CDC announced final rule to its dog and cat importation regulation

On May 13, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued its final ruling associated with the importation of dogs into the United States to provide clarity and safeguards that address the public health risk of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV).

This final rule addresses the importation of cats as part of overall changes to the regulations affecting both dogs and cats, but the final rule does not require that imported cats be accompanied by proof of rabies vaccination and does not substantively change how cats are imported into the United States.

This final rule is effective August 1, 2024.

In this final rule, HHS/CDC aligns U.S. import requirements for dogs with the importation requirements of other DMRVV-free countries by requiring proof of rabies vaccination and adequate serologic test results from a CDC-approved laboratory.

The final rule requires for all dog imports:

• a microchip
• six-month minimum age requirement for admission
• importer submission of a CDC import form (CDC Dog Import Form)

The rule requires airlines to confirm documentation, provide safe housing for animals, and assist public health officials in determining cause of animal illness or death.

For more information you can visit The Federal Register Page or this PDF Version.