New Rules – Flying With Pets To The United States

Have you ever traveled with your furry friend? If so, you may have encountered challenges when flying internationally with them. Recently, the CDC implemented new rules for flying with pets into the United States, causing multiple airlines to stop allowing dogs on their flights. This article highlights the latest CDC regulations regarding flying with pets on international trips.

This has raised concerns and difficulties for many pet owners, pet shippers, animal rescue organizations, and even military families. This article will discuss the details of these new rules as of 2024 and how they impact those who travel with their beloved pets. So, if you’re a pet owner planning an international trip in the near future, keep reading to stay informed about these important changes!

Overview of Recently Published Information

What’s the rationale for the new requirements? The CDC is looking to prevent the spread of rabies. The regulation aligns with the World Organization for Animal Health’s standards for the international movement of dogs from countries where there is a high risk of rabies in dogs.

The requirements include completing a new form, ensuring all dogs are over six months old, microchipped, and appear healthy upon arrival.

But there’s more to it, especially if your dog has been in a high-risk country for rabies.

Even if a dog was vaccinated in a foreign country, if it traveled through a high-risk county, it now has to enter the U.S. through one of six designated ports that have an animal care facility such as John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Challenges to Comply With New Pet Travel Rules

There is also a new air waybill requirement. Airlines like Lufthansa and Finnair have initially stopped allowing dogs to fly to America because it’s nearly impossible to implement these changes on short notice.

Implementing the new guidelines on short notice is provide very difficult. Airlines can request a waiver for the rule, however numerous airlines including Lufthansa, Finnair, and Swiss International Air Lines announced they would no longer allow dogs to fly to the United States in the cabin or in baggage hold.

Criticisms of New CDC Pet Travel Guidelines

As you might imagine, there are numerous criticisms stemming from these changes which are seen as a government overreach.

According to Elizabeth Schuette, president and CEO of the ARK Import Export Center, the new restrictions could dramatically increase the number of dogs coming through facilities like hers. This includes the need for dogs to pass a blood test or endure a 28-day quarantine, with costs falling back on the owners.

What Do the New Rules Say?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the new CDC rules:

• Completion of a New Form for every dog entering the U.S.
• All Dogs Must Be Over Six Months Old and microchipped.
• Additional Restrictions for dogs vaccinated outside the U.S., particularly those from high-risk countries.
• Blood Tests and Quarantines may be required, depending on the dog’s travel history.

Impact on Specific Groups

Military families, for example, have been blindsided by these changes. Liz Hensel, CEO of Leave No Paws Behind USA, noted that the costs of using pet shippers have skyrocketed, making it financially burdensome for families already dealing with relocations.

Animal rescue organizations, like Friends of Sochi Dogs, are also in a bind. Co-founder Anna Umansky revealed that the new rules may force them to halt their rescue operations altogether due to exorbitant costs and logistical nightmares.

Key Takeaways – New CDC Pet Travel Regulations

To summarize, the new CDC rules are well-intentioned but have created substantial challenges for pet owners trying to bring their dogs into the U.S. Key points to remember:

• New forms and health checks are mandatory.
• Additional restrictions for dogs from high-risk countries.
• Airlines implementing stringent new measures, impacting travel plans.
• Significant financial and logistical burdens on military families and rescue organizations.

Despite these challenges, staying informed and prepared can help you better navigate these new regulations. If you have any specific questions about your pet’s travel plans, consult your pet relocation specialist and keep an eye on updates from the CDC.

Conclusion – New Rules on Pet Travel To The USA

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Until next time, happy traveling and take care of those fur babies!

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