The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Wednesday it has reached an agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to slightly relax requirements for Canadians to cross the border with their dogs starting Aug. 1.
In a news release, the Canadian agency said one requirement has been dropped from the new U.S. regulations: Canadians will no longer need an endorsement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to cross the border with their dog, only an endorsement from a Canadian-licensed veterinarian.
A message was left Wednesday with the CDC seeking comment.
Due to increased concern about rabies in dogs, the CDC in May announced new requirements for all dogs entering the United States effective Aug. 1. They include:
- Dogs must:
- be at least 6 months of age;
- have an ISO-compliant or universally readable microchip;
- appear healthy upon arrival;
- A CDC Dog Import Form receipt is required for all dogs entering the U.S.;
- The owner must have a Canadian export document issued and signed by a Canadian-licensed veterinarian with vaccination and microchip information.
- All dogs entering the U.S. from Canada will need to be accompanied by additional documentation, which varies depending on where the dog was vaccinated against rabies, and where the dog has been in the past six months before entering the United States.
While the new agreement slightly reduces the burden for Canadian dog owners, the Canadian government said it continues to negotiate with the CDC about the rules.
“We continue to advocate for an exemption from these requirements, given that both Canada and the United States are free from dog rabies, the geographic realities of our shared border, and our strong economic and social ties,” said Mark Holland, the Canadian minister of health.
The Canadian government remains concerned about the negative impact the new CDC regulations will have on both Canadians and Americans.
“These new CDC regulations will impact all dogs entering the U.S. from Canada and will require Canadians to take on additional planning and costs to satisfy the new requirements,” Holland said. There are no exceptions for service or guide dogs. Because of the new regulations, many dog breeders, mushers and in the industry say they face income losses in the thousands of dollars. Multiple members of Congress from states that border Canada have called on the CDC to reconsider the new regulations, including Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Reps. Timothy Kennedy, D-N.Y., and Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y.
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