of which were coming in with fraudu- lent paperwork. These factors, com- bined with poor oversight of existing import requirements, lack of enforce- ment, and increasing demand for dogs from overseas, created a perfect storm for the importation of sick dogs imported into the country. WHAT’S THE LONGER- TERM SOLUTION? The solution to this complex issue re- quires more than a blanket ban on im- ports of dogs from certain countries, or even a response to health threats caused by rabies only. Instead, AKC is advo- cating for comprehensive changes in two major areas: First is the passage of the federal Healthy Dog Importation Act (HR 4239/S.2597) supported by the Ameri- can Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Interest Alliance, and numerous other animal and public health experts. This would require vali- dated health certifications for all dogs imported into the United States, com- parable to what most other countries have required for years. The Healthy Dog Importation Act would go beyond a blanket ban related to rabies risk and instead focus on the validated health of animals, and mul- tiple potential health threats, while allowing the responsible import of healthy dogs from most countries. The second is recognizing the immense public health value of high-quality lo- cal pet breeders in our own communi- ties. Encouraging new and responsible domestic breeders who can be a local source of expertise and quality pets will remove the incentive for mass im- ports of random and unhealthy dogs.
Determining If A Dog Can Enter the U.S. As of June 10, CDC will allow the import of dogs from countries at high-risk for rabies under specific conditions. This chart outlines some new import rules. For full details visit www.cdc.gov .
YES
NO
Has the dog been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months?
Is the dog at least 6 months old?
Dog can enter at any port of entry with a 6-month travel history statement & healthy appearance.
YES
NO
Does the dog have an ISO-compatible microchip?
NO
YES
Dog is NOT allowed to enter the US.
Does the dog have a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate?
Dog may enter the US under certain conditions.
YES
NO
Does the dog have a valid foreign-issued rabies vaccination certificate?
NO
YES
See Rules for Bringing 3 or More Dogs with Foreign Rabies Vaccine from High-risk Country at CDC.gov.
Are you importing 3 or more dogs?
YES
NO
Does the dog have an adequate rabies serology titer from an approved laboratory, drawn at least 45 days and no more than 1 year before arrival?
YES NO
The dog may enter with a CDC Dog Import Permit through one of 18 approved airports or without a permit through an airport with an approved animal care facility. See Rules for Bringing 1 or 2 Dogs with Foreign Rabies Vaccine from High-risk Country.
The dog must have a reservation to quarantine at an approved animal care facility in the United States upon arrival and enter through the airport where the facility is located. See Rules for Bringing 1 or 2 Dogs with Foreign Rabies Vaccine from High-risk Country.
For informational purposes only. For more information, contact the CDC directly or visit www.cdc.gov. This information was sourced on June 01, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html.
The increasing demand for dogs, es- pecially rescue pets, from overseas is due to the shortage of available fam- ily pets indirectly caused when state and local laws undermine responsible domestic breeders. It’s time to recognize the value of re- sponsible breeders as a community
resource. Let’s encourage our law- makers and communities to welcome back responsible breeders as a bul- wark against the importation of public health dangers—while also ensuring the freedom to import dogs that do receive appropriate preventatives and health checks.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR As Vice President, Government Relations for the American Kennel Club, Sheila Goffe leads the AKC’s efforts in the public policy arena, including working to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership. She oversees AKC legislative policy strategy and AKC outreach at the federal, state, and local levels. She also serves as AKC staff lead for the AKC Detection Dog Task Force, Service Dog Pass, and other key programs. Sheila joined AKC in 2006. Prior to working for the American Kennel Club, she was a Se- nior Legislative Analyst/Editor and Deputy Director of Editorial Product Development for Congressional Quarterly in Washington, DC. Previous experience included federal legisla- tive staffing and advocacy, work as an editor and analyst for The Economist Intelligence Unit, and serving as an adjunct in Political Science/Comparative Politics at the State Uni- versity of New York/Stony Brook. She also owns, breeds, and shows Siberian Huskies.
16 • T op N otch T oys , J une 2022
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