07/08/2024
Are you taking your dog with you to Canada? Please read on for some important information regarding your pup's travel plans:
After August 1, 2024, the requirements for return travel back into the United States from Canada will change. As of now, the requirements to go to Canada remain the same-a valid rabies certificate. The CDC has made these new restrictions in an effort to prevent the importation of the dog rabies strain. Currently, while the US has wildlife strains of the rabies virus, we are considered free of the dog strain.
The CDC has a program called DogBot where you can enter your dog's information to verify the requirements needed. If you do not meet the requirements when trying to return to the United States, your dog will not be allowed to return at that time! DogBot will help you navigate what your dog may need.
In general, it appears that dogs need to be older than 6 months old, microchipped prior to rabies vaccination, have a CDC Import Form and a Certification of US Rabies Vaccination which has been endorsed by the USDA prior to leaving. The CDC Import Form will be available after July 15th. It requires photographs and should be filled out 2 to 10 days prior to coming back into the US. If the dog does not have a microchip, one can be placed and the dog revaccinated for rabies. However, this vaccination will be only good for one year and needs to be done 28 days prior to travel.
As of now, we are uncertain as to the time frame for the return of the Rabies Certification form so please plan well in advance. Alternative arrangements for your pet such as boarding may need to be considered as this is a very confusing new change.
These links have more information regarding the changes, as well as the DogBot link:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html -vaccination