Have you ever thought about bringing your furry best friend with you on your journey to the United States? Whether you are a US citizen, legal resident, or foreign national, it is important to know the rules and regulations enforced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when it comes to importing dogs into the country. As of July 2021, CDC has extended its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This means that if you plan to bring a dog into the United States, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to ensure the safety of both your canine companion and the public.
Determining If You Can Bring a Dog into the United States
The decision to allow a dog to enter the United States depends on several factors, including the country of origin and the dog’s vaccination status. The CDC has strict guidelines in place to prevent the spread of diseases, such as rabies, through imported dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to determine if you can bring your dog into the United States before making any travel plans. To help you understand the requirements, we have broken them down into simple steps.
Step 1: Has Your Dog Been in a High-Risk Country in the Past 6 Months?
The first step in determining if your dog can enter the United States is to find out if it has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies within the past 6 months. High-risk countries are those that do not have effective rabies control measures in place. Some examples of high-risk countries include Afghanistan, Egypt, India, and Ukraine. If your dog has been in one of these countries within the past 6 months, then it is subject to additional requirements when entering the United States.
Step 2: Is Your Dog Coming from a Country Without High Risk of Rabies?
If your dog has not been in a high-risk country within the past 6 months, then it is considered to be coming from a country without high risk of rabies. However, this does not mean that there are no requirements for bringing your dog into the United States. Keep reading to find out what additional steps need to be taken.
Step 3: Does Your Dog Meet the Entry Requirements for the United States?
Now that you have determined if your dog is coming from a high-risk country or not, the next step is to make sure it meets all the entry requirements for the United States. These requirements include:
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate, which must be administered at least 30 days before entering the United States
- A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- Proof of a general health examination within 48 hours of departure
In addition, your dog must not be younger than 4 months old and must be in good health upon arrival in the United States. Any dogs that do not meet these requirements will be refused entry and may be returned to their country of departure at your expense.
Why Entry of Dogs to the United States Is Controlled
The United States takes the importation of dogs very seriously, as it poses a potential threat to public health and safety. According to the CDC, approximately 1% of imported dogs fail to meet entry requirements, which can result in diseases spreading to animals and humans. The most common disease associated with imported dogs is rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. To prevent such risks, the CDC enforces strict regulations to control the entry of dogs into the United States.
Required Vaccinations for Bringing a Dog into the United States
As mentioned earlier, one of the requirements for bringing a dog into the United States is a valid rabies vaccination certificate. This is crucial in preventing the spread of rabies, a deadly disease that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before entering the United States and must be valid for the duration of the dog’s stay in the country.
Apart from rabies, there are other recommended vaccinations that you should consider getting for your dog before bringing it to the United States. These include vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, and canine influenza. While they are not mandatory, these vaccinations can protect your dog from potential health risks while in the US.
Health Certificates for Bringing a Dog into the United States
A health certificate is another requirement for importing dogs into the United States. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel and must certify that the dog is healthy and free from any infectious diseases. The veterinarian must also state that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and is not showing any signs of illness. Failure to provide a valid health certificate may result in the denial of entry into the United States.
Conclusion
Bringing a dog into the United States requires careful planning and adherence to regulations set by the CDC. Whether your dog is coming from a high-risk country or not, it is important to ensure that it meets all the entry requirements before making travel arrangements. Failure to comply with the rules may result in your dog being denied entry into the United States, which can be costly and stressful for both you and your beloved pet. By following the steps outlined in this article and staying up-to-date with any changes in regulations, you can ensure a safe and smooth journey for your furry companion. After all, nothing beats having your best friend by your side, especially when exploring a new country.