The United States has pulled back plans for tighter regulations for dogs crossing the border from rabies-free countries just days before they were supposed to come into effect.
A news release from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control stated will not require complicated forms for dog owners crossing the border from Canada this summer.
Initially, the CDC stated dogs would to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by two forms including one signed by a veterinarian. These announcements were made last May.
Now, the CDC says long as the dog has been in a low-risk or rabies-free country for the last six months, it can cross the border with just an import form that can be completed online the day of travel.
It stated the changes are based on feedback from the public, industry and various countries.
The changes, which were set to take effect Aug. 1, had been heavily criticized by veterinary associations, the federal government in Canada and the tourism industries in both countries, citing heavier workloads for border guards and vets, as well as how it will affect people's vacation plans.
Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland said last week he secured a partial exemption to the rules for dogs coming from Canada, but was pushing for a total waiver.
This is a developing story.
