WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAGM) – A new bill has been introduced to revise the CDC dog importation rule to give certain owners and their dogs an 18-month waiver, among other relaxations to the current regulations.
The Homeward Bound Act was introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), who are both co-chairs of the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus. The new rules implemented by the CDC has made traveling worldwide more difficult for military and diplomatic families, those with service animals, and people who live or have properties abroad. While the new CDC regulations were intended to lessen the risk of the spread of canine rabies, it has had a negative impact on those who frequently cross the border.
More specifically, under the Homeward Bound Act military, diplomatic families and service dogs would be provided an 18-month waiver from the CDC’s dog importation rule. The requirement for dogs to be at least six months old when imported from low-risk rabies countries would also be eliminated. Additionally, it would remove the microchip requirement for dogs born prior to the bill’s enactment and would only apply to dogs coming from low-risk countries.
Senator King commented on the impact of the current CDC rules. “Recent rules put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created additional hurdles that make bringing your dog back to the U.S. a needlessly complicated process — creating a burden on military families, diplomats and those who rely on a service dog,” Senator King said in a press release. “The bipartisan Homeward Bound Act would provide more flexibility for these Americans traveling back home from low-risk countries, and help prevent unnecessary separation between owners and their four-legged friends.”
The rules from the CDC were modified and reduced in August following a strong negative response from other politicians and those living in border communities. People had concerns over the logistics of receiving the vet care to meet the requirements, the cost of meeting the requirements, and the impact the rules would have on tourism, particularly when it comes to sled dog racing.
According to a press release from Senator King’s office, a companion bill has been introduced in the House by Representatives Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Mary Peltola (D-AK).
The legislation has been endorsed by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, the Canadian Snowbird Association, Signature Pet Transport and Doug the Pug.
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