Update: Recent Changes to the Proposed CDC Dog Import Requirements as of August 1, 2024
July 23, 2024
On July 22, 2024, Minister of Health, the Honourable Mark Holland, confirmed in a statement that the United States has agreed to a nine-month grace period while Canada and the U.S. find a workable, permanent solution so Canadians and Americans can travel with their dogs with minimal interruptions.
Most of the proposed requirements for dogs being imported into the U.S. from Canada as of August 1 have been dropped in lieu of the owner completing an online form prior to crossing the border. The form will be valid for multiple entries for six months from issue date of the receipt.
In addition to the owner providing a receipt for the CDC Dog Import Form at the border, the dog must appear healthy, be at least six months of age, and have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner.
Over the past several weeks, CVMA staff and volunteers have contributed countless hours to liaising with stakeholders and sharing the views of the profession on the proposed changes with government officials and the media. The CVMA position was aligned with that of Minister Holland.
Frequent updates on the requirements and negotiated changes were provided in the form of media interviews, social media postings, CVMA news, and a webinar. Additional updates and timelines may be published which the CVMA will share with Canadian veterinarians as they become available.
Please continue to reference the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for additional information.