Stricter US border rules for dogs could disrupt summer travel plans

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Windsor-Essex residents traveling with their dogs this summer could face obstacles at the border as new, stricter rules come into effect on August 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its dog importation regulations, ensuring that any dog ​​entering the United States does not pose a risk to people and other animals.

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This means that Canadian dogs traveling to the United States must appear healthy, be at least six months old, be microchipped and be accompanied by a specific form.

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“There is no doubt that this will have an effect on the way people travel with their pets,” said Dr. Ian Sandler, chair of the national issues committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

“This human-animal bond is such an important part of why we love our pets. This is going to be something that I think will play a significant role.

The revised rules mainly concern dogs coming from countries considered “at high risk of canine rabies”, such as Brazil, Colombia, China and India. Canada is one of the countries that the CDC considers “rabies-free or low risk.”

Rabies vaccinations have always been required for dogs entering the United States. However, the new regulations will require Canadian dog owners to present a rabies vaccination certificate, signed by a veterinarian, within 30 days before entering the United States.

“It’s hard to know if there’s going to be more congestion (at the border) and if that’s going to be more problematic,” Sandler said.

Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, said the new rules will pose a barrier for dog owners who frequently cross the border.

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“If you’re traveling for veterinary care or you’re bringing your pet to work with you, that’s going to be a very complicated option,” Coulter said.

“You must have your veterinary file certified within the last 30 days and then complete a form two to ten days before traveling. – this will prevent travel without prior planning of at least 48 hours.

Mark McCondach, of Windsor, learned about the new regulations during a visit to the veterinarian on May 10. It made sense to him at first, but after considering the close relationship between Windsor and Detroit, he now fears it could spoil the flexibility of people traveling with pets.

“We took our dogs to the Detroit River for a walk,” McCondach said. “Does this spontaneity and flexibility end on August 1?

McCondach was also referred to a Farmington, Michigan, veterinary clinic that specializes in neurological disorders after his dog Teddy couldn’t walk one morning.

“Our vet called the clinic in Farmington and we were there in about 45 minutes,” McCondach said. “He (Teddy) was assessed and spent two nights before being released to us. The only other location we had was in Guelph, a three hour and 10 minute drive away.

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Sandler advised local owners to plan ahead, as August tends to be the busiest month for travel. He said it’s important to speak with a veterinarian to ensure vaccine and microchip requirements are met.

The new regulations are available on the CDC website — which also includes an online tool to help dog owners determine which rules apply to their pets.

“I think it’s always a good idea to give yourself some time, because again, it’s going to be hard to know how overwhelmed the website will be before the Aug. 1 start date,” Sandler said .

mholmeshill@postmedia.com

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