NEWS RELEASE

Canada-U.S. IPG comments on the Midwestern Legislative Conference adopts a resolution backed by Canadian delegates on the requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada

On 23 July 2024, the Midwestern Legislative Conference adopted a resolution calling for the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reconsider new requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada, which came into effect on 1 August 2024.

In its original form, the CDC rule would have required that dogs entering the U.S. from Canada be at least six months of age, have an ISO-compliant or universally readable microchip, appear healthy upon arrival, have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, and have a Canadian export document issued and signed by a Canadian licensed veterinarian. On 22 July 2024, the CDC revised its proposed requirements for dog rabies-free or low-risk countries such as Canada, addressing some of the concerns raised in the resolution.

The adopted resolution recognizes that Canada shares the same rabies-free status as the U.S., while also having strong measures in place to prevent the import of dog rabies into the country. As such, the proposed rule placed unnecessary restrictions on the nearly 400,000 individuals who cross the border every day, many of whom travel with family pets or assistance dogs. The proposed rule could have also had a negative impact on the many cross-border truckers who travel with a dog and help move goods between the two countries.

From July 21 to 24, delegates from the Canadian Section of the Canada-U.S. IPG, Brian Masse, MP, and Michael Coteau, MP, travelled to Columbus, Ohio for the 78^th Midwestern Legislative Conference.

The Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) wishes to thank Brian Masse, MP, and Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit, for their leadership on this important resolution. Their efforts highlight the importance of the IPG’s role in fostering a strong and effective bilateral relationship through dialogue and collaboration.

Additional information on the CDC’s new requirements can be found at https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/dogs-usa.

Additional information on the IPG can be found at https://www.parl.ca/diplomacy/en/associations/ceus.

For further information:
Lyla Malow, Association Secretary
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238

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