View Rule

Following publication of a related final rule in May 2024, CDC received considerable feedback regarding the rule’s requirements for dogs entering from low risk and rabies-free countries. In response, CDC quickly implemented temporary flexibilities prior to the rule’s effective date. Implementing these temporary flexibilities alleviated the most pressing concerns regarding burden and prevented travel disruptions.  

Targeted modification of these regulatory requirements is needed to ensure that they are proportionate to the public health risk. By refining these requirements, we can strike a better balance between protecting public health and minimizing unnecessary burden importers from low-risk and rabies-free countries. This approach acknowledges a minimal increase in the possibility of fraudulent importation, but the benefits are substantial: improved public compliance, streamlined processes, and significantly reduced burden for those importing dogs from the lowest-risk countries. In addition to alleviating the burden of individuals importing dogs, we are also working closely with airlines to provide additional flexibilities for air waybill requirements.   

Congressional and interagency partners (including Department of State), foreign governments, airlines, rescue groups, disability advocates, and breeders have welcomed the temporary flexibilities and remain interested in maintaining simpler and less burdensome importation requirements in the long-term.  

While formal economic estimates are still in progress, CDC’s preliminary analysis indicates that the proposed revisions to 42 CFR 71.51 will generate substantial cost savings and increased flexibilities for individual travelers, government agencies, and commercial airlines. Current estimates suggest that these changes could result in annualizednet cost-savings of $5-$43 million. 

The primary source of cost savings stems from streamlining documentation requirements for dogs imported from rabies-free and low-risk countries. By streamlining these requirements, the rule will significantly reduce administrative, compliance, and processing costs for importers. Instead, the only requirement will be a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.  

In addition to the cost-savings, the proposed changes will enhance travel flexibility for individuals and organizations, making it easier to import dogs from low-risk countries without unnecessary delays or disruptions.  

Adopting reduced documentation requirements for dogs imported from low-risk and rabies-free countries is a targeted approach that aligns regulatory oversight with the public health risk posed by these importations. The primary risk associated with this approach is a small increase in the possibility of fraudulent importation attempts, such as falsified documentation or misrepresentation of a dog’s country of origin or rabies status. However, this risk is mitigated by several factors: 

This approach is consistent with Section 4(c)(1)(D) of Executive Order 12866, which directs agencies to ensure that regulations are proportionate to the risks addressed. By focusing regulatory efforts where they are most needed, we maintain effective public health protections while minimizing unnecessary burdens.