Bringing your beloved furry friend into the U.S. is about to change. Starting August 1, 2024, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is implementing new measures to ensure America’s families, communities and pets stay safe from dog rabies. Here’s everything you need to know about the updated process for bringing your dog into the U.S.
Why the New Measures?
The CDC’s primary goal is to prevent the reintroduction of dog rabies into the U.S., making it a public health priority. Ensuring that only health and properly vaccinated dogs enter the country is a crucial step in protecting public health.
The New Process:
Depending on where your dog has been and depending on their vaccination status, the steps you need to take vary:
Dogs from Rabies-Free or Low-Risk Countries:
If your dog has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last six months, the process is straightforward. You will need to complete the CDC Dog Import Form, which takes just a few minutes.
U.S. Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries:
If your dog was vaccinated in the U.S. but has been in a high-risk country, the requirements include:
- A certification showing all vaccinations, including rabies.
- Your dog must be at least six months old and appear healthy upon arrival.
- A microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner, inserted before the rabies vaccine is administered. This microchip must be included on all required forms and supporting documents.
Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries:
For dogs vaccinated outside the U.S. and coming from high-risk countries:
- A certification of foreign rabies vaccination and a microchip form filled out and endorsed by an official government veterinarian.
- A reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility.
- The dog must have a detectable microchip inserted before the rabies vaccine, be at least six months old, and appear healthy upon arrival.
Regardless of the situation, all dogs require the CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
Important Note:
If your dog is not vaccinated against rabies and has been in a high-risk country in the past six months, they will not be allowed to enter the U.S. This stringent measure ensures that no unvaccinated dogs from high-risk areas compromise public health.
Conclusion:
The CDC’s updated process may seem daunting, but it’s necessary to step to keep everyone safe. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition for bringing your dog into the U.S. and contribute to maintaining a rabies-free environment.
Keep these steps in mind, and you will be well-prepared to bring your dog into the US. If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to reach out to our team of experienced professionals at Berardi Immigration Law!
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