There’s a slew of new requirements for dogs entering the United States, and they vary based on a dog’s age, country of origin and travel history. The rules apply not only to pet dogs, but service and guide dogs as well.Advocates for guide dogs and their owners worry the language in new requirements for dogs entering the U.S. is vague, and are scrambling to get clarity from officials.
While Thornton said he understands preventing the spread of rabies is a important, he doesn't think service dogs should be lumped in with pet dogs.But of particular concern to Thornton is the requirement, under certain circumstances, for dogs to have a blood test that checks for disease immunity in the 30 days prior to travel.
All dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated for rabies before entering the U.S. as of Aug. 1, 2024. CBC News asked the CDC whether it consulted service-dog groups over the rule changes, but has yet to receive a reply.According to the CDC, the rabies virus carried by dogs was eliminated in the U.S. in 2007 and the new measures aim to prevent its reintroduction.