Subpart 2J - Importation of Live Dogs

Question 1

What must accompany a live dog imported into the US from any part of the world intended for resale? When must the dog be imported relative the the import permit?

Answer 1

Import permit issued by AHPIS. Dog must be imported into States within 30 days after the proposed date of arrival stated in the import permit.

Question 2

An application for an import permit must be submitted to who?

Answer 2

APHIS, Animal Care

Question 3

What must the application for an import permit include?

Answer 3

1. Name and address of person intending to export dog
2. Name and address of person intending to import dog
3. Number of dogs to be imported and breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying material
4. Purpose of import
5. Port of embarkation and method of transport
6. Port of entry into US
7. Proposed date of arrival in the States
8. Name and address of the person to whom the dogs will be delivered, and if dogs are imported for resale for research purposes, the USDA registration number of the research facility where the dog will be used for research, tests, or experiments

Question 4

Dogs imported into the US for the purposes of resale require what certifications?

Answer 4

Health certificate and rabies certification

Question 5

Each dog must be accompanied by an original health certificate issued in English by a licensed veterinarian with a valid license to practice vet med in the country of export that:

Answer 5

1. Specifies name and address of person intending to import the dog
2. Identifies dog on basis of breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying material
3. States the dog is at least 6 months of age
4. States the dog was vaccinated, not more than 12 months before the date of arrival at the US port, for distemper, hepatitis, lepto, parvo, and parainfluenza (DHLPP) at a frequency that provides continuous protection and is in accordance with currently accepted practices
5. States that dog is in good health (free of infectious disease or physical abnormality that would endanger dog, other animals, or public health, including parasites, emaciation, lesions of skin, nervous system disturbance, jaundice, or diarrhea)
6. Bears the signature and license number of the veterinarian issuing the certificate

Question 6

Each dog is accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate that was issued in English by a license vet with a valid license to practice vet med in the country of export for the dog not less than 3 months of age at the time of vaccination that:

Answer 6

1. Specifies name and address of person intending to import dog
2. Identifies dog on basis of breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying info
3. Specifies a date of rabies vaccination at least 30 days before day of arrival of the dog at US port
4. Specifies date of expiration of vaccine which is after the date of arrival of the dog at a US port. If no expiration date is specified, then the date of vaccination shall be no more than 12 months before the date of arrival at a US port
5. Bears signature and license number of the vet issuing the certificate

Question 7

What provisions of health and rabies certificates are research facilities exempt from? In what situation?

Answer 7

Dog is at least 6 months, dog is vaccinated not more than 12 months before arrival with DHLPP, dog is in good health, and dog is vaccinated for rabies. Provided that such person importing dog for resale to research submits satisfactory evidence to Animal Care at time of application for an import permit that the specific provisions would interfere with the dog’s use in such research in accordance with the research proposal, and the proposal has been approved and reviewed by the facility IACUC.

Question 8

The provisions for age, health status, and vaccination also do not apply to import of dogs to the States for what? In what circumstances?

Answer 8

For veterinary treatment by a licensed vet and subsequent resale. Provided that original health certificate states that the dog is in need of vet treatment that cannot be obtained in country of export and states name and address of licensed vet in US who intends to provide such treatment AND person who imports dog completes a vet treatment agreement with Animal Care at time of application for an import permit and confines animal until the conditions specified in the agreement are met. Person importing dog shall bear expenses of treatment and confinement.

Question 9

Dogs imported into Hawaii from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand are exempt from what provision?

Answer 9

Need to be at least 6 months. Dog cannot be transported out of Hawaii for purposes of resale at less than 6 months of age.

Question 10

Upon arrival of a dog at the port of first arrival in the States, what must the person importing the dog present?

Answer 10

The import permit and any applicable certification and veterinary treatment agreement required to the collector of customs.

Question 11

What happens to any dogs refused entry into the States for noncompliance?

Answer 11

Dog may be removed from the States or may be seized and the person intending to import the dog shall provide for the care, forfeiture, and adoption of the dog, at their expense.