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We are pleased to announce that the CDC has responded to feedback from the public, industry partners, and various countries by clarifying and simplifying some of the processes for bringing dogs into the United States from rabies-free and low-risk rabies countries. 

We thank the CDC for incorporating this feedback and making adjustments while continuing to prioritize the health and safety of dogs and people in the U.S. However, significant challenges still need to be addressed for dogs entering from high-risk countries, including increased costs and roadblocks for nonprofits, individuals importing their pets, and foreign-vaccinated service dogs attempting to enter the U.S.

While we appreciate the CDC’s efforts, SPCA International urges further reevaluation of the regulations. It is crucial to consider the impact on the human-animal bond and the logistical difficulties faced by individuals and nonprofits. Further simplifying the transport process is essential to ensure that dogs, whether owned by military personnel, expatriates, or rescued by animal welfare groups, can safely and feasibly enter the United States.

SPCA International recognizes the importance of protecting dogs and people in the U.S. from rabies and other foreign animal diseases. However, the recent regulatory changes implemented by the CDC effective August 1 will prevent huge numbers of healthy dogs from traveling safely to their homes in the U.S. These new regulations penalize responsible pet owners and jeopardize the life-saving work of NGOs and animal shelters globally.

The new regulations have left airlines unprepared, lacking systems for travelers who hand-carry their pets or require service animals. While some airlines can meet the regulations through cargo transport, they now require a third-party importer, causing costs to skyrocket. Additionally, the number of ports of entry for dogs from high-risk countries has been reduced from 18 to 6, adding significant costs and roadblocks for individuals trying to enter the country with their pets. Consequently, many airlines have decided it is not worthwhile to adhere to the regulations and will start to refuse dogs on flights. Furthermore, foreign government agencies, such as Canada’s Canadian Food Inspection Agency, are unable to meet the new CDC requirements, resulting in both Canadian and American-owned dogs being unable to cross from Canada into the United States with the necessary paperwork.

The human-animal bond, especially between soldiers and the dogs they meet on deployment through programs like SPCA International’s Patriot Pets, is indispensable for the mental and emotional well-being of both humans and animals. SPCA International’s vast experience in rescuing and transporting dogs to the United States ensures that these vital relationships are preserved. SPCA International strictly adheres to U.S. vaccination and import protocols and arranges for the safe and legal transportation of these beloved pets, ensuring they are reunited with their servicemembers, providing comfort, healing, and unwavering companionship.

SPCA International believes that the current regulations provide sufficient safeguards for animal and public health and safety in the U.S., but the new regulations, starting August 1, will have a detrimental impact. We urge the CDC to reevaluate these regulations to consider the significant impact on the human-animal bond and the logistical challenges posed to airlines and foreign government agencies. It is imperative that the transport process be simplified to ensure that dogs, whether owned by military personnel, expatriates, or rescued by animal welfare groups, can safely and feasibly enter the United States.