US withdraws planned rule on dogs crossing border from rabies-free countries

OTTAWA — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will not require dog owners crossing the border into Canada this summer to fill out cumbersome forms.

The agency announced new regulations in May aimed at eliminating rabies from the country.

They stated that dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and carry two forms, one signed by a veterinarian.

The changes, which were due to come into effect next month, have been met with criticism from veterinary associations, the tourism industry and the Canadian federal government.

Last week, Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland announced that he had been successful in obtaining a partial exemption from the rules for dogs imported from Canada, but he is pushing for the rules to be lifted entirely.

The CDC now advises that if a dog has been in a low-risk or rabies-free country for the past six months, it can cross the border with just an import form, which can be completed online on the day of travel.

The changes are based on feedback from the public, industry and various countries, the statement said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2024.

Canadian Press