APHIS Sets Restrictions on Importation of Live Dogs
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is setting new requirements for the importation of dogs, in a final rule that takes effect Nov. 17. The new regulations prohibit the importation of dogs into the continental U.S. or Hawaii for purposes of resale, research, or veterinary treatment, unless the dogs are in good health, have received all necessary vaccinations, and are at least six months of age. An import license will be required, along with health and vaccination certificates. Certain dogs imported for veterinary treatment are exempt from health, vaccination and age requirements, and dogs from British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand may be imported into Hawaii even if less than six months old.
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APHIS is issuing the new regulations under a new section added to the Animal Welfare Act by the 2008 Farm Bill (see 08051905). The final rule adds new subpart J to the APHIS Animal Welfare Act regulations at 9 CFR 2. APHIS is adopting a proposed rule it issued in 2011 with only one minor change (see 11090109)..
Imports of Live Dogs into U.S. Need APHIS Import Permit
APHIS is requiring that live dogs from any part of the world imported into the continental U.S. (i.e., the contiguous 48 states and Alaska) or Hawaii for purposes of resale, research, or veterinary treatment be accompanied by an import permit issued by APHIS. The completed application for an import permit will require information on the purpose of the importation, the port of embarkation and the mode of transportation, the port of entry, the proposed date of arrival, etc. The importation must occur within 30 days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import permit.
Original Health & Rabies Vaccination Certificates Also Required
The new regulations require that imports of live dogs also be accompanied by an original health certificate and a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The rule requires that both certificates be issued in English by a licensed veterinarian with a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in the country of export and bear the signature and license number of the veterinarian issuing the certificates. The two certificates must specify the name and address of the person intending to import the dog into the continental U.S. or Hawaii, and identify the dog on the basis of breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying information. Additional information required for each of the two certificates include:
Original Health Certificate. This certificate has to state that among other things, the dog is in good health, has received vaccinations necessary to protect against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus (DHLPP), and is at least 6 months of age.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate. This certificate must specify: (1) a date of rabies vaccination at least 30 days before the date of arrival of the dog at a U.S. port; and (2) 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 must be no more than 12 months before the date of arrival at a U.S. port. This certificate is required for dogs not less than 3 months of age at the time of vaccination.
Import Permit, Certificates, Etc. Need to be Presented at First Port of Arrival
Upon arrival of the dog at the port of first arrival in the continental U.S. or Hawaii, the person intending to import the dog, or his or her agent, must present the import permit and certificates (and any other documents required for exceptions, etc.) to the collector of customs for use at that port.
Noncompliance Could Result in Dog's Removal from U.S. or Seizure
Any dog refused entry into the continental U.S. or Hawaii for noncompliance with these requirements may be removed from the U.S. or may be seized by an APHIS official. The person intending to import the dog will have to provide for the cost of the care (including appropriate veterinary care), forfeiture, and adoption of the dog, at his or her expense. These measures may be taken in addition to any penalties that may be assessed for failure to comply with the proposed rule and the Animal Welfare Act, said APHIS.
Exceptions for Vet Treatment, Research, Imports Into Hawaii
The new regulations provide limited exceptions to certificate requirements for live dogs imported for certain research studies or veterinary treatment. Exceptions are also to be provided for dogs imported into Hawaii from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand in compliance with the applicable regulations of Hawaii, and provided that the dogs are not transported out of Hawaii for purposes of resale at less than 6 months of age.
APHIS Contact -- Gerald Rushin (301) 851-3740
(Federal Register 08/18/14)