULES FOR DOGS STARTING AUG. 1 HAVE HEALTH MINISTER CONCERNED

Health Minister Mark Holland says he has secured concessions to the new rules being imposed by the United States on dog owners bringing their pets across the border, but remains “concerned” about the forthcoming changes.

“I am quite concerned, if I’m honest, about the regulations that are being brought in by the United States, as of August 1, requiring a number of new measures for folks bringing their dogs across the border,” he said in Ottawa Wednesday.

Holland said the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s new rules are not only going to impact Canadians, but also Americans who travel to Canada with their pets and have to face the new rules when they go back home.

“I think that was a very poorly thought out bit of business and it’s going to have a huge impact for Americans,” he said.

The health minister announced that rules mandating dogs to have a particular type of microchip have been eased, allowing acceptance of any type of microchip.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) no longer requires verification of vaccine certificates for dogs. However, a Canadian veterinarian must still certify that the dog has received a rabies vaccination valid for at least six months prior to travel.

According to Holland, the U.S. will implement a dedicated form for Canada. This form will enable dogs to enter and re-enter the U.S. as long as their rabies vaccination remains current.

Hoping for a grace period

Holland further mentioned that he has received “very encouraging signals” regarding the approval of a grace period request for a few months, although confirmation is still pending.

“We’ve made substantial strides in improving the situation, but it remains insufficient,” Holland commented on the concessions obtained for the new regulations.

When asked about implementing comparable rules for Americans, Holland stated that his primary focus is directed towards obtaining a grace period and, ideally, an exemption for Canada.

“Both countries have done commendable work in preventing rabies and ensuring the safety of our dogs, so I trust that reason will prevail,” Holland remarked.

“This seemed more of a policy decision than a well-thought-out one.”

Photo ID for dogs will be required

Holland stated that each time a dog is transported across the border, owners will need to complete a CDC form and include a photo of the dog. Border officers will use this photo to verify the identity of the dog seeking entry into the United States.

“To be honest, I don’t believe this is a wise use of border officers’ time,” Holland expressed. “There are numerous other pressing issues at the border.”

“Arguing over whether my Maltese looks like another Maltese and having a border officer decide that, as I’ve conveyed to U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, doesn’t seem logical to me,” he added.

Holland said he understands that the U.S. wants to remain a rabies-free country but these new rules should not be imposed on Canada, which is also a rabies-free country.

“We believe it makes sense to have a policy that protects our hemisphere, rather than having individual policies for two different countries,” he said.