Collins, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Letter to CDC Seeking Revisions to New Requirements for Bringing Dogs into the United States

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a bipartisan group of 14 Senators in sending a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Mandy Cohen raising concerns about a new rule that would create additional requirements for individuals traveling with their dogs into the United States across the northern border from Canada. 

The CDC announced the new requirements in a final rule – including restricting all travel for dogs younger than six months old and requiring numerous new certifications. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on August 1st. In the letter, Senators Collins, Klobuchar, and their colleagues urged the CDC to postpone implementation of the final rule until regulation can be drafted that incorporates feedback from stakeholders and affected parties and allows the importation of dogs from rabies free and low-risk countries while still protecting public health.

In a previous letter sent last week, Senator Collins asked the CDC not to implement the rule as planned on August 1, and instead work to revise the rule to address the concerns of responsible dog owners and visitors who demonstrate little risk of importing canine rabies.

“We write to express concerns regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) recently finalized rule on the importation of dogs into the United States,” the Senators wrote. “As Senators representing states that border Canada, a country considered rabies-free for canine rabies by the CDC, we have heard from many constituents in our states who are concerned about the burdensome effects of this rule. In order to give affected parties more time to comment on proposed changes and for the CDC to consider much-needed adjustments, we request that the CDC grant an extension of the August 1, 2024, effective date until a regulation can be drafted that both appropriately protects public health and allows the importation of dogs from Canada and other low-risk countries.”

“CDC’s final rule would have unintended, detrimental consequences. The financial and regulatory burdens this new rule would place on U.S. and Canadian dog owners would undoubtedly restrict travel between the two countries,” the Senators continued. “The economies of the United States and Canada are highly intertwined in border areas. The new requirements for entry could affect participation in significant events held in our states, such as major sledding competitions, that contribute to our regional economies. Sled dogs are often transported through Canada to participate in races in various parts of the United States, and the new restrictions could make it more expensive and difficult to travel to these races. Sporting enthusiasts would also be prohibited from bringing puppies into the United States at the prime age to begin training, and Canadian breeders would be unable to release young puppies to American owners prior to vaccination, which would limit development of skills learned at a young age. Truck drivers who travel with their dogs while carrying goods into the U.S. could also face difficulties in meeting these regulations.”

“We formally request that the CDC not implement the flawed final rule as planned on August 1, 2024, and instead work with interested parties to consider workable solutions to address the concerns of responsible dog owners and visitors who demonstrate little to no risk of importing canine rabies,” the Senators concluded.

Joining Senators Collins and Klobuchar on this letter are Senators James Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tina Smith (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jon Tester (D-MT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and John Hoeven (R-ND).  

The complete text of the letter can be read here.

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