After several complaints from Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its new rules surrounding the importation of dogs. The new rules permit dogs that have spent the prior six months in only rabies-free or low-risk countries to enter the US with a CDC Import Form. Public pushback to date illustrates that the rules are not narrow enough and would negatively impact Mainers.
Original Rule and Proposed Revisions
The CDC initially proposed strict regulations on importing dogs into the U.S. It required that dogs be at least 6 months old, have a microchip, be vaccinated for rabies, and owners must have completed extensive documentation. The new rules, which take effect on August 1, 2024, were expected to simplify the process for dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries. Owners from such countries are to submit a CDC Import Form (which is valid for six months) online on the day of travel, and airline industries can process waiver requests. All imported dogs are still to be microchipped and be more than six-months-old.
With this rule, the CDC claims it is protecting U.S. communities and animals from the re-introduction of the dog-maintained rabies virus variant, which was eliminated from the U.S. in 2007. The rules are designed to prevent diseases and maintain public health, the agency says.
While the CDC describes the new rules as “simplified,” it primarily removes the requirement for rabies vaccination for dogs from rabies-free and low-risk countries. Concerns therefore persist regarding other strict measures like mandatory microchipping and a prohibition on importing puppies under six-months-old. These impose significant burdens on dog owners and do not fully address concerns about practicality and fairness.
Moreover, the new rules differentiate between rabies-free/low-risk and high-risk countries. Dogs from high-risk countries must meet additional requirements, adding further complexity to CDC’s policy and making it difficult for dog owners and those who travel to the US to participate in sporting activities.
This has led to calls for the CDC to delay the implementation of the rules and make further revisions. “While I support the CDC’s goal of preventing the spread of canine rabies, I have heard from many constituents with significant concerns about the burdensome effects of this rule, particularly for those from border communities in northern and eastern Maine,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said in a statement.
“The CDC’s new rule fails to strike a balance between safety and practicality, and it’s clear we need to force regulators back to the drawing board,” U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) added.
Impact on Mainers
For Maine–where events like the Can-AM-Dog Sled Race attract participants from various countries–these rules pose real challenges. Owners and participants may face difficulties navigating the requirements, potentially affecting the number of international entrants. Dog owners will also experience difficulty crossing the border for hunting and other activities. The updated rules are not narrow enough and still necessitate a lot of planning and compliance.
Conclusion
The CDC’s updated dog importation rules are still strict and not practical. The agency’s proposed rule fails to fully address legitimate concerns about its broad and rigid application. The impact on events like the Can-Am-Dog Sled Race highlights the need for a revision that considers the specific risks and realities of different regions and circumstances.
Afua Kwarteng is a graduate student at the University of Maine pursuing a dual MBA and Global Policy degree. She graduated from the University of Ghana with a BA in Political Science and Swahili. She is passionate about state and international policy and is serving as Maine Policy Institute’s 2024 communications intern.