Truckers With Dogs Returning From Outside US Need New Form
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Truckers who take their dogs back and forth between the United States and either Canada or Mexico will soon be required to complete a federal form that asserts their pets are at low risk of carrying rabies back into the country.
Starting Aug. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of a rabies prevention measure will require that all dogs crossing into the U.S. be accompanied by the new Dog Import Form. All dogs entering the U.S. after that date also must have a microchip and be over 6 months of age.
The requirements were included in a 123-page rule issued May 13 called “Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine: Importation of Dogs and Cats.” The U.S. Customs and Border Protection office has issued numerous advisories since June from field offices near the borders of both countries regarding the CDC dog importation requirements. On July 22, CDC in response to questions from Transport Topics detailed how the rule affects truck drivers who travel with pets.
“CDC has clarified and simplified the process for bringing dogs into the United States from rabies-free and low-risk dog rabies countries. CDC aims to protect the health of U.S. communities and animals and prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies to the United States,” the CDC said in its clarification. “These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries.”
A dog's teeth are examined by a CDC officer. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Since Canada and Mexico are considered low-risk countries for rabies, U.S. truckers taking their dogs back and forth over the borders must complete the form. The form is required if the pet has been in another country for fewer than six months since entering or returning to the U.S. Once approved, a receipt of the form’s submission is valid for six months from the date issued and can be used for multiple entries into the U.S. as long as the dog has not visited a high-risk country in the prior six months.
“This is the only form that is needed,” the CDC stated. “A receipt will be emailed to you upon submission of the form. You can print the receipt or show it on your phone. Your dog must appear healthy to enter the U.S.”
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The agency added, “If you are bringing more than one dog to the U.S., you will need to complete a separate form for each dog. Each dog must have its own form. You can fill out the form on the day of travel. We recommend completing it a few days or up to six months before travel from a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, just to be prepared.”
The form is free and must be completed by the person bringing the dog into the U.S.
More information about the CDC Dog Import Form can be found at cdc.gov/importation/dogs/rabies-free-low-risk-countries.html.
