WASHINGTON — In an effort to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission, all dogs entering the United States from other countries will now be subject to stricter regulations, according to new government rules published on Wednesday.
The updated regulations stipulate that dogs must be at least 6 months old and microchipped upon entry into the U.S. The microchip serves as a means of verifying rabies vaccination status and aids in tracking the animal’s health history. These rules apply to dogs brought in by breeders or rescue groups, as well as pets accompanying their U.S. owners during travel.
Emily Pieracci, a rabies expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) involved in drafting the regulations, emphasized the necessity of these measures in addressing current challenges. The updated rules aim to standardize procedures and enhance safeguards against rabies transmission.
The CDC published the new regulations in the federal register, with an effective date of August 1, 2024, coinciding with the expiration of a temporary 2021 order. The previous order had suspended the importation of dogs from over 100 countries where rabies remains prevalent.
Under the new regulations, all dogs entering the U.S. must meet several criteria, including being at least 6 months old to ensure eligibility for vaccination and having a microchip implanted for identification purposes. Additionally, dogs must complete a CDC import form, and there may be further requirements depending on the dog’s origin, such as blood testing from CDC-approved laboratories.
According to Pieracci, the previous CDC regulations, last updated in 1956, needed revision to adapt to the changing landscape of global pet travel and commerce. With an increasing number of people traveling internationally with their pets and a surge in overseas breeding and rescue operations, approximately 1 million dogs enter the U.S. each year.
While dogs were once common carriers of the rabies virus in the U.S., successful vaccination campaigns in the 1970s eliminated the strain circulating in domestic dogs. However, rabies remains a serious concern globally, with the virus posing a significant risk to animals and humans alike.
Since 2015, four rabid dogs have been identified entering the U.S., prompting officials to bolster preventive measures. Concerns over incomplete or fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates and underage puppies being denied entry further underscored the need for updated regulations.
Public feedback on a draft version of the regulations varied, with some stakeholders expressing support for the stricter requirements, citing enhanced safety measures. However, others raised concerns about the potential logistical challenges and associated costs, particularly for families relocating internationally with their pets.
Despite differing opinions, the overarching goal of the regulations remains consistent: safeguarding public health and minimizing the risk of rabies transmission through vigilant oversight of dog imports.
