Dog Travel Ban Eased In the U.S.

The C.D.C. has decided to allow select pets from 113 countries with a high rabies risk to be imported back into the United States.

It is because of concerns about falsified rabies vaccination certifications. In addition, the U.S. government has loosened up on a restriction that previously prohibited the entry of dogs from 113 nations. The adjustment comes just under 6 weeks after the full implementation of the order, which pet parents had condemned as being unduly restrictive.

As of Oct. 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had announced a ban of dogs from 113 countries where the danger of rabies infection to dogs was judged high, including both imported dogs and those returning to the U.S. after visiting overseas.

According to the federal agency, the restriction was prompted by a surge in false health certificates from overseas pet importers during the last 18 months.

Travelers with dogs who obtained their rabies vaccinations from a U.S.-licensed vet can come back to the United States from the earlier banned countries, as long as the animal is fit and active, microchipped, and at least 6 months old, and the owner has a valid rabies vaccination certificate provided by the United States.

The ruling was announced on the C.D.C.’s website over the weekend. However, the change in policy by the C.D.C. does not offer respite to anyone who wants to bring the dog into the United States for the first time, including assistance workers and U.S. service personnel.

Many of them have difficulty reuniting with pets they adopted while serving overseas, and they have protested that the rule is too severe. In addition, animals rescued outside of the United States that do not have U.S. immunization papers are still unable to come into the country without written authorization.

Source: The New York Times