What the CDC’s updated rules mean for Can-Am International Sled Dog Racing

AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine (WAGM) – In May, the CDC implemented new requirements for dogs entering the U.S. The regulations raised concerns among dog owners due to the extensive paperwork and veterinary care required.

Under pressure from politicians and the public, the CDC announced this week that it would temporarily ease those restrictions until April 2025.

The relaxed restrictions still require dogs to be at least six months old and microchipped, but have significantly reduced the amount of paperwork. The rules will come into effect on August 1, 2024.

Since May, Can-Am International Sled Dog Race organizers have advocated for more lenient restrictions. Initially, organizers feared the rules would prevent many Canadian racers from competing in the Can-Am race.

Sarah Brooks, vice president of the race, said she was pleased to see some restrictions lifted.

“The import form, which has to be filled out online, has been simplified and is now valid for six months, rather than just a limited time,” Brooks told WAGM. “That means mushers will essentially be able to race in the U.S.-Canada races in 2025.”

However, Brooks remains concerned that restrictions will only be eased temporarily and puppies will still not be allowed to enter the country.

“We need to continue to fight this,” he says. “We need to continue to move forward to make sure that the regulations after April don’t go back to what the CDC originally proposed.”

Brooks says society will need to come together to push for a lasting solution.

“The biggest thing we’re going to have to focus on is educating the public, informing them about these laws,” Brooks says. “There are a lot of dog owners who still don’t know exactly what they are.”

Earlier this month, Maine senators Susan Collins and Angus King worked with 12 other U.S. senators to write a letter to the CDC asking them to reconsider their original regulations. Additionally, congressman Jared Golden called on the CDC to delay implementation of the previous regulations until Aug. 1.

Individuals affected by these regulations are advised to contact their representatives to share their concerns.