By Gretchen Wehmhoff

Just a week before new rules come into effect, the CDC clarified its requirements for bringing dogs into the United States. The statement was issued July 22.

After Aug. 1, all dogs entering the U.S. must have a microchip and be over six-months-old. 

In addition, owners will need to complete a CDC Import Form online and show the submission receipt at customs. The form is available on the CDC site and is good for six months. This process is for entering the U.S. even if you had just left the U.S. for the day to visit Canada with your dog.

Dogs who have only been in countries with a low-risk for rabies may use these new procedures.  If dogs are coming from high-risk countries, the requirements are more restrictive.

Dogs who have been vaccinated in High Risk Countries will need to follow specific guidelines.

Canada is considered a Low Risk or no Risk Country. Mexico is also not on the list of high risk countries.

The new process is meant to prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies to the U.S. 

Original messaging had dog owners scrambling to find more information. Local border officials and veterinarians serving Skagway were waiting for definite instructions. Dog owners planning to cross the border with their pets were worried.

Alaska is home to a large number of mushers and small towns where rabies vaccinations are not always administered by licensed vets.

Skagway is a good example.  

Katherine Moseley of Paws and Claws Animal Shelter works to bring veterinarians from Alabama a few times a year to provide vet care for local pets. Otherwise, pet owners travel to Juneau or Whitehorse.

Original messaging was insisting that each dog have a vaccination from a U.S. veterinarian. That raised eyebrows for locals who use Canadian vets and for Canadians who frequently visit the States. 

CDC heard from dog owners, industry partners and other countries after announcing its plans. Not everyone was content. Several Skagwegians made calls to legislators and the congressional delegation.

In response to this feedback, CDC issued a simplified and more flexible process.

Dave Daigle of the CDC had responded to the Skagway News earlier in the month regarding the new Dog importation Rule. He said that they weren’t meeting for interviews, but were aware of concerns.

“CDC is aware of concerns associated with the recently published updates to the dog importation rule. We value the feedback received from various countries, industry partners, and the public, and are actively working with federal and international partners to discuss the feedback received,” Daigle said.

Daigle said that dog rabies has been eliminated for the U.S. for 17 years and the new rules were to minimize health risks during continued dog importation.

The CDC website and the recent statement say that filling out the CDC Dog Import Form will only take a few minutes.

The new rules take effect on Aug. 1, 2024.  For taking your dog into the U.S. under current regulations through July 31, see the CDC page here.