Exponential growth in the import of dogs, particularly from random sources, has resulted in recent incidents of dogs with non-native parasites and zoonotic diseases such as rabies, viral infections, brucellosis and others being imported and passed into the general public.
Current pet import oversight mechanisms administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Customs were established prior to the exponential growth in imports and are unable to adequately check canine health upon entry or protect against the public and animal health threat this represents.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the value of importing breeding stock from overseas, freedom of choice in selecting a pet, and ensuring that people may travel with their pets with a minimum of disruption. However, we are also concerned about the increasing documented incidences of the importation of unhealthy random-source pets, particularly for transfer, where public and pet health may be inadequately protected.
AKC supports efforts to ensure that all dogs imported into the United States are fully immunized; free of infection, parasites and contagious diseases; and are individually certified as such by a qualified veterinarian.
AKC Position Statements
Pet Imports: Protecting Pet and Public Health
Legislation
Joint Letter of Support for the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021
HR 4239/S. 2597 - The Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021
Healthy Dog Importation Act Fact Sheet
View AKC’s Letter of Support for the Healthy Dogs Importation Act
Senators Take Action to Forestall Potential Crisis of Unhealthy Imported Dogs
Joint Letter in Support of HDIA
Related Articles & Blogs
Breaking: CDC Extends Suspension of Dog Imports from Countries Classified as High-Risk for Rabies
Determining If A Dog Can Enter the U.S
Sample Health Requirements for Dogs Traveling Internationally
Imported Canine Rabies in Ontario – Again
Healthy Dog Importation Act Is a Solution to Potential Crisis of Unhealthy Canine Imports
Proposed Healthy Dog Importation Act Requirements Similar to Current Policies In Other Countries
Updates to Canadian Dog Import Laws May Impact U.S. Breeders
Did an Imported Rescue Dog Trigger CDC Action?
Ban on Dogs From ‘High-Risk’ Countries a Wake-up Call About Importation Health Crisis
Informational Update: CDC Temporarily Expands Acceptable Ports of Entry for Canine Imports
Safeguarding Public Health - The Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021
Lawmakers Aim to Hold Off Another Health Threat — Importation of Sick Dogs
CDC Guidance Regarding ‘Rabies Free” For Importation of Dogs, Estimated Annual Import Volume
AVMA: State Authorities See Disease Risk in Imported Dogs
CDC: Illegal Puppy Imports uncovered at JFK Airport
Cornell CVM Health News: Importation of Asia-1 Strain of CDV
Coronavirus Highlights Danger of Importing Dogs from High Risk Regions
Rescue Dogs and Stopping a Potential Danger
USDA: What You Need to Know When Importing Dogs into the United States
AKC Statement Urges New Import Protocols to Protect Pet and Public Health