Starting August 1 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will enforce new import requirements for dogs entering the United States. Most notably the new legislation prohibits entry for any dog less than 6 months old and, for those, over that age limit, to be equipped with a microchip, be vaccinated for rabies and be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.
According to the Federal Register, the new rules are meant to "address the public health risk of dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV) associated with the importation of dogs into the United States." These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning. The regulations are applicable to U.S. citizens, legal U.S. residents, and foreign nationals.
