Misunderstanding over new US border rules for dogs could halt dog travel

If an agreement cannot be reached, Canadians travelling with dogs may not be able to cross the US border in August.

Recently announced changes to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regulations that go into effect Aug. 1 require dog owners to have their pets microchipped and submit CDC dog import forms, among other requirements.

However, part of the CDC import form requires that one section be completed by the dog’s veterinarian, with endorsement from an “official government veterinarian” in the exporting country.

However, the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency, which would be the government agency approving the CDC form, said it was unable to provide such approval.

“Please note that the CFIA is not currently able to issue certifications for export documents for dogs entering the U.S. as this process is being discussed with the CDC,” the CFIA website states.

“The CFIA recognizes the concerns and impact that the CDC requirements have on Canadians. We have shared this information with the CDC to support the development of a more streamlined process for Canadians.”

The website says the CFIA is “continuing to actively work” with the CDC to develop a special procedure for dogs traveling from Canada to the U.S. More information for travelers with dogs is expected in mid-July.

CDC spokesman Dave Daigle said in an emailed statement that the agency is aware of concerns about dog import regulations.

“We value the feedback we receive from our diverse national, industry and public stakeholders, and we are actively working with federal and international partners to discuss the feedback we receive,” Daigle said.

The new regulations aim to protect society from diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans, including rabies, he added.

“Rabies in dogs is a deadly disease that was eradicated in the United States 17 years ago. These measures are intended to allow continued importation of dogs while minimizing the health risk,” Daigle said.

A CFIA spokesperson said in an emailed statement that they expect “more information in the coming week” and encouraged dog owners to check the agency’s website for up-to-date information.

NB Veterinary Association ‘Left in the Dark’

“We didn’t expect such a sudden change,” said Nicole Jewett, registrar at the New Brunswick Medical Veterinary Association.

She added that the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the CFIA are in talks with the CDC to try to find a solution before the deadline.

“As soon as we have the final rules, we can implement the plan to implement them. But until then, we don’t know what could change from week to week between now and Aug. 1,” Jewett said.

She encouraged dog owners to check the CDC website for updates and added that she understands the stress they may be experiencing.

“We’re a little bit in the dark,” Jewett said.

In addition to the uncertainty surrounding the CFIA, she is unsure whether veterinarians in New Brunswick will have the competencies to complete the forms required of them.

Jewett said there is no data on how often New Brunswick dog owners cross the border into the U.S., so it’s hard to say how often veterinarians will be required to fill out the form.

“It’s definitely possible that things will work out and we’ll find a way that works for both of our countries and it’ll be easy and simple,” Jewett said. “Or it could still be complicated. And we don’t know that yet.”

Vet at border says: wait for explanation

Natalie Rosamund is one New Brunswick veterinarian whose clients may be more affected than others. She works at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic in Dufferin, just outside St. Stephen, and sees clients in both New Brunswick and Maine.

“At the moment I am telling people honestly to avoid crossing the border for the first part of August if possible until the situation calms down,” Rosamund said.

She said that while she and other veterinarians are doing what they can to reassure clients, the information is still not enough.

While strict rules about animals crossing borders are not uncommon, “I think the difference here is the close relationship between Canada and the U.S. and how fluid the border is,” Rosamund said.

She added that she is unsure how the situation will affect her clients in Maine and whether they will need to complete paperwork to return home from her clinic.

Customers from Campobello Island are also a cause for concern for Rosamund, as they can only reach the rest of New Brunswick by driving through Maine, outside the summer months when a ferry runs to the mainland.

She added that the CVMA is hosting a seminar for Canadian veterinarians next week on the new U.S. border regulations and hopes the CFIA will provide more information following that event.

“I don’t want people to panic. This is not the CFIA saying ‘we won’t help you’. They’re saying ‘wait and let us figure it out’, that’s my interpretation,” Rosamund said.