When the CDC suddenly announced restrictions on the import of dogs coming from over 100 countries, the SPCA International team mobilized. The new rules directly affected our Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program and the many soldiers who count on us to reunite them with the dogs they rescue while serving overseas.
We quickly expedited as many dogs as possible so they could travel before the restrictions began, we partnered with other animal welfare groups to ask lawmakers and the CDC to reconsider their decision, and we implemented an alternate rescue route that involved a six-month quarantine period in Canada.
Now, nearly a year after the initial rule changed the way we rescued dogs from many countries, we are pleased to announce the CDC has eased their rules. We will now be able to bring our U.S. service members’ dogs directly to the U.S. through designated ports of entry. This means soldiers will be reunited with their battle buddy pups sooner, keeping the bond and the health of soldiers and pups strong.
Thank you to everyone who has provided unwavering support for the Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide program during this past year. You made it possible for SPCA International to provide food, shelter and medical care for dogs during this unprecedented situation.
The soldiers waiting to be reunited with their dogs are ecstatic to know their pups are on their way home. All of us at SPCA International are thrilled to be returning to a more direct and faster route of reuniting soldiers and their pups.
