Alaska to be uniquely affected by CDC’s new regulations for dogs entering the U.S.

The new rules for bringing dogs into the United States, set to take effect on August 1, will have unique impacts in Alaska. These stricter canine border requirements are being implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of a canine variant of the rabies virus. Alaska state veterinarian Sarah Coburn explained that the regulations are in response to issues with fraudulent rabies vaccine certificates and improper vaccines being given in higher-risk countries.

One of the key changes in the new rules is a ban on bringing any dog under six months old into the U.S. This restriction may pose challenges for Alaskans who travel to neighboring countries like Canada for veterinary care, as they will not be able to bring young dogs back with them. Additionally, there is now a requirement for dogs to be microchipped with an ISO-certified chip before receiving a rabies vaccination. This ensures proper identification and tracking of vaccinated dogs.

Furthermore, a minimum of 28 days is required between the administration of the microchip and rabies vaccination before a dog can enter the U.S. The rabies vaccine must be administered by a U.S. Department of Agriculture-accredited veterinarian or at a facility managed by one. This means that vaccines given by lay vaccinators, common in rural Alaska where veterinary services are limited, will not be accepted for international travel.

In addition to these changes, dog owners must complete an online dog import form and provide additional documentation depending on where the dog has been in the six months prior to entering the U.S. These new rules have raised concerns among veterinarians and pet owners in Alaska, as many are still trying to understand the implications and requirements for traveling with their dogs.

Veterinarian Jeanne Olson from North Pole highlighted the issue of sled dogs being transported between Alaska locations through Canada. She mentioned that many sled dogs do not have microchips, which could pose a challenge for their transportation. While the goal of the new rules is to prevent the spread of canine variant rabies, Olson questioned the necessity of such strict regulations for travel between rabies-free countries like the U.S. and Canada.

Overall, the new canine border crossing rules will have significant impacts on Alaskans traveling with their dogs, especially those who frequently cross the border for various reasons. It is essential for pet owners to stay informed about these changes and ensure compliance to avoid any issues when traveling with their furry companions.