“There’s going to be a lot of confusion at the border, there are going to be delays, frustration, and people will need backup plans like pet sitters when thinking of travel this season,” says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, chief veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital and veterinary medical adviser for Rover.com.
New Regulations Introduced
New regulations introduced for travelers and snowbirds going back and forth from the United States with their dogs are causing confusion among pet owners. According to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a GTA veterinarian, many dog owners might not even be aware of the new rules that took effect on August 1. These regulations were implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of rabies into the United States.
What Has Changed?
As of August 1, all dogs entering the U.S. must have a universal microchip and be over six months of age. Additionally, pet owners must fill out a special Dog Import Form, which needs to be presented to U.S. Customs if traveling by car, air, or boat.
Dr. Greenstein explained that these rules are somewhat easier now compared to the initial regulations introduced in the spring. “In May of this year, the CDC made sweeping changes for dogs entering the border to mitigate rabies coming into the U.S. Initially, the regulations included sending pet owners to their vet for a checkup and having the vet fill out the form, along with taking a photo of the dog,” she said.
The confusion was considerable, leading to countless webinars and training sessions for Greenstein’s staff, only for the CDC to walk back most of its regulations. “Starting August 1, the CDC stepped back its policy to try and clear the confusion and red tape. It’s so much more streamlined now,” she noted.
Why Is There Still Confusion?
Despite the streamlined process, some requirements continue to catch dog owners off guard, such as the universal microchipping mandate. “There are no laws requiring microchipping in Canada. It’s completely up to the individual, and not all microchips are compatible. It’s very specific about the type of microchip required,” Greenstein explained.
Moreover, while proof of rabies vaccination is not required for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada, it is necessary for their return to Canada. Additionally, dogs entering the U.S. must not have visited any high-risk rabies countries within the last six months.
According to a recent poll by Rover.com, 39 percent of Canadian dog owners do not feel confident in their understanding of travel regulations for dogs crossing the border. The study of 500 pet parents revealed that 84 percent who travel with their dog now worry more about being separated due to the new CDC regulations.
Planning Ahead
Given the potential for confusion and delays at the border, Greenstein emphasizes the importance of planning ahead. “That says a lot, because that means there’s going to be a lot of confusion at the border, there are going to be delays, frustration, and people will need backup plans like pet sitters when thinking of travel this season,” she said.
It’s essential for pet owners to ensure their rabies vaccinations are up-to-date, as most vaccinations need to be repeated between one to three years, depending on the brand.
How Long Does the Dog Import Form Last?
For snowbirds traveling back and forth over the winter months with their dogs, the CDC’s Dog Import Form is valid for six months, which should alleviate some concerns. However, Greenstein advises pet parents to stay informed about potential updates. “We suspect that what we see now won’t be true down the road. There are some rumors that the relaxed rules are just valid for a grace period, and in fact, more strict regulations will be introduced after that time,” she warned.
Who Is Still Impacted?
The new regulation prohibits dogs under six months of age from being imported, which affects Canadians wanting to get a new puppy from an American breeder and those seeking cross-border veterinary care for their pets. It also impacts individuals acquiring service dogs from the United States.
Organizations rescuing dogs from foreign countries are also affected. “This puts a huge crimp into a lot of people’s plans. I personally have many puppies — including one I met last month — who came from a reputable breeder in the United States,” Greenstein said.
Conclusion
While the CDC’s efforts to maintain biosecurity are crucial, the stringent regulations may have unintended consequences for individual dogs and their owners. “We have to think about the individual dogs who might be paying the price for these extremely stringent regulations,” Greenstein concluded, highlighting the broader impact on dog rescues and cross-border pet ownership.
