New U.S. border rules for dogs could be 'cumbersome' for owners

Windsor-Essex dog owners who regularly take their canine pals across the border could be dealing with a lot more paperwork starting Aug. 1.

That's when new rules take effect for all dogs entering the U.S., as recently announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"A lot of it ultimately has to do with safety related to the transport of dogs across borders — primarily in terms of rabies control," explained Dr. Ian Sandler, chair of the national issues committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Sandler noted that although the CVMA has been anticipating the new rules for some time, many details remain to be worked out, and he expects some level of "confusion at the border itself."

"I think there is going to be a period of adjustment," Sandler said. "I think it's going to become a bit cumbersome, initially."

The complicated new regulations can be found on the CDC website under the "Importation" section. There's also an online tool called 'DogBot,' meant to help travellers determine what rules apply to their dogs.

Rabies vaccination has long been a requirement for dogs entering the U.S. But the revised rules make it necessary for owners of Canadian dogs to have certification of rabies vaccination signed by an veterinarian within 30 days of time of travel into the U.S.

That means Canadian dogs who go to the U.S. on a regular basis will essentially need a new, signed form every month.

"Planning is going to be very important in all of this," Sandler said.

Canada is on the list of countries that the CDC considers to be "rabies-free or low risk." Dogs coming from countries that the CDC considers to have "high risk of dog rabies" — such as India, China, Brazil, and Sudan — face even more stringent requirements in order to enter the U.S.

Regardless of the country of origin, the new rules require all dogs to have a documented microchip implant before any rabies vaccination, "appear healthy on a arrival," and be at least six months of age.

"No puppies," Sandler said.

Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, also predicted that the new requirements "will be a lot for people to comply with, especially if they cross (the border) frequently."

Coulter advised local owners who take their dogs into the U.S. to make sure one of those requirements are fulfilled as soon as possible The WECHS regularly holds clinics where pets can be microchipped for only a $20 fee.