DISAGREEMENT OVER NEW U.S. BORDER RULES FOR DOGS COULD HALT CANINE TRAVEL

Canadian government agency says it can’t sign forms required by U.S.

Unless an agreement can be reached, Canadians travelling with dogs may not be able to cross the American border come August.

Recently announced rule changes by the American Centers for Disease Control that go into effect Aug. 1 require any dog owners to equip their pets with a microchip and present CDC dog import forms, among other requirements.

However, part of the CDC import form requires one section to be filled out by the dog’s veterinarian, with an endorsement from an “official government veterinarian” in the exporting country.

But the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency, which would be the government agency to approve the CDC form, has said it’s unable to offer the signoff.

According to the CFIA website, “At present, the CFIA cannot issue endorsements for export documents for dogs entering the U.S., as discussions are ongoing with the CDC.”

“The CFIA acknowledges the concerns and effects of the CDC requirements on Canadians. We have communicated this with the CDC to aid in creating a more efficient process for Canadians.”

According to the website, the CFIA is actively collaborating with the CDC to establish a specific process for dogs traveling from Canada to the U.S. It is expected that more information for travelers with dogs will be available by mid-July.

In an email, CDC spokesperson Dave Daigle acknowledged concerns regarding the dog importation rule.

“We appreciate the feedback from various countries, industry partners, and the public, and are actively engaging with federal and international partners to address this feedback,” Daigle stated.

The new regulations aim to safeguard the public from diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans, such as rabies, he explained.

“Rabies in dogs is a lethal disease that has not been present in the United States for 17 years. These measures are intended to facilitate dog importation while minimizing health risks,” Daigle emphasized.

In an email response, a spokesperson from the CFIA indicated that they expect “further details to be released in the coming week” and advised dog owners to monitor the agency’s website for updates.

N.B. veterinarian association ‘left in the dark’

“The unexpected changes have caught us off guard,” remarked Nicole Jewett, registrar of the New Brunswick Medical Veterinary Association.

Jewett mentioned that discussions between the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association and CFIA are ongoing with the CDC to find a resolution before the deadline.

“We’ll be ready to implement a plan as soon as we receive the final rules. Until then, it’s uncertain what adjustments might occur on a weekly basis leading up to August 1st,” Jewett commented.

She advised dog owners to regularly check the CDC website for updates and expressed empathy for the anxiety they may be feeling.

“We’re really uncertain,” Jewett admitted.

Adding to the ambiguity surrounding CFIA’s situation, she expressed uncertainty regarding whether veterinarians in New Brunswick will have the capacity required to complete the necessary forms.

Jewett noted the lack of data on how often dog owners from New Brunswick cross into the U.S., making it difficult to gauge the frequency with which vets will need to handle these forms.

“It’s entirely possible that everything will be resolved smoothly, with a solution that satisfies both countries, making the process easy and straightforward,” Jewett said. “On the other hand, it could still be complex. At this point, we just don’t know.”

Veterinarian on border says wait for clarity

Natalie Rosamund, a veterinarian based at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic in Dufferin near St. Stephen, is concerned about the impact on her clients, particularly those crossing between New Brunswick and Maine.

“At the moment, I’m advising people to avoid crossing the border in early August if possible, until things stabilize,” Rosamund advised.

Despite efforts by veterinarians to reassure clients, Rosamund emphasized the lack of sufficient information currently available.

“While regulations for animals crossing borders are often stringent, what sets this situation apart is the close Canada-U.S. relationship and the historically easy border crossings,” Rosamund observed.

She expressed uncertainty about how her clients from Maine will be affected and whether they will need additional paperwork for their return trip from her clinic.

Rosamund also noted concerns about clients from Campobello Island, who rely on driving through Maine to access the rest of New Brunswick outside of ferry operating months in the summer.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is organizing a seminar next week for Canadian veterinarians to discuss the new U.S. border rules, and Rosamund hopes this will bring more clarity.

“I want to reassure people not to panic. It’s not that the CFIA is refusing assistance; they’re asking for patience while they work through the issues,” Rosamund reassured.