New Path for Pups: Understanding Changes in U.S. Pet Entry
Bark! Bark! Many dog owners are used to their dogs barking to alert them to visitors, deliveries, and the arrival of the Big Brown (UPS) truck. Here’s an important alert regarding new rules for dogs entering the U.S. These new rules aim to enhance safety and ensure compliance with health standards. Let’s explore what these changes mean for travelers and their beloved canine companions.
Starting on August 1, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is instituting new requirements for any dogs entering the U.S.,
including dogs that left the U.S. and are returning. The new requirements for all dogs include:
- Must be at least 6 months of age upon arrival in the U.S.
- Must be microchipped with an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip. The microchip must have been implanted prior to any required rabies vaccination, and the microchip’s number must be included on all forms and veterinary records
- Must be healthy upon arrival
- Must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. This online form, which can be found on the CDC site, should be completed 2-10 days before arrival but can even be completed at the airport before departure. The form requires a photo of the dog that includes their face and body.
Along with the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, additional documentation is required. This documentation varies depending on where the dog has been in the past 6 months and where the current rabies vaccine was administered.
Dogs that do not meet requirements will be denied entry to the U.S. and will be sent back to the country where the last trip originated at the owner’s expense. Owners should be prepared if this happens as the country the dog is returned to may not be the place the dog lived, or where it was born.
The CDC rules apply to all dogs including service or comfort animals and apply to all human owners coming to the U.S. with their dog, regardless of citizenship, residency, or nationality.
It will be important for anyone coming to the U.S. or returning to the U.S. with a dog to carefully review the requirements several months prior to travel. Dogs coming from countries considered high risk for dog rabies have additional requirements, including needing reservations at a CDC-registered animal care facility AND the requirement to fly directly to the airport where the reserved CDC facility is located. The list of high-risk countries can be found here.
A tool called DogBot is available on the CDC website to help navigate the various rules. Owners should also research the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) rules as well as any state agricultural rules that may apply. Checking with airlines regarding their rules and processes well in advance of the trip is also prudent.
Meow! What about cats? Importing a cat to the U.S. is a bit easier. (Of course it is, said all cats.) While a general certificate of health is not required, cats are subject to inspection at the port of entry. Airlines and some states may have their own requirements. If the cat appears unwell, entry could be denied, or additional veterinary checks may be required at the owner’s expense. Proof of rabies vaccine is not required by the U.S., but it is recommended that all cats be vaccinated against rabies. The USDA does not have any rules for importing cats.
Squawk! Birds are a bit more complicated from an import standpoint than cats. The CDC doesn’t have regulations regarding importing pet birds because other Federal agencies are involved. USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection all have requirements that must be met. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a checklist that can help guide the importation process.
Deciding whether to include pet shipment as a benefit in a relocation or assignment policy can depend on company culture. However, a pet shipment policy helps relocating employees cover some of the expenses of pet shipment – whether relocating internationally or domestically. Best practice from a policy perspective is to limit the number of pets that are covered, the types of pets (usually dogs, cats, and birds) and cap the benefit per pet. Additionally, some companies will list the items that are covered, such as shipment costs, crates, veterinary certificates, etc. This helps contain costs, but still provides some support.
Let’s face it – pets are part of many families. Many pet owners wouldn’t even think of leaving their beloved Rover, Fluffy or Chirpy behind when they relocate. Careful, advance planning for leaving the U.S. and/or coming to or returning to the U.S. with your pet is advised.