The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released new regulations for all dogs, including service dogs, arriving in the U.S. As of Aug. 1, Canadian travellers crossing the border with their dogs must complete a CDC dog important form and ensure their furry companions are older than six months and microchipped.

The microchip must be compatible with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This microchipping must also occur prior to rabies vaccination, and the microchip number should be documented in all accompanying veterinary records and forms.

Earlier regulations to enter the U.S. mandated dogs be a minimum of two months old, with documentation confirming they had not visited high-risk rabies countries in the preceding six months.

The new rules seek to curb the spread of rabies in the country. Although the U.S. has been declared rabies-free since 2007, recent incidents involving rabid dogs have posed challenges. According to Toronto Star, the new travel restrictions come into effect just as a temporary suspension on importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries expires.

The CDC’s DogBot tool, available on the centre’s website, offers assistance in understanding the new requirements.