Update to Rules for Dogs Entering the United States from Countries with Low Risk of Rabies

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After feedback and lobbying from various countries, veterinarians, industry partners, and the public, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) has walked back from some of its requirements for dogs from countries that are rabies-free or with a low risk of rabies, including Canada. Specifically, dogs entering or returning to the United States from such countries will no longer require a form completed by a veterinarian which would only have been valid for 30 days.

The updated rules that are set to come into force on August 1, 2024, are summarized below and can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/rabies-free-low-risk-countries.html. Please keep in mind that these requirements apply only to dogs that have been in rabies-free or low-risk countries for the 6 months prior to entry or return to the United States, including Canada. These rules apply to Service Dogs as well as to Americans returning to the United States with their dogs after visiting these countries, including Canada.

  • Must be at least 6 months old;
  • Must appear healthy upon arrival;
  • Must be microchipped;
  • CDC Dog Import Form – Must be completed and the receipt provided to airline officials and/or United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officials upon entry to the United States.

This form and its receipt are valid for 6-months and can be completed on the date of travel and is valid for 6-months, including multiple entries. This is especially relevant for snowbirds planning to spend 6-months in the United States with their dog that the form be completed as close to their travel as possible to cover the full 6-months’ stay.

It is to be noted that the form and the receipt will not be valid if during the 6-months, the dog has travelled to a high-risk county, as there are different set of requirements for travel to the United States in cases where a dog has been in a high-risk country in the last 6-months.

Canada is continuing its talks with the U.S., to seek a nine-month grace period from these requirements to ensure both Canadian and American travellers heading to the United States face minimal disruption.  For now, the above requirements are set to come into effect on August 1, 2024.

Keep in mind that there is variance in requirements around entry and return to the United States depending on where the dog has been in the last 6 months, especially if the dog has been in a high-risk country or if the dog has a foreign or U.S.-administered rabies vaccine. As such, travellers are encouraged to check CDC’s website (see link below) to avoid any surprises at the border: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fimportation%2Fdogs%2Fenter-the-us.html.

Although, some of the rules have been relaxed by CDC, the requirements are still quite cumbersome especially to the section of the population reliant on service dogs.  Hence, a more sustainable and equitable solution needs to be developed to ensure hassle free travel for dog owners between the two countries.