AVMA backing helps reignite push for stronger dog import standards

Legislation that would help ensure dogs are in good health when imported into the United States has been introduced into Congress with support from the AVMA.

The Healthy Dog Importation Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this month and in the House of Representatives on Friday. The bill would strengthen importation standards to ensure that all dogs entering the country are healthy and not at risk to spread dangerous diseases. Among its provisions:

• Every imported dog would need a certificate of inspection from a licensed veterinarian confirming it is in good health and not at risk of spreading diseases that could endanger animal and public health. The health certificate must certify that the dog has received all required vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results required by the United States Department of Agriculture.
• Dogs entering the country for resale, transfer, or donation would have to be at least 6 months of age and accompanied by a USDA import permit.
• The bill requires that necessary resources be allocated for federal agencies to responsibly screen the large number of dogs entering the United States each year.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 1 million dogs are imported into the U.S. every year. Currently, fewer than 1% of these dogs are inspected by any federal agency. In the past, diseases such as rabies, canine influenza, canine distemper, leptospirosis, screwworm, and canine melioidosis have been diagnosed in imported dogs, which are often distributed to homes and farms throughout the country.

The AVMA worked with congressional offices and other stakeholders to reintroduce the bipartisan legislation. Gaining momentum from the previous Congress, the bill was introduced by Sens. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.).

Help get the bill passed

You can help protect animal and human health by asking your senators and representative to back this important bill. Use this quick form to show your support for the Healthy Dog Importation Act.