New rules to go into effect for dogs entering US at border

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — New rules for dogs entering the U.S. from Mexico will soon be in effect.

Starting Aug. 1, there are several requirements dogs have to meet to safeguard public health, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release Monday.

“While these changes are essential, travelers can rest assured that wait times
at the ports of entry will not be impacted. We urge everyone to familiarize themselves with the
new requirements to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience,” said Sidney K. Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office.

At least one of the following conditions need to be met for dogs coming into U.S., per border officials:

• Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form endorsed by an
  official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has
  been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary
  records (including the microchip number) for the dog in that country rabies-free
  or low-risk for the previous six months. The form must be completed within 30
  days before arrival to the United States.
• Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form endorsed by USDA before
  dog departed the United States.
• Valid USDA-endorsed export health certificate that EITHER (1) Is for the dog
  rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog’s return itinerary originated (the
  form will only be valid for 30 days and one U.S. entry if it does not contain rabies
  vaccination information) OR (2) Documents a valid (unexpired) rabies
  vaccination administered in the United States (the form will be valid for the
  duration of the rabies vaccination (1 or 3 years).
• Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country form
  endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND valid rabies
  serology titer OR veterinary records (including microchip number) for the dog in
  that dog rabies-free or low-risk country for the previous six months.
• Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least six months of age and
  its ISO-compatible microchip number and has been certified by an official
  veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records (including
  microchip number) for the dog from the exporting dog rabies-free or low-risk
  country for the previous six months.
  

If the dog does not meet one of these requirements, the animal will be denied entry and returned to Mexico.

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