Yukoners planning to travel to the United States (US) on or after August 1, 2024, must meet new requirements if they want to bring their dogs over the border. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in May that dogs entering the US would require government veterinary confirmed rabies vaccination and microchip identification.
In response to the CDC’s initial requirements, Canadian government authorities have been negotiating for a risk-based approach. On July 22, 2024, the CDC confirmed simplified requirements for dogs residing for the past six months in low-risk for canine rabies countries, including Canada. The owner must present a receipt from their online CDC Dog Import Form submission when they arrive at US customs.
Dogs must have a microchip, appear healthy and be at least six months old when they enter the US. These new requirements are reasonable measures to prevent the introduction of the canine strain of rabies virus. The updated rules will no longer significantly impact Canadians who travel with their dogs into the US for tourism or business.
CDC regulations govern the importation to the US of animals and animal products capable of causing human disease.
The CDC maintains a list of countries that are at high-risk for having the canine strain of rabies. Canada is not on that list and is free of canine rabies virus.
The CDC Dog Import Form receipt is valid for six months from when it is issued unless the dog visits a high-risk country during that time.
Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
[email protected]