The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is loosening rules for bringing dogs into the United States.
Officials introduced the new rules earlier this year to keep dog rabies out of the country.
The initial rules, which take effect Aug. 1, would have required dog owners to fill out several forms, including one signed by a veterinarian.
But the CDC announced Monday it is clarifying and simplifying the process for dogs coming from rabies-free and low-risk dog rabies countries like Canada.
Dogs will be able to cross with just an import form, which officials said can be filled out online on the day of travel.
“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,” the agency said in a statement on Monday.
Canada’s health minister said last week that he was “quite concerned” about the impacts of the new rules.
Mark Holland said the “very poorly thought out” policy would not only have a huge impact on Canadians but also on Americans returning with their dogs to the U.S. after visiting Canada.
“A dog coming from Chicago or coming from Portland is no more of a risk than a dog coming from Toronto or from Vancouver,” Holland said Wednesday.
All dogs entering the United States will still need to be at least six months old and microchipped.
