What is required to bring a dog into the U.S. from Canada starting Aug. 1
New strict border rules for dogs come into effect on Aug. 1 and it may mean owners will have to leave their canine companion at home before crossing into the U.S.
Starting Aug. 1, dogs entering the U.S. must be at least six months old.
For dogs that meet that requirement, the owner must then fill out paperwork for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before their planned visit.
The papers, which will be available on the CDC website, will prove that the dog is healthy, has a valid microchip and is vaccinated against the rabies virus.
The documents required depend upon where the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, and what countries they have been in during the six months before travelling to the United States.
The CDC recommends that the Import Dog Form be filled out online between two and 10 days before arrival at the border, however, it can also be filled out closer to arrival if the owners have internet access.
The form also requires the owner to upload a clear photograph of the dog’s face and body. Dogs that are less than one year old at the time of arrival should have the photo taken within 10 days of arrival, according to the CDC.
The CDC said the rules are being implemented to help control the spread of rabies.
“The United States eliminated dog rabies in 2007, but dog rabies is not controlled in over 100 countries—creating a risk to the United States in imported dogs,” the CDC states.
As Canada is considered a low-risk country for dog rabies, all dogs over the age of six months must have one of the following:
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