Disagreement over new U.S. border rules for dogs could halt canine travel

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.

"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," the CFIA website says.

"The CFIA recognizes the concerns and impact that the CDC requirements have on Canadians. We have shared this information with the CDC to support the development of a more streamlined process for Canadians."

The website says the CFIA is "continuing to actively work" with the CDC to develop a specific process for dogs going from Canada to the U.S., and that more information for travellers with dogs is anticipated by mid-July.

In an emailed statement, CDC spokesperson Dave Daigle said the agency is aware of concerns about the dog importation rule.

"We value the feedback received from various countries, industry partners, and the public, and are actively working with federal and international partners to discuss the feedback received," Daigle said.

The new rules are designed to protect the public from diseases that can spread from dogs to humans, including rabies, he said.

"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 an email statement, a CFIA spokesperson said they anticipate "more information to be available in the coming week" and encouraged dog owners to check the agency's website for updates.

N.B. veterinarian association 'left in the dark'

"The new sudden changes are something we were not expecting," said Nicole Jewett, registrar with the New Brunswick Medical Veterinary Association.

She said the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association and CFIA have been in discussions with the CDC to try and find a solution before the deadline.

"As soon as we have the final rules, we'll be able to institute a plan into how to execute it. But until then, we don't really know what might change week to week until Aug.1," Jewett said.

She urged dog owners to keep checking the CDC website for updates, and said she understands the stress they may be experiencing.

"We're kind of in the dark," Jewett said.

In addition to the uncertainty around the CFIA, she's unsure if New Brunswick veterinarians will have the capacity needed to fill out the forms required of them.

There's no data on how often New Brunswick dog owners cross into the U.S., Jewett said, so it's hard to tell how frequently vets will need to fill out the form.

"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 on border says wait for clarity

Natalie Rosamund is one New Brunswick veterinarian whose clients may be impacted more than others. Based at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic in Dufferin, just outside St. Stephen, she sees clients in both New Brunswick and Maine.

"Right now, what I'm honestly telling people is to avoid crossing the border for the first little bit of August, if they can, until things settle down," Rosamund said.

While she and other vets are trying their best to assure clients, there's just not enough information yet, she said.

While strict regulations around animals crossing international borders are not uncommon, "I think the difference here is the close relationship between Canada and the U.S. and how fluid the border has been," Rosamund said.

She said she is unsure how her Maine clients will be affected and if they will have to arrange paperwork for their return trip home from her clinic.

Clients on Campobello Island are also a concern for Rosamund, since they can only access the rest of New Brunswick by driving through Maine, outside of summer months when a ferry runs to the mainland.

She said the CVMA is organizing a seminar for Canadian veterinarians on the new U.S. border rules next week, and she hopes there will be more clarity from the CFIA after that.

"I don't want people to panic. It's not the CFIA saying 'we're not going to help you.' They're saying 'hold on and let us figure it out,' is my interpretation of it," Rosamund said.