Travelling with pets can present its own set of hurdles, but forthcoming changes from the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) might amplify the challenges for dog owners planning trips south of the border.
Starting August 1, the CDC will enforce new regulations aimed at ensuring the health of dogs entering the country and mitigating potential risks they may pose.
Among the stipulations, dogs must be a minimum of six months old and in good health. Additionally, they will require a microchip and a receipt for a CDC dog import form, even for brief visits such as stopping for fuel or groceries.
During a visit to Vancouver’s dog-friendly Hadden Beach, CTV News engaged with dog owners, including Brandi Breen, who expressed surprise at the impending changes.
Breen voiced her concerns, questioning the necessity of such regulations. “I have a son,” she stated. “There are no requirements for vaccines for my child, so why for my pet?”
For Breen, these adjustments could potentially mean leaving behind her nine-month-old puppy, Penelope, on an upcoming trip to Seattle. She highlighted the paperwork as a significant hurdle, expressing apprehension about potential errors and the repercussions they could entail at the border.
Another dog owner recounted an incident where border guards searched his car due to concerns about unauthorized food items. He admitted to refraining from cross-border travel with his dog since then, and anticipates that the new regulations will only further discourage such trips.
These impending changes signal a shift in requirements for dog owners traversing the U.S. border, prompting them to navigate additional paperwork and considerations when planning their travels.
