05/06/2024
THIS JUST IN FROM CKC
Upcoming CDC Dog Importation Rule
Now Includes Options for Frequent Travellers to U.S.
We continue to advocate on behalf of our members, to support those who legitimately import and travel with their dogs to the United States, and who will be impacted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) new dog importation rule, effective August 1, 2024.
Most recently, CKC met with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), including the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and Pets Canada, to discuss the impact of the new CDC rule on CKC members and other groups. We learned that since CDC consultations occurred in 2023, CFIA has been working with U.S. regulators to share the impact of the rule on Canadians. Due to the relationship CKC built with CFIA over the past 2-3 years, CFIA shared specific concerns on CKC’s behalf to the CDC and the impact it would have, highlighting the importance of allowing some movement of dogs less than 6 months of age for legitimate reasons.
Since the CDC announced the new rule, CFIA acknowledged that there has been little time to develop new processes and communicate the changes to the affected parties. The Agency shared that they recognize the resource burden the new certification process will place on the veterinary community, including CFIA veterinarians, and is working with CDC to explore solutions to simply the certification process.
CFIA also shared that they have consulted with CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address these concerns. Further, they shared that the following changes have been made to reduce the burden on CKC members who frequently travel with their dog(s) to the U.S. for shows, events or veterinary/emergency appointments.
The Certification of Dog Arriving from Dog-Maintained Rabies Variant Virus (DMVV)-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form has different entry requirements depending on whether and where the dog was vaccinated. This includes:
A single entry into the U.S. for 30 days (after being issued) if it does not contain information about rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country. (Note: CDC states in the Travel Checklist for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk in the 6 months before entry that rabies vaccination is not required if the dog has been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for 6 months, but is strongly recommended. It may also be required by the U.S. state or territory to which the dog is traveling).
OR
Multiple entries into the U.S. for the duration the rabies vaccination is valid (1 or 3 years) if the rabies vaccination was administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country (Note: Canada is considered a DMRVV-free and a low-risk country)
This means that frequent travellers will not have to complete the Certification of Dog Arriving from Dog-Maintained Rabies Variant Virus (DMVV)-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form again until the rabies vaccination expires.
You may complete the CDC dog import form 2 to 10 days in advance, and you can also submit the form online while in line at the border crossing, if you have internet access.
We are encouraged by the recent changes made by CDC that will benefit CKC members who travel frequently to the U.S. We also remain committed to working with CFIA, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other stakeholders, to try and obtain special consideration for CKC members who remain unduly impacted by the new rule. We are optimistic about further changes and will provide an update following our next meeting with CFIA mid-June. Additionally, we are still exploring taking some steps with our partners at the AKC.
For more information about the new CDC dog importation requirements, including CDC forms required, please visit the CDC Website.
Copyright © *2024* *Canadian Kennel Club*, All rights reserved.
5397 Eglinton Ave. W., Suite 101, Etobicoke, ON, M9C 5K6
Toll-Free 1-855-364-7252
[email protected]
