AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine (WAGM) – There will be new requirements for dogs crossing the border into the United States as of August 1, 2024. Some of the requirements will depend on where the dog has been vaccinated for rabies and what countries they have been in during the six months before entering the US. However, there are some new requirements that will apply to all dogs entering the US, regardless of where they are coming from or the duration of their stay.
Previously, the only requirement for a dog crossing the border was a copy of the dog’s rabies vaccination certificate.
The new added requirements are as follows: all dogs must be at least 6 months of age when they enter the US, a CDC Dog Import Form that includes a photo of the dog and information on the port of entry, and all dogs must have a microchip that was implanted prior to any rabies vaccination. Additionally, people must present either an export health certificate or a Certification of US Issued Rabies Vaccine that has been endorsed by the US Department of Agriculture.
“We have a lot of concerns about the regulations themselves,” says Sarah Brooks, the vice president of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race. “The regulations have not been out for that long. We’re still trying to interpret them and the CDC still might be changing some of the regulations.”
Brooks has other concerns, too. For one, the 6 month age requirement could cause problems for dog breeders that do business across the border. There may also be an added cost for dog owners due to the necessary micro-chipping and wellness checks. Finally, some are worried about the feasibility and amount of time it will take to have the USDA endorse the necessary paperwork.
“One of the things that is of concern is the time that it’s going to take for veterinarians to give the proper paperwork and examine and administer whatever has to be done to the dogs that are crossing, and it’s taking away time for canine patients that need attention,” Brooks says.
Brooks, among others who share these concerns, reached out to Senator Susan Collins’ office. Wednesday afternoon, Senator Collins sent a letter to the CDC sharing concerns that the rules disproportionately effect border communities. In a portion of the letter, she addresses the veterinary shortage in northern Maine.
“In addition to affecting those who travel across the border frequently, the rule will also affect constituents in northern Maine for whom the closest available veterinary care may be across the border in Canada,” Senator Collins wrote. “One Mainer relayed to me that there is only one veterinary practice within an hour of her home . . . Other Mainers rely on Canadian veterinarians for specialty care, which otherwise might be as far away as Boston.”
Senator Collins also mentioned the impact these rules will have on the economy, particularly in relation to the Can-Am sled dog race.
“Residents and businesses on both sides of the U.S-Canada border also depend on each other for economic success,” Senator Collins added. “The significant financial and regulatory burden this new rule places on Canadian dog owners will restrict travel between the two countries. The final rule will also affect participation in the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race, since the majority of participants are Canadian.”
Senator Collins ended the letter by requesting that the CDC not implement the rule in August, and instead revise the rule to address the concerns.
With August only three weeks away, some of the guidelines remain unclear. Brooks says she has reached out to the CDC for clarification on some of the requirements and the language used.
WAGM also reached out to the CDC for clarification on the length of time documentation will be valid for, as well as specifics on the guidelines Canadian dogs will face.
On a future edition of NewsSource 8 we will hear more on how these new regulations may impact local breeders, dog handlers, and mushers that participate in the annual Can-Am dog sled race.
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