U.S. drops border rules for dogs entering from rabies-free countries

After Health Minister Mark Holland expressed concern over new border rules regarding bringing dogs into the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has said it will not require Canadians to fill out long forms before crossing the border with their furry best friends.

According to the Canadian Press, dogs that have been in a low-risk or rabies-free country for the previous six months will be able to enter the U.S. with just an import form completed online the day of travel.

“These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule,” the CDC said in a statement on Monday, “and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries.”

Holland said Monday that the changes came after he spoke with CDC director Mandy Cohen.

“We have arrived at a place that results in limited administrative burden on Canadians,” he wrote in a statement posted on social media. “I thank … director Cohen for her ongoing collaboration as we work to protect our countries from dog rabies.”

The CDC initially announced in May that the new rules, set to take effect Aug. 1, were meant to keep rabies out of the country.

The agency stated that dogs needed to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by two forms, including one signed by a veterinarian, in order to enter the U.S.

The forms were to be accompanied by photos of the dog and its teeth, and would be verified upon arrival by border agents.

The changes had been opposed not only by Canada’s federal government, but also by veterinary associations and the tourism industry.

Last week, Holland said he secured a partial exemption to the rules and that there had been “very positive indications” of an approval on a request for a grace period of a couple of months.

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