CDC announces new rules for bringing a dog to the United States

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Dog owners beware.

The United States is updating its rules regarding the entry of dogs into the country starting August 1.

The changes stem from new requirements adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and could vary depending on where the dogs are coming from.

According to the CDC, whether you are a U.S. citizen, legal resident of the United States, or a foreign national, the new rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that have left the United States. United and come back.

“If you do not follow CDC rules, your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States,” the CDC says, adding that if your dog is refused entry, it will be returned to the last country of departure from your country. costs.

The CDC will require that all dogs entering the United States:

• Look healthy when you arrive






• Be at least 6 months old






• Be microchipped






• Be accompanied by a receipt for online submission for the CDC Dog Import Form

In a press release issued Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the CDC also requires proof of rabies vaccination based on where the dog has been in the past six months and whether he was vaccinated in the United States or elsewhere. Dog owners can determine which rules apply to them by launching the DogBot on the CDC website.

The CDC says that although rabies is more than 99% fatal, it is also 100% preventable and was eliminated from the United States in 2007. However, canine rabies is uncontrolled in more than 100 countries, which creates a risk for the United States in imported dogs.

“Through regulations, the CDC works to protect American families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of canine rabies into the United States. Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority. Each imported dog carrying rabies could infect humans and other animals and could cost more than half a million dollars to contain. » says the CDC on its website.

And in addition to keeping Americans safe, the new rules address the challenges created by fraudulent documents.

“Regulating the importation of dogs helps protect the health and safety of people and their pets,” said Port Director Donovan Delude.

The CDC and CBP have provided information on their websites about bringing dogs into the United States and how to obtain all the necessary documents.