Starting August 1, new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations will take effect for dogs entering the United States, creating a whirlwind of confusion and challenges for travelers, pet shippers, and animal rescue organizations. The updated rules, aimed at preventing the spread of rabies, have prompted significant changes in airline policies and raised concerns among those who frequently transport pets.
Overview of the New Requirements
The CDC’s new regulations mandate that all dogs entering the U.S. must be over six months old, have a microchip, and “appear healthy upon arrival.” These rules apply to all dogs, regardless of their origin, but additional requirements are imposed based on where the dog was vaccinated and if it has recently been in a high-risk rabies country.
Key points of the new regulations include:
New Form Submission: Owners must complete a new form for their dogs.
Health and Age Requirements: Dogs must be at least six months old, microchipped, and appear healthy.
Country-Specific Rules: Dogs from high-risk rabies countries may need to pass a blood test or undergo a 28-day quarantine at a CDC-registered facility, with costs borne by the owner.
Entry Points: Dogs vaccinated in foreign countries and traveling through high-risk countries must enter the U.S. through one of six designated ports with animal care facilities.
The CDC stated that these regulations build on experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic and align with the World Organisation for Animal Health’s standards to manage rabies risk. The goal is to address issues such as fraudulent documentation and unsafe conditions for dogs.
Industry Reactions and Challenges
The implementation of these rules has been met with criticism from various sectors. Heather Blas, a pet relocation specialist, described the situation as a “circus” due to conflicting information and poorly communicated regulations. Many airlines have halted or significantly altered their pet transport services, creating a ripple effect on military families, diplomats, and animal rescues.
Airlines: Several major airlines, including Lufthansa, Finnair, and Swiss International Air Lines, initially announced they would no longer transport dogs to the U.S. due to the new requirements. Some airlines have applied for waivers or restricted pet transport to specific airports.
Pet Shippers: The new rules have caused a surge in demand for pet shippers, increasing costs significantly. Military families, who previously could fly with their pets at lower costs, are now facing potential expenses of up to $3,000 for pet shipping services.
Impact on Animal Rescue Operations
Animal rescue organizations are also feeling the impact of these new regulations. For instance, Friends of Sochi Dogs, which operates mainly in high-risk rabies countries like Ukraine, may have to halt operations or face substantial additional costs for revaccination and quarantine.
Anna Umansky, co-founder of Friends of Sochi Dogs, criticized the requirement for revaccination despite passing a blood test as redundant and costly. She expressed frustration over the new rules potentially putting their rescue operations at risk.
Government and Industry Responses
Lawmakers and industry professionals have voiced concerns over the abrupt implementation of the new rules, with some requesting delays to better accommodate the changes. While major airlines have stated they will comply with the new requirements, they also emphasized that existing bookings will not be affected.
Jennifer Skiff from Animal Wellness Action argued that the new regulations are an overreach, suggesting that the existing system was effective at preventing rabies cases.
Looking Ahead
As the deadline approaches, travelers and industry stakeholders are navigating the complexities of the new rules. The regulations are set to start on August 1, and while some adjustments may be made, the immediate impact is likely to be significant for those involved in international pet transport.
For the latest updates on pet travel regulations and guidance, it is advisable to check with the CDC and relevant airlines or pet shipping services.
