New rules in place for dogs entering US begin Aug. 1

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Starting Aug. 1, strict new rules are in effect for bringing dogs into the United States. Places like the San Diego Humane Society have been dealing with being over capacity for some time now and hope this will only lead to more dogs reunited with their owners.

“We have had lines out the door for at least the past month and a half to two months,” said Doctor Zarah Hedge, Chief Medical Officer at San Diego Humane Society.

Part of that demand is attributed to the big free microchipping event right before Fourth of July, but officials at the San Diego Humane Society say the demand has stuck around due to new rules for dogs from the CDC.

All dogs entering the U.S. must appear healthy, be at least six months old, and be microchipped. Owners must also present proof of a dog import form from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

“Working at a shelter that takes in a large volume of animals every year and where we’ve been over capacity with dogs, in particular getting the microchip so that if they do get lost in the end up here, we can get them home to the people that they love is really important,” Dr. Hedge said.

It applies to any dog arriving to the U.S. at any airport, seaport or border crossing.

Dog rabies was eliminated in the U.S. in 2007 and CDC officials say they want to prevent the reintroduction.

“Really big push for that is that dogs and people live closely together and we want to keep people safe from rabies, especially because it is a nearly 100% fatal disease,” Dr. Hedge said.

There are some additional requirements based on where the dog has been in the last six months and whether it was vaccinated in the U.S.

San Diego Humane Society offers low-cost vaccinations and microchipping at several locations throughout the county.

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