Dog import rules have changed again; AVMA has you covered

Earlier this week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced substantial changes to the new importation rules that take effect August 1 for all dogs entering and re-entering the U.S. A new AVMA FAQ page will help you navigate the updated regulations and assist your clients.

What has changed?

The CDC's announcement greatly simplifies and reduces the new requirements as they relate to dogs arriving from countries that are canine rabies-free or low-risk. These include both Canada and Mexico, among others. Beginning August 1, dogs that have spent at least the last 6 months in these countries before U.S. entry will need to meet these few requirements:

• Be healthy on arrival
• Be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Have a microchip that can be read by a universal microchip scanner
• Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt

Dogs from high-risk countries must meet those requirements plus others based on whether they were vaccinated against rabies in the U.S. or another country.

Veterinarians play an important role in helping travel go smoothly for dogs and their importers by assisting clients in understanding and fulfilling these requirements. For U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-accredited veterinarians, this includes completing and certifying certain forms for U.S.-vaccinated dogs arriving from high-risk countries.

Find the latest information

The AVMA continues to collaborate with the CDC and USDA to help veterinarians prepare for and understand the changing requirements. The new AVMA FAQ page summarizes the revised importation rules and answers common questions about them-including the rationale behind the 6-month age requirement.

View FAQ

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