NEW CDC import Regs - Page 1

Hi all:

For those interested in importing dogs, the CDC has started enforcing the rabies shot rules. Here is an actual import denial letter, posted with permission from the importer who was trying for a pup from Poland.

Essentially, unless the pup or dog comes from a rabies free country as defined by the CDC listing, NO dogs or pups will be allowed into the US without a rabies shot fully in effect. In the near future CDC will require that all imports be "prequalified" for importation, regardless of the rabies free status.  I am happy to answer any direct questions by email, echance@jeanduncan.com

Best regards,

Ellen Chance, CHB
Jean Duncan Customs Brokers

You can see the rabies free countries here:

http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/rabies-free-countries.html

@ERChance, you did email PM an answer related to this earlier, but wouldn't having the dog imported to the USA directly to a vet, meet the requirement that the "dog is in need of veterinary treatment"?  Because a USA based vet providing "unavailable care" can bypasss the below rules because they "do not apply" as stated in section (2) Veterinary care. The provisions of paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) through (a)(1)(v) and (a)(2) of this section do not apply to any person who imports a live dog from any part of the world into the continental United States or Hawaii for veterinary treatment by a licensed veterinarian:

(iii) Specifies a date of rabies vaccination at least 30 days before the date of arrival of the dog at a U.S. port;

(iv) Specifies a date of expiration of the vaccination which is after the date of arrival of the dog at a U.S. port. If no date of expiration is specified, then the date of vaccination shall be no more than 12 months before the date of arrival at a U.S. port; and

(v) Bears the signature and the license number of the veterinarian issuing the certificate.

(a)(2) Rabies vaccination certificate. Each dog is accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate ^[6] that was issued in English by a licensed veterinarian with a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the country of export for the dog not less than 3 months of age at the time of vaccination that:

(i) Specifies the name and address of the person intending to import the dog into the continental United States or Hawaii;Show citation box

(ii) Identifies the dog on the basis of breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying information;

(iii) Specifies a date of rabies vaccination at least 30 days before the date of arrival of the dog at a U.S. port;

(iv) Specifies a date of expiration of the vaccination which is after the date of arrival of the dog at a U.S. port. If no date of expiration is specified, then the date of vaccination shall be no more than 12 months before the date of arrival at a U.S. port; and

(v) Bears the signature and the license number of the veterinarian issuing the certificate.

I'm confused now, I thought everyone had three months until the new law was in place? Besides that, until 6 months aren't puppies too young to get the rabies shot or has this changed? (haven't had a puppy in years).

CelticGlory, a lot of vets are starting to push for rabies at three months. Three years ago, when my youngest two dogs were puppies, I left two different veterinary practices because they were pressuring me to have my pups vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks along with their parvo/distemper. My current vet is an absolute dream to work with, never pressures me about anything and believes that most animals in the USA are over vaccinated. The only problem is he is about 70 years old; that is probably why he is so wonderful. 

Thank you for explaining, that is way too young!

I"m having the same problems importing from Greece.

SitasMom, I just read that Greece reported last year about rabies http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20474. You would have to contact the CDC to see what they will require, the breeder who you are getting the puppy from would have to give the rabies shot to the puppy.