Image Credit, Adriana Morales
Mark Holland, Minister of Health, issued a statement today addressing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) upcoming changes to import requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada. These new regulations, set to take effect on August 1, 2024, have prompted significant concern from Canadian officials and citizens alike.
Initially announced on May 8, 2024, the new guidelines necessitate additional documentation and planning for Canadians traveling to the U.S. with their dogs. Despite Canada being free of the dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) and sharing the same rabies-free status as the U.S., the regulations require dogs entering the U.S. to be at least six months old, microchipped, healthy upon arrival, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and a Canadian export document signed by a licensed veterinarian.
Minister Holland highlighted the efforts of Canadian officials, including the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament, who have been in constant dialogue with U.S. partners and Congressional leaders to address these concerns. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been actively engaging with the CDC to seek solutions and clarify the new requirements. However, despite some adjustments, the overarching concerns about the impact on Canadians and Americans remain.
“The new CDC regulations will impose additional costs and administrative burdens on Canadians traveling with their dogs to the U.S.,” stated Minister Holland. “This will affect tourism, with travelers having to navigate complex processes and incur extra expenses. Additionally, the transportation sector, especially trucking, will face new challenges, potentially straining supply chains that are crucial for both nations’ economies.”
The impact on local economies, particularly in border communities, is another significant concern. These communities often rely on cross-border traffic to support local businesses and jobs. The new regulations will disproportionately affect individuals with service dogs, Indigenous peoples traveling across the border to their traditional territories, and Canadians and Americans living in border areas who regularly cross the border for goods, services, or work.
Minister Holland emphasized that the Government of Canada continues to advocate for exemptions based on the shared rabies-free status, the geographic realities of the border, and the deep economic and social ties between the two countries. He reassured Canadians that the government is negotiating for further changes to ease the burden.
“Our government has been clear: many Canadians, such as snowbirds and truckers, frequently travel to the U.S. with dogs, and the CDC’s new regulations will impact people and economies on both sides of the border. We will continue to raise these concerns with our U.S. counterparts and work to find a path forward. Our government will always stand up for Canadians’ interests,” concluded Minister Holland.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, Canadians planning to travel to the U.S. with dogs should ensure they comply with the new requirements to avoid any complications at the border.
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