The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is making it easier to bring Foofoo and Rex across the border but the president of the chamber of commerce in Point Roberts says that’s not enough.
“Nothing less than a complete exemption for dog owners from Canada is acceptable,” said Brian Calder.
“The unnecessary U.S. government proposed regulation will bring further economic devastation to U.S. border communities like Point Roberts which continue to suffer the economic after shock of the 20-month border lockdown,” from the pandemic, Calder said.
Calder has long advocated for more relaxed measures at the border that Point Roberts shares with Delta, B.C. saying that in the past 30 months, business activity has dropped by half.
In a news release July 22, the CDC says it has clarified and simplified bringing dogs into the U.S. from rabies-free or low-risk countries, such as Canada.
Under the change, dogs must still have a microchip and be older than six months. But if they’ve been in a low-risk rabies country such as Canada for at least six months, owners only need to show a receipt for a CDC Dog Import Form in order to cross the border.
That form can be filled out on the day of travel and the receipt can be shown by phone or on paper to airlines and border officials, said the CDC. The receipt also will be good for six months and for multiple entries.
The Dog Import form asks for personal information from the owner and the dog’s name with other information listed as optional. The form doesn’t ask if the animal has been vaccinated or not.
Previously, dog owners had to get more detailed documentation, including from veterinarians.
“These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule, and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries,” CDC said.
