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Healthy Dog Importation Act
12/31/2022, 4:58 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4239
Under the provisions of the bill, any person or entity importing dogs for resale must adhere to certain requirements, including obtaining a license from the Department of Agriculture and providing documentation of the dogs' health and vaccination history. Importers must also ensure that the dogs are examined by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of arrival in the US.
Additionally, the bill prohibits the importation of dogs that are under 6 months of age, unless they are accompanied by their mother or have been weaned for at least 5 days. This provision is aimed at preventing the importation of very young puppies who may be more susceptible to disease. Overall, the Healthy Dog Importation Act seeks to improve the standards for importing dogs into the US in order to protect the health and well-being of both animals and humans. By implementing stricter regulations and requirements for importers, the bill aims to reduce the risk of disease transmission and ensure that imported dogs are healthy and safe for adoption or sale.
Congressional Summary of HR 4239
Healthy Dog Importation Act
This bill imposes requirements on the importation of live dogs.
Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of a live dog into the United States unless the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines the dog (1) is in good health, (2) has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results as evidenced by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and (3) is officially identified by a permanent method approved by USDA. Additionally, dogs entering the United States for transfer must be at least six months of age and accompanied by a USDA permit. Transfer is defined as a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person, including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation.
USDA must provide an exception to any requirements under the bill for dogs that are transferred for (1) research purposes; (2) veterinary treatment under certain conditions, including appropriate quarantining; or (3) lawful importation into the state of Hawaii if the dog is not transported out of Hawaii for resale at less than six months of age.
USDA also has enforcement authority under the bill.
