New Rules for Bringing Dogs into the U.S. Start August 1: What You Need to Know
Starting August 1, new regulations will be in place for bringing dogs into the United States. The San Diego Humane Society, which has been dealing with high capacity issues, anticipates that these changes will help reunite more dogs with their owners.
Dr. Zarah Hedge, Chief Medical Officer at the San Diego Humane Society, noted, “We’ve had lines out the door for the past month and a half to two months.” The surge in demand is partly due to a recent large-scale free microchipping event, but the new rules from the CDC are expected to have a lasting impact.
Under the new guidelines, all dogs entering the U.S. must be healthy, at least six months old, and microchipped. Owners must also provide a dog import form from the CDC’s website. This applies to dogs arriving at any U.S. airport, seaport, or border crossing.
Dr. Hedge emphasized the importance of microchipping, stating, “For a shelter that takes in a large volume of animals every year and where we’ve been over capacity with dogs, getting microchips is crucial for reuniting lost pets with their families.”
The CDC’s updated rules aim to prevent the reintroduction of rabies, which was eliminated in the U.S. in 2007. “The goal is to keep people safe from rabies, a disease that is nearly 100% fatal,” Dr. Hedge explained.
Additional requirements may vary depending on the dog’s recent travel history and vaccination status. The San Diego Humane Society offers low-cost vaccinations and microchipping services at several locations throughout the county.
