If passed, the Return Restriction Act would give military families, diplomatic families and service dogs an 18-month exemption from the CDC’s new rules.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new bipartisan bill just proposed in Washington could make it easier to travel internationally with your pet.
It’s called the Homeward Bound Act, and is co-sponsored by Congressman Tim Kennedy of Western New York. This changes new rules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that tighten restrictions on dogs entering the country.
The bill argues that red tape burdens people living in border areas such as Western New York.
If passed, the Return Restriction Act would give military families, diplomatic families and service dogs an 18-month exemption from CDC rules.
Kennedy said the CDC guidelines that went into effect on Aug. 1 could cause massive backups at border crossings and force dog owners to jump through cumbersome hurdles when traveling with their pets. He said he was concerned that this might happen.
CDC rules require dogs to be at least 6 months old, have an ISO-compliant microchip, have a U.S.-issued rabies vaccine administered by a USDA-certified veterinarian, and have a CDC dog import form. Participants must be in good health upon arrival.
Click here for more information on the changes.
