In May 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced new regulations for dogs entering the country, effective Aug. 1. This overhaul, based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic—when dog imports from high-risk rabies regions were temporarily halted—aims to curb the spread of the dog-maintained rabies variant virus while safeguarding the health of imported animals. However, these new rules have caused confusion among veterinarians and pet owners, highlighting the need for clear guidance and practical adjustments.

Veterinary Practice News Canada spoke with Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) President Timothy Arthur, DVM, to gain insight into the new canine import regulations and their implications for veterinary practices.

Veterinary Practice News Canada (VPC): Can you provide an overview of the current regulations for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada?

Timothy Arthur, DVM (TA): Over the past few months, various versions of the rules for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada have been released. Currently, anyone transporting a dog across the border must fill out the CDC Dog Import Form online. This form identifies the animal and the person bringing the dog into the U.S., as well as the dog’s location within the U.S. It declares the pet’s health, age, and whether the dog has visited a country with a high risk of the dog-maintained rabies variant virus in the past six months. A list of such countries is available on the CDC website. Additionally, dogs must have a functional, readable microchip.

Currently, two challenges remain:

1) Dogs under six months of age cannot enter the U.S.

2) Dogs that have traveled to a country with endemic canine rabies six months before attempted entry into the U.S. cannot be brought in from Canada.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is negotiating how to handle cases where a rabies-vaccinated dog has been in Canada for six months but previously traveled to a high-risk country, like the Dominican Republic. The only solution now is to keep the dog in Canada for six months before crossing the border.

VPC: Regarding the form, is there anything veterinarians or their clients need to be aware of?

TA: The form is free and can be submitted electronically through the CDC website. Once submitted, the person will receive a receipt valid for six months, allowing them to cross the border multiple times without needing to submit the form again. The form only requires the first U.S. destination address, regardless of how many locations the person plans to visit within the six-month period.

VPC: How did the initial announcement of the regulations affect veterinary practices in Canada?

TA: Initially, veterinarians were required to sign a form and provide medical records confirming the dog had been in Canada for six months, which then had to be signed and stamped by a CFIA veterinarian. Given the workforce shortages and the number of dogs crossing the border daily, it was unclear how we would handle the added workload. CFIA veterinarians, already overburdened, shared similar concerns. Fortunately, the CDC eliminated the need for CFIA veterinarian approval in its first regulatory update in July.

VPC: Has the CDC provided any guidance for international veterinarians?

TA: The instructions accompanying the form were unclear about what veterinarians were required to do. Questions arose, such as whether a dog’s rabies vaccine needed to be up-to-date according to American standards. For example, if a rabies booster was slightly overdue, Europe would require a waiting period before travel, but it was unclear what the U.S. would require. We also faced difficulties proving that a dog had been in Canada for six months, especially with three-year rabies vaccines, as veterinarians may not see the dog regularly enough to verify its whereabouts.

Other complications arose, such as whether a microchip had to be implanted before administering a rabies vaccine, as required by European regulations. Canadian veterinarians received no clear guidance from the CDC. To avoid having dogs turned away at the border, the CVMA advised following strict European guidelines. While rabies vaccines aren’t federally regulated in the U.S., proof of rabies vaccination is still required to re-enter Canada, so travelers should carry documentation just in case.

VPC: Has the CVMA been involved in discussions?

TA: The CVMA has reached out to Health Minister Mark Holland and the CFIA, offering to include a practicing veterinarian on the negotiating team. As veterinarians, we understand the capabilities of our medical software and know what’s easy or difficult to verify. We also suggested the CDC consult the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for a veterinary expert.

VPC: What practical steps should veterinarians take now to prepare for the possibility of stricter rules being reinstated?

TA: Veterinarians should ask their clients if there’s any chance their dog might travel to the U.S. If so, ensure the dog has a microchip before administering a rabies booster. Adjust rabies vaccine certificates to reflect any gaps between previous vaccines to avoid complications. There are still many quirks that will need to be worked out.

VPC: In the event of further updates or changes to the rules, where should veterinarians turn for the most accurate and up-to-date information?

TA: As soon as the CVMA receives updates, we’ll share them with veterinarians. Clients can also refer to the CDC and CFIA websites for the latest information.