Starting on Aug. 1, residents of British Columbia who want to bring their dogs across the border to the U.S. will have to meet additional requirements as mandated by the Center for Disease Control. The CDC aims to ensure that all dogs entering the U.S. are healthy and do not pose a risk to any community. These new requirements include making sure that the dogs entering the U.S. have been vaccinated against rabies, especially if they are arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies. Additional requirements may also be necessary depending on the dog’s recent locations and vaccination history.
The CDC wants to maintain the elimination of the rabies virus variant carried by dogs in the U.S. since 2007. Therefore, it is crucial for all dogs entering the country to be protected against rabies. The temporary suspension on the importation of dogs from countries with a high risk of rabies, which was implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will also be lifted on Aug. 1. This change aligns with the World Organization for Animal Health’s standards for the international movement of dogs from countries with a high risk of dog rabies. Travellers are advised to plan accordingly to ensure that they meet the requirements for importing their dogs to the U.S., and there is an online tool called DogBot available to assist them in this process.
With these new regulations in place, it is essential for B.C. residents planning to take their dogs across the border to the U.S. to be aware of the changes and ensure that their furry companions meet all the necessary requirements. By vaccinating their dogs against rabies and following the CDC’s guidelines, they can help prevent the reintroduction of the rabies virus variant into the U.S. and ensure the health and safety of their pets as well as the communities they visit. Dog owners are encouraged to use resources such as DogBot to assist them in understanding and meeting the importation requirements for their dogs.
The CDC’s new regulations for dog importation into the U.S. are aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the transmission of rabies through imported dogs. By implementing these requirements, the CDC is taking proactive measures to protect communities from the potential risks associated with unvaccinated dogs entering the country. The alignment of the regulations with international standards for the movement of dogs from high-risk rabies countries demonstrates a commitment to global health and safety standards. Travellers are urged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and plan ahead to ensure a smooth process when bringing their dogs into the U.S.
In conclusion, the changes in dog importation regulations set to take effect on Aug. 1 by the Center for Disease Control will impact B.C. residents planning to bring their dogs across the border to the U.S. It is crucial for dog owners to be aware of and comply with these new requirements to ensure the health and safety of their pets and the communities they visit. By vaccinating their dogs against rabies and following the guidelines provided by the CDC, travellers can help prevent the reintroduction of the rabies virus variant into the country. Utilizing resources such as DogBot can assist travellers in understanding and meeting the importation requirements for their dogs, facilitating a smooth process when entering the U.S. These regulations are designed to protect public health and align with international standards for the movement of dogs from high-risk rabies countries, demonstrating a commitment to global health and safety standards.
