Taking your dog on an international trip or importing a dog from a foreign country has taken on a new level of complexity, and consequences, for non-compliance.
A new CDC rule for the importation of Dogs went into effect on August 01, 2024. The new rule intends “to prevent the reintroduction and spread of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) in the United States”. Failing to follow the rule may include deportation of the dog within 72 hours of arrival at the owner’s expense and other possible severe penalties.
Unfortunately, the rule appears to have been written for the airlines as it refers to “air carriers”, "airlines" and requires the use of Airway Bills. Not surprisingly, this has created issues for private flights with dogs aboard since the new rule went into effect. Fortunately, a number of interested parties, including ourselves, have been working with the CDC and CBP to try and address the problem of requiring airway bills on private flights and a solution has been provided by the CDC.
The rule basically boils down to:
- The dog must appear healthy, be older than 6 months and be microchipped
- Obtain a 90-day provisional waiver from the Airway Bill requirement from the CDC and during the 90-day waiver period obtain an extension from the CDC for a TOTAL of 9 months. DON'T LET IT EXPIRE, get the extension or you will be subject to the AWB requirement! What happens after the 9 months is over? Good question, they haven't gotten that far.
- Successfully process a Dog Import Form with the CDC BEFORE trying to enter the USA.
- Comply with USDA, APHIS and local state requirements related to importing a dog.
If the dog is coming from a "high risk" country and/or was vaccinated in a foreign country, additional, stricter requirements will apply, and the processing of the Dog Import Form will be more extensive.
Note that this rule applies to US Citizens, US Residents and any foreign nationals trying to bring a dog into the USA. The new rule also applies to service dogs. Please note that it does not matter if the dog originated in the USA, once it has been to a foreign country, then the rule applies. And that includes fuel stops!
Make sure that you are completely familiar, and in compliance, with the requirements of the new rule BEFORE taking your dog out of the USA so as to avoid any unpleasant experiences when you return.
CST Members can access the procedures and CDC documents for complying with the rule from the CST Member Website
https://members.cstflightservices.com/page-1518081
