A dog looks out from her spot in the car in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The CDC confirmed in a news release Monday that dogs coming from low-risk countries such as Canada would now only be required to fill out an online form.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
The U.S. Centre for Disease Control is easing new requirements for dogs crossing the border that faced pushback from the Canadian government, veterinarians, disability advocates and dog owners.
New rules were set to take effect on Aug. 1 requiring anyone with a dog entering the United States to obtain a certificate signed by a veterinarian confirming that the animal was vaccinated for the rabies virus. Dogs also must be microchipped and be over six months old.
The CDC confirmed in a news release Monday that dogs coming from low-risk countries such as Canada would now only be required to fill out an online form, which can be done on the day of travel, and travellers can then show a receipt to airlines and border officials.
The agency said the change would provide ”greater flexibility” for dogs that have spent the prior six months only in rabies-free or low-risk countries.
“CDC aims to protect the health of U.S. communities and animals and prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies to the United States,” the agency says in the news release.
The receipt will be valid for travel into the U.S. for six months from the date of issuance, including multiple entries.
“CDC values the feedback received from various countries, industry partners, and the public on the dog importation rule,” said David Daigle, a CDC spokesperson, in an e-mail on Monday.
Canada’s Health Minister publicly objected to the changes, which initially required that the certificate be signed by a veterinarian with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, but the CDC changed that requirement last week to include any vet. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and disability groups also criticized the rules.
The requirement for additional documents such as a certificate signed by a veterinarian will still be required for more than 100 countries that are deemed high-risk.
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