New CDC Travel Regulations: Bringing Dogs Into the U.S.

Important Note: 

As of July 22, 2024, the CDC has updated their requirements for bringing dogs into the U.S. Please check their official website for the most up-to-date entry requirements: Bringing a Dog into the U.S. | Importation | CDC

CDC Pet Travel Regulations - Dogs Entering Into U.S.

Traveling with dogs has always required careful planning, but recent changes to the CDC’s policies on dog importation have added new layers of requirements to ensure the health and safety of dogs and humans alike. These changes are particularly significant for dog owners traveling with their pet into the United States. Here is the information you need to know regarding the microchip aspect of the requirement. For full details on the other requirements, please visit their website here.

Table of Contents

Latest CDC Travel Regulations For Dogs Entering Into the U.S.

The CDC’s updated regulations are designed to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Rabies is a fatal viral disease, and controlling its spread is crucial. The new rules aim to protect public health by ensuring that all dogs entering the U.S. are properly vaccinated and healthy.

How to Ensure CDC Travel Compliance

CDC Pet Travel Regulations - Dogs Entering Into U.S.

Dog owners should start preparing well in advance of their travel date. Some of the key steps relating to identification include:

  • All dogs Must Be 6 months or older: Dogs must be over 6 months old as per the requirement.
  • Have Your Pet Microchipped: Visit your veterinarian to administer a grain-sized microchip, free of pain, for your pet. Microchip must be ISO-compliant.
  • Register Your Pet’s Microchip: For your own record, register, and download a copy of the registration certificate, with a reliable database like the BC Pet Registry
  • Check the CDC’s Website: For all other requirements including rabies vaccine, certificates and forms in order to bring your dog into the US
  • Consult Your Veterinarian: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and obtain all necessary health certificates and documentation.
  • Apply for Pre-Approval Early: If coming from a high-risk country, submit your application to the CDC as soon as possible.

For full detailed coverage of the new CDC requirements, please visit their website.

Importance of Microchipping and Registration

Microchipping is not just a recommendation but a requirement for dogs traveling into the United States.

A microchip serves as a permanent form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Once implanted, the microchip number must be registered in a reliable database.

BC Pet Registry offers a robust platform for registering your pet’s microchip. This ensures that your pet’s ID is easily traceable by veterinarians and shelters across the country and internationally. For more information on how microchipping works, visit the BC Pet Registry’s How It Works page.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Dog owners who have used BC Pet Registry services have successfully navigated these new regulations. For instance, stories like Cleo’s incredible journey demonstrate the effectiveness of proper identification and registration. Read more about Cleo’s story here.

Register Your ISO Microchip with The BC Pet Registry

BC Pet Registry - The Most Robust Pet Microchip Registry in North America

Microchipping your pet and registering with the BC Pet Registry ensures that your pet can be easily identified and returned to you if they get lost. Here are some benefits of microchipping and registering your pet:

  • Permanent Identification: Unlike collars and tags that can fall off or become unreadable, a microchip provides a permanent form of ID. Once implanted, it stays with your pet for life.
  • Increased Chances of Reunification: Pets with registered microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners if lost. Shelters and veterinarians can scan the microchip to quickly identify the pet and contact the owner.
  • International Traceability: Microchips registered with the BC Pet Registry are traceable internationally via the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) universal pet microchip lookup tool. This ensures that your pet can be identified and returned to you, even if they are found in another country.
  • 24/7 Access to Your Pet’s Information: The BC Pet Registry offers 24/7 access to your pet’s microchip information, ensuring that your contact details are always up-to-date and accessible in case of an emergency.
  • Support and Peace of Mind: Registering your pet’s microchip with the BC Pet Registry provides you with peace of mind, knowing that there is a reliable system in place to help reunite you with your pet if they get lost.

For more information on how microchipping works, visit the BC Pet Registry’s How It Works page. To register your pet’s microchip, visit the BC Pet Registry registration page.

Bringing Dogs Into the U.S. | The CDC Pre-Approval Process

For dogs traveling from high-risk countries, a pre-approval process is mandatory. This involves submitting an application to the CDC with proof of rabies vaccination and other required health documents. The CDC will review the application and provide a permit if the dog meets all requirements. Detailed steps for this process can be found on the CDC website.

Quarantine Requirements

In some cases, dogs might need to undergo quarantine upon arrival in the U.S. This period ensures that the dog is free of any diseases that could potentially spread. Quarantine durations and requirements can vary, so it is crucial to check with the CDC and the destination state’s guidelines. More information can be found here.

In Summary of The CDC Pet Travel Regulation Update

CDC Pet Travel Regulations - Dogs Entering Into U.S.

Understanding and complying with the new CDC regulations for pet travel is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets. By staying informed and utilizing resources like the BC Pet Registry, pet owners can make their travel plans smoother and more secure. Click Here to register your pet(s) today.

Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners

During our recent events, we scanned hundreds of pets, all with microchips implanted. Only to discover that approximately 20% of the pets’ microchips are not linked to any registries in North America. We recommend all pet owners to double check their pet’s registration and directly registering with us. All you need is the microchip number and/or tattoo code to start the online registration process. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet will be protected for a lifetime and you will also have contributed to the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of microchipping my dog? 

Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that significantly increases the chances of reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

Q: How does the BC Pet Registry ensure the safety of my pet’s information? 

The BC Pet Registry uses a secure, centralized database that is accessible by authorized veterinarians and shelters, ensuring your pet’s information is safe and traceable.

Q: Is microchipping painful for my pet? 

Microchipping is a quick and virtually painless procedure, comparable to a routine vaccination.

Q: What should I do if my pet is lost? 

Immediately update your pet’s microchip information with the BC Pet Registry and contact local shelters and veterinary clinics.

Q: How can I participate in future microchipping clinics? 

Keep an eye on the BC Pet Registry website and BC SPCA social media channels for announcements about upcoming clinics.

Q: Why choose the BC Pet Registry? 

The BC Pet Registry offers a comprehensive, secure, and internationally traceable microchip registration service, dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. By registering with the BC Pet Registry, you are also supporting a non-profit program. The BC Pet Registry is the only non-profit registry in Canada that is determined to achieve social change. Over 6000 microchips have been donated to local communities with various rescue organizations.

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