Overview of Revised CDC Dog Import Requirements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will implement revised regulations concerning the importation of dogs into the United States beginning August 1, 2024. This update follows a temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from high-risk countries and aims to bolster the health and safety of both humans and animals.

The new regulations are designed to prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies and will align more closely with the World Organization for Animal Health’s standards for the international movement of dogs from rabies-endemic countries.

Key Changes to Dog Importation Procedures

Starting in August 2024, all dogs entering the United States must meet the following criteria:

  • Health and Age Requirements: Dogs must be healthy upon arrival and at least six months old.
  • Microchipping: All dogs must have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip implanted before any required rabies vaccinations.
  • Mandatory Documentation: Importers are required to complete a CDC Dog Import Form online. Upon successful submission, a receipt will be emailed immediately to the importer at no charge.

Airlines and brokers involved in transporting dogs to the U.S. will now have enhanced responsibilities:

  • Document Verification: Airlines must confirm the receipt from the CDC Dog Import Form and ensure that all details match across different documents, including the description of the dog and the arrival airport.
  • Care and Transport: Airlines are responsible for the creation of an air waybill for all dogs, including those transported as hand-carried or excess baggage. They must also ensure that dogs are transferred to CDC-approved facilities within 12 hours of arrival.
  • Non-compliance Protocol: Dogs that do not meet the entry requirements will be denied entry and must be returned to their country of departure at the importer's expense. Airlines must handle the transportation on the next available flight, with no exceptions for payment delays.
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