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CDC Dog Importation Summary
August 29, 2024
In late July 2024, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised the rules for importation of dogs into the U.S. from dog-rabies free or low-risk countries, including Canada, effective August 1, 2024.
These new rules apply only to dogs that have not visited any high-risk countries for at least six months prior to travelling to the U.S.
The new rules were greatly simplified in comparison to changes that had been proposed earlier in the summer. The requirements as of August 2, 2024, are:
- An online CDC Dog Import Form must be completed by the person accompanying the dog into the U.S. prior to the dog arriving at the border. A separate form must be completed for each dog. The completed form is valid for up to six months. No photo of the dog is required. There is no waiting period and there is no fee.
- The dog must appear healthy upon arrival at the border.
- The dog must be at least six months of age at time of entry to the U.S.
- The dog must have an implanted microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner.
There is no requirement for proof of rabies vaccination for dogs travelling from low-risk countries, however proof of current rabies vaccination is still required for dogs entering most U.S. states and when returning to Canada from the U.S.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) continues to remain current on this file through regular communications with federal authorities at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and with U.S. colleagues at the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Note that the above new rules may be subject to further changes over the coming months. The CVMA, therefore, strongly advises Canadian veterinarians to provide advice to clients on the matter of importation of dogs into the U.S. only after referring to the official CFIA website: https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/dogs-usa.