CDC issues travel advisory for pets

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new rules aimed at preventing dogs with rabies from coming into the United States.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new rules Wednesday aimed at preventing dogs with rabies from coming into the United States.

According to the CDC website, it is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States. If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated—not where the dog was born or where it lives.

Under the new regulations, all dogs entering the U.S. must follow these guidelines:

• Must appear healthy,
• Must be at least six months old
• Must have received a microchip
• Owners must verify the animal either has a valid rabies vaccine or has not been in a country where rabies is endemic in the last six months.

Dogs coming from a country that is considered at high risk for rabies and who received a rabies vaccine from another country must meet additional criteria which include getting a blood test before they leave the other country to make sure the animal has immunity against rabies, a physical examination upon arrival and getting a U.S. rabies vaccine. If the dog doesn't have a blood test showing immunity, it must be quarantined for 28 days.

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