New border rules for dogs are another blow to Point Roberts

One business voice in tiny Point Roberts says another move by the U.S. government will hurt the exclave when new dog laws go into effect on August 1.

After this date, all canine companions, whether entering or returning to the U.S., will be required to be at least six months old and have an ISO microchip to allow veterinary records to be verified.

Dogs must also appear healthy, and the owner must have a dog import form from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (requiring a photo of the dog).

Canada is not considered a high-risk country for rabies, so if your dog has only been in Canada for the last six months, vaccination is not required, although it is strongly recommended. In addition, microchips must be implanted on or before the rabies vaccination.

The new rules will hit Point Roberts, which is still struggling with the effects of the pandemic, says the president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce.

“The new rules they have proposed regarding dog regulations at US borders will discourage more families from coming here. So what is the CDC’s rationale?” Brian Calder said in an open letter. “How many cases of rabies have been recorded in Point Roberts in the last 200 years? What’s next, dog Nexus card?”

Calder added that the CDC has received strong reaction to the announcement, saying there is a lot of confusion around the issue.

“It’s a disaster for us,” he said. “Uncertainty causes fear. Fear means they won’t come to Point Roberts. We are not a threat to anyone, never have been.

“Prior to the change in regulations, to bring a pet or service dog into the United States, a simple affidavit regarding the dog’s background was required to determine whether the dog was eligible for entry and to ensure that it had not been in a country recognized as having high risk of rabies in dogs.

Other August 1 requirements include obtaining certification Certification of a dog arriving from a DMRVV-free or low-risk country to the USA form from a vet in Canada.

The CDC checklist includes:

• check that the dog is at least six months old

• make sure your dog has a microchip and its number is on all documents

• receive a rabies vaccine or booster, even if not technically required, if your dog has been in Canada for six months

• ask your veterinarian to complete the certification of a dog coming from a rabies-free or low-risk country.

• collect your vet’s records for the last six months

• take a photo of your dog and complete the CDC dog import form and obtain a receipt

There is also a dog bot feature that provides answers.

On the day of travel, visitors must have proof of import of the dog and a document Certification of a dog arriving from a DMRVV-free or low-risk country to the USA form or other CDC documentation.

According to the U.S. CDC website, the department updated its dog and cat import regulations in 2024 “to protect the health and safety of humans and animals and prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies into the United States.

“The updated regulation will help keep Americans and their pets safe. “Addresses recent challenges associated with the international import of dogs, including challenges associated with falsified documentation.”