Friday, a 12-year-old catahoula/mountain cur mix, looks out from her spot in the car, in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Friday, who is originally from Kentucky and was brought over by Catahoula Rescue Ontario, occasionally travels with her family to the United States. The United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has new import requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
OTTAWA – Health Minister Mark Holland says he’s trying to convince U.S. authorities that Canadian dogs should be allowed to cross the border without restrictions.
The Centers for Disease Control is imposing new rules on Aug. 1 aimed at stopping the spread of rabies.
But Holland says there is no rabies in dogs in Canada so the federal government has secured some changes to the rules.
Dogs heading stateside need to be at least six months old and vaccinated, and have a universally readable microchip.
Their owners will need to fill out a CDC form and have a veterinarian sign an export document.
The rules also apply to Americans who are returning home with their dogs after a visit to Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2024.
