BTN News: Starting August 1, new health requirements for dogs entering the United States will come into effect, as announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Wednesday. This follows the updated guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May. The changes are significant, and all travelers planning to bring dogs into the country are urged to familiarize themselves with these new rules to avoid any delays at entry points, especially at land borders.
According to the new regulations, every dog entering the United States, regardless of its country of origin, must be implanted with a microchip. This measure aims to improve tracking and identification, ensuring that all dogs are accounted for and can be traced back to their owners if needed. In addition to the microchip requirement, importers, including pet owners returning to the U.S. with their dogs after international travel, must complete a CDC-issued dog importation form.
The process for completing the importation form is straightforward and can be done online. Once the form is filled out, it automatically generates a receipt. The CDC recommends that importers print two copies of this receipt and keep them handy. This will be crucial during the entry process to avoid any complications. Importantly, there is no fee associated with completing and submitting the dog importation form, making compliance easier for all travelers.
Airlines will also play a vital role in this new procedure. They are required to verify the CDC dog importation form for each dog boarding a flight to the United States. Ensuring that these forms are in order before travel can prevent delays and ensure a smooth process upon arrival.
Vaccination status is another critical aspect of the new requirements. All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations, particularly against rabies. For dogs vaccinated outside the U.S. that have spent any time in a country designated as high-risk for rabies within the six months prior to entry, special conditions must be met. This includes presenting proof of vaccination and possibly undergoing additional health checks.
CBP has also recommended the use of the CBP One mobile app for declaring the importation of pets. This app can streamline the process and expedite the authorization of entry at border ports. Travelers are encouraged to utilize this technology whenever possible to enhance their entry experience.
These changes underscore the importance of adhering to health and safety standards when importing pets into the United States. By following the new regulations, travelers can ensure that their pets are healthy and that entry processes are efficient and hassle-free. The CBP and CDC are committed to protecting public health and animal safety, making these measures crucial for everyone involved in pet importation.
In summary, from August, bringing a dog into the United States will require compliance with several new health and documentation requirements. Travelers should ensure their dogs are microchipped, have completed the necessary importation forms, and are up-to-date on vaccinations. By preparing in advance and using available tools like the CBP One app, the process can be smooth and straightforward, ensuring both the well-being of the pets and the convenience of their owners.
