CDC relaxes regulations for dogs entering the country

The federal government has recently announced simplified health regulations for dogs crossing the border with the United States, following an outcry from various stakeholders including breeders, shelter owners, mushers, and members of Congress. These changes are set to take effect on August 1, and aim to streamline the process for dog owners traveling with their pets from low-risk countries for canine rabies.

One of the key changes in the new regulations is that owners of dogs from low-risk countries will no longer need to have their forms signed by two veterinarians. Instead, they must complete a form from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prior to crossing the border. This adjustment has been welcomed by many in the dog community, including Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race, who sees it as a positive step that will make it easier for Canadian mushers to participate in future competitions.

The new CDC dog import form can be filled out on the day of travel, and dog owners can either print it out or present it on their phone to officials at the border. Upon completion, owners will receive a receipt that will remain valid for the next six months, unless the dog travels to a country deemed high-risk for canine rabies. While this change has been met with enthusiasm, some concerns remain regarding the expenses involved in completing the form for each individual dog.

Katherine Langlais, a New Brunswick musher with a kennel of about 35 dogs, expressed some reservations about the new regulations, stating that while the validity period of six months is helpful, the requirement to complete a form for each dog poses logistical challenges. Both Langlais and Brooks believe that the new rules are unnecessary and have called for their implementation to be postponed.

Despite these concerns, the regulations still mandate that all dogs crossing the border have a microchip and be at least six months old. Additionally, owners of dogs from high-risk countries for canine rabies will need to complete the CDC import form and a form certifying the issuance of a U.S. rabies vaccine signed by a local veterinarian and an Agriculture Department accredited veterinarian.

Several members of Maine’s U.S. congressional delegation, including Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Jared Golden, have raised concerns about the potential impact of the new regulations on events like the Can-Am Crown International, which is a significant economic driver for the Fort Kent region. In response, Rep. Golden has introduced an amendment to a federal budget bill that would block the CDC rules entirely.

As of now, the new CDC rules are scheduled to go into effect on August 1. Dog owners can find more information about the regulations on the CDC website, including a list of high-risk countries for canine rabies. While the changes aim to enhance safety measures for dogs crossing the border, stakeholders continue to advocate for a reconsideration of the rules to address concerns about their necessity and potential impact on dog owners and events like the Can-Am Crown International.