New government rules published require all dogs coming into the U.S. from other countries to be at least 6 months old and microchipped to prevent the spread of rabies. Any dogs that have been in countries where rabies is common must be vaccinated. This update applies to dogs brought in by breeders, rescue groups, or U.S. owners traveling with their pets. The regulations were last updated in 1956 but have now been revamped to address current challenges, with an estimated 1 million dogs entering the U.S. each year.
The CDC has posted the new rules that will take effect on August 1, replacing a temporary 2021 order that suspended bringing in dogs from over 100 countries with rabies concerns. In addition to being at least 6 months old, dogs must have a microchip with a code for verifying rabies vaccination and have completed the new CDC import form. There may be additional requirements, such as blood testing based on where the dog was the previous six months. The U.S. has eliminated the type of rabies normally carried by dogs, but it remains a fatal disease that can be spread through bites from infected animals.
Four rabid dogs have entered the U.S. since 2015, prompting officials to worry more might slip through. Incomplete or fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates and puppies too young for vaccination have also been concerning for CDC officials. Feedback on a draft version of the updated regulations varied, with some supporting the new rules for their role in preventing the spread of rabies. However, some felt the changes were unwarranted and costly, especially for those who work with diplomats and military personnel who face challenges meeting requirements for bringing animals into the U.S.
The new regulations aim to address the increase in pets traveling internationally with their owners, as well as the rise of rescue groups and breeders operating overseas to meet the demand for pets. The regulations are designed to prevent the entry of rabid dogs and to ensure that all dogs entering the U.S. are properly vaccinated and protected against the virus. While the regulations may present more work for pet owners, many believe that the end result is a positive step towards safeguarding the public against rabies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a fatal disease that commonly affects both animals and humans. It invades the central nervous system and is mostly spread through bites from infected animals. Once symptoms of rabies begin to show, there is no cure. The revised regulations on importing dogs into the U.S. from other countries are aimed at preventing the transmission of rabies and ensuring that all dogs are properly vaccinated and protected against the virus. The regulations have been updated to reflect current challenges and to align with the increasing number of dogs entering the country each year.