Pet owners in New Brunswick are gearing up for changes set to take effect at the U.S. border on August 1st, mandated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These new regulations will introduce additional requirements for travelers accompanied by their dogs.
Don Flatt from Fredericton, a frequent traveler with his terrier Bobby, expressed his concerns about the upcoming changes. “I called the border and checked the CDC website, and it’s quite complicated,” Flatt remarked.
Under the new rules, there will be five key requirements for dogs crossing the border. Dogs must be visibly healthy and provide proof of rabies vaccination, requirements that remain unchanged. Additionally, dogs must now be at least six months old, equipped with an International Organization for Standardization-compatible microchip, and owners must complete CDC dog import forms prior to crossing.
Flatt anticipates leaving Bobby behind on an upcoming August trip due to Bobby not having a microchip. He explained that Bobby’s aversion to vaccinations poses a challenge. Despite his experiences with lax enforcement of existing regulations at the border, Flatt noted the stringent new requirements.
The looming rule change has already led to a surge in microchipping appointments at veterinary clinics across the province. Dr. Sara Pridham of Stoneybrook Veterinary Services in St. Martins noted the increased demand and logistical challenges faced by pet owners, particularly those involved in U.S. field trials and dog shows.
“While microchipping is a relatively quick and affordable procedure, finding a veterinarian accepting new patients in New Brunswick is currently difficult,” Dr. Pridham mentioned. She expressed concerns about the complexity of the required CDC forms, especially for dogs with intricate medical histories that may necessitate veterinary endorsement.
Dr. Pridham acknowledged the potential benefits of the new regulations, including the age requirement which could help mitigate disease transmission. She highlighted instances of sick dogs crossing the border, emphasizing the need for accurate identification through microchipping.
Despite the adjustments pet owners will need to make, Dr. Pridham recognized the rationale behind the CDC’s measures. “Microchipping ensures that each dog is properly identified, reducing the risk of mistaken identity or health discrepancies,” she concluded.
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