AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine (WAGM) – The CDC announced it will relax some of the requirements for dogs to cross the US border. According to a press release from the CDC, they lightened the requirements in response to feedback received from the public, industry partners and various other countries.
The original regulations for dogs from low-risk countries stated that dogs entering the US must be microchipped, at least six months of age, and have required extensive paperwork that had to be signed by a USDA certified vet. Additionally, it required dogs to have a rabies vaccine that was implemented after microchipping.
The new regulations for low-risk countries say dogs must still be six months of age and have a microchip, however, the paperwork needed to cross into the US has been reduced to just one form, the Dog Import Form, which can be filled out online for free. The reduction in required paperwork addresses concerns about cost and access to vet care.
Maine Representatives advocated for the restrictions to be changed, including Senator Susan Collins, Senator Angus King, and Congressmen Jared Golden. They applied pressure to the CDC to change the requirements, stating the original regulations would have a negative impact on Maine and New Brunswick’s residents.
But according to the CBC, Canadian’s health minister Mark Holland announced earlier today the relaxed rules may only be temporary. In a press conference, Minister Holland said the rules would be relaxed for a nine-month grace period. The CDC has not yet confirmed any time limits on the new regulations.
The previous regulations raised concerns for residents of Aroostook County, particularly those who participated in sled dog racing. Concerns had been raised about the feasibility of getting vet care for the necessary paperwork, and the cost of that vet care.
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