Potential Border Restrictions for Canadian Dog Owners: New CDC Regulations Could Spell the End of Snowbirding for Some

As of August 1, Canadian dog owners may encounter difficulties crossing the U.S. border due to newly implemented regulations by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The changes mandate that all dogs must be microchipped and accompanied by CDC dog import forms, which include a section to be filled out by the dog’s veterinarian and endorsed by an “official government veterinarian” in the exporting country.

However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which would be responsible for the government endorsement, has stated it currently cannot provide the necessary signoff. According to the CFIA website, the process is still under discussion with the CDC: “Please note that the CFIA is currently unable to provide endorsement for export documents for dogs entering the U.S., as the process is being discussed with the CDC.”

Dog owners must provide CDC forms completed by their veterinarians and endorsed by a Canadian government veterinarian to cross the U.S. border next month. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press)

The CFIA acknowledges the potential impact these requirements may have on Canadian travelers and has communicated this to the CDC to help develop a more streamlined process. The CFIA is working actively with the CDC to create a specific procedure for dogs traveling from Canada to the U.S. and expects to have more information available by mid-July.

CDC spokesperson Dave Daigle mentioned in an email statement that the agency is aware of the concerns raised about the new importation rules and is working with various federal and international partners to address the feedback. He emphasized that the new measures aim to protect public health from diseases transmissible from dogs to humans, including rabies. “Dog rabies is a deadly disease that has been eliminated from the United States for 17 years. These measures are designed to allow for continued dog importation while minimizing health risks,” Daigle said.

In response, a CFIA spokesperson indicated that more information would be available in the coming week and advised dog owners to check the agency’s website for updates.

Nicole Jewett, registrar of the New Brunswick Medical Veterinary Association, confirms that the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association is still in discussions with the CDC.

The announcement of these sudden changes has taken many by surprise, including members of the New Brunswick Medical Veterinary Association. Nicole Jewett, the association’s registrar, expressed that the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association and the CFIA have been in discussions with the CDC to find a resolution before the deadline. She urged dog owners to regularly check the CDC website for updates and acknowledged the stress this uncertainty may cause.

Jewett also highlighted the potential strain on New Brunswick veterinarians who may have to complete the required forms. Without data on how frequently New Brunswick dog owners cross into the U.S., it’s difficult to gauge the impact on veterinarians’ workloads. “It’s definitely possible that everything’s going to work out, we’re going to figure out a way that works for both our countries, and it’s going to be easy and simple,” Jewett said. “Or it might still be complicated. And we don’t know yet.”

Veterinarian Natalie Rosamund, based at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic in Dufferin, near the U.S. border, advises her clients to avoid crossing into the U.S. in early August until the situation stabilizes. She noted the unique challenges posed by the close relationship between Canada and the U.S. and the fluidity of their shared border. Rosamund expressed concerns about how her clients from Maine and those on Campobello Island, who rely on travel through Maine, will be affected by the new rules.

The Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association is organizing a seminar for veterinarians to discuss the new U.S. border rules, and Rosamund hopes for more clarity from the CFIA following this seminar. She reassured dog owners not to panic, interpreting the CFIA’s stance as a commitment to resolving the issue rather than an outright refusal to help.

While the new CDC regulations aim to safeguard public health, they have introduced significant uncertainty and potential disruption for Canadian dog owners planning to travel to the U.S. Both the CFIA and CDC are working towards a resolution, and dog owners are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking for updates from the relevant agencies.