US scraps rules for dogs from rabies-free countries

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is not requiring Canadians to cross the border into Canada with their dogs this summer.

The agency announced new rules in May aimed at eliminating rabies from the country.

They stated that dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by two forms, one signed by a veterinarian. The forms must include photos of the dog’s teeth and would be checked by border agents upon arrival.

The changes, which were set to take effect on August 1, were criticised by veterinary associations, the tourism industry and the federal government in Canada.

WATCH: British Columbia vet says rabies concerns are valid, but new US border rules are ‘overblown’

British Columbia vet says rabies concerns are valid, but new US border rules are ‘overblown’

Starting Aug. 1, dogs must be six months or older with up-to-date rabies vaccines, a completed CDC form — with photo ID — and a certificate signed by a veterinarian stating the dog is microchipped, vaccinated and healthy. A Maple Ridge veterinarian says the new rules are over the top and will create a borderline disadvantage for veterinarians and their clients.

Canadian officials said they were trying to get an exception because of Canada’s status as a rabies-free country.

Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Holland said he had secured a partial exemption from the rules and hoped for a grace period. Monday’s CDC announcement continues that.

“These updates are based on feedback we have received from the public, industry partners, and several countries regarding dog import regulations. Additionally, we are clarifying and simplifying procedures for people bringing dogs from countries where rabies is not present or where there is a low risk,” the CDC said in a statement to the media on Monday.

If the dog has been in a low-risk or rabies-free country in the past six months, he or she can cross the border with just an entry form that can be completed online on the day of departure.

Holland said Monday that the changes came after he spoke with CDC Director Mandy Cohen.

“We have reached a point where the administrative burden on Canadians is limited,” he wrote in a statement on social media.

“I thank … Director Cohen for her continued partnership as we work to protect our countries from rabies.”

The change has assuaged concerns among some advocates who pushed for an exemption for service dogs. Michelle Barlak said more work needs to be done.

Barlak is a public relations specialist at The Seeing Eye, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that breeds and trains guide dogs and assists in training guide dog handlers, including handlers from Canada.

The Seeing Eye was part of a group of advocacy groups in the US that pressured the CDC to make an exception for service dogs and their handlers.

“Unfortunately, the CDC Dog Import Form, which is still required in all cases, is not accessible to people using screen readers to access the page,” she said in an email Monday. The original CDC form was also not accessible to people using screen readers.

Barlak also noted that handlers from high-risk rabies countries must still meet the original requirements as of August 1.

The CDC’s list of countries considered high risk for rabies includes some popular vacation destinations, such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Without an exemption, any service dog handler who has traveled to any of these countries in the past six months would have to jump through CDC hoops with longer forms and veterinary approval before being allowed into the United States, even if they live in Canada or another country where rabies is not present.

Seeing Eye’s Melissa Allman said in an interview Thursday before the changes were announced that she was frustrated that the CDC was not responding to concerns about the changes’ impact on service dog handlers.

“I think this is an erosion of our rights that we have worked so hard to create, uphold and protect since our founding in 1929,” said Allman, a guide dog handler and advocacy and government relations specialist at the organization.

“I’m in a position where I have to stand up for people’s rights, but I feel like I have to say to people, ‘I’m sorry, but things aren’t as good as they used to be.’”