Canada Requests Exemption from New US Border Rules for Dogs Starting August 1

July 17, 2024 TruthUSA

Health Minister Mark Holland is working to convince U.S. officials that Canadian dogs should be allowed to cross the border without restrictions, as he was caught off guard by the new rules set to take effect on Aug. 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is implementing a new set of rules for all dogs entering the U.S. in an effort to maintain the country’s rabies-free status.

Starting Aug. 1, all dogs entering the U.S. must be at least six months old and meet the rabies vaccination requirements, Mr. Holland stated, noting that the sudden change “surprised and blindsided” the Canadian government.

These rules will impact Canadians traveling to the U.S., and Americans traveling to Canada with their pets will also need to comply with the new regulations when returning home.

“I am quite concerned, if I’m honest, about the regulations,” Mr. Holland expressed during a July 17 press conference in Ottawa. He mentioned that the rules seem unnecessary since Canada is not a source country for canine rabies.

Similarly to the U.S., Canada has not reported any cases of canine rabies, which helped Ottawa negotiate some rule changes for Canadian dog owners.

The requirement for a specific microchip for dogs has been relaxed, allowing any type of microchip. Additionally, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) no longer needs to verify vaccine certificates for dogs.

Mr. Holland believes the changes are insufficient but remains optimistic about securing an exemption for Canada. Ottawa is pushing for the introduction of a Canada-specific form by the CDC to allow dogs to travel to and from the U.S. with a valid rabies vaccination.

In the meantime, there have been positive signs that Canada may receive a grace period for pet owners crossing the border, according to Mr. Holland.

When asked if Canada plans to enforce similar rules if the U.S. does not ease restrictions, Mr. Holland stated that all efforts are currently focused on obtaining the exemption.

New Rules

The new regulations are part of the CDC’s 2024 update of its dog and cat importation regulations to prevent rabies reintroduction in the U.S.

“The updated regulation will enhance the safety of Americans and their pets,” the website states. “It addresses recent challenges with international dog importations, including issues with fraudulent documentation.”

The new requirements for bringing a dog into the U.S. depend on the dog’s recent whereabouts and rabies vaccination location in the preceding six months, according to the website.

All dogs must be at least six months old, in good health upon arrival, and have a microchip.

If a dog is deemed eligible for entry, owners must fill out a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Owners also need to provide rabies vaccination documentation using the applicable form for their pet.

Separate forms are necessary for each animal and are valid for only 30 days. The U.S. eradicated dog rabies in 2007, but the fatal disease remains uncontrolled in over 100 countries.

Source link