07.24.24

Delegation Urges the CDC to Modify Dog Importation Rule

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska), sent a letter to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding a delay in the implementation of the agency’s new rule on the importation of dogs into the United States. The letter outlines how the rules fail to account for Alaska’s unique geography and sled dog culture, and details the negative impacts the rule will have on the state. The letter also asks for adjustments to the rule to balance public health needs without impeding on the safe transportation of dogs to and from Alaska.

“This rule does not work for Alaskans who travel with their pets,” said Senator Murkowski. “Many Alaskans go through Canada to get to the Lower 48 with their pups in tow, and this rule will add unnecessary expense and complication for travelers. We are working directly with the CDC to fix this.”

“This CDC rule on dog importation is a prime example of how one-size-fits-all requirements hurt Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “The rule does not take into consideration Alaska’s unique relationship with Canada, a country that poses no significant threat of rabies transmission. Without adjustments to this rule, working dogs, sled dogs, and family pets will have to undergo arduous certifications and waiting periods, creating undue burdens and costs. The CDC needs to delay and alter this rule until the reasonable concerns of Alaskan residents, pet owners, and veterinarians are taken into account.”

“Dogs aren’t just pets in Alaska – they’re working dogs too. And many families with these dogs live only miles from the Canadian border and cross often. Rabies isn’t a high risk for either country and this policy won’t work for Alaska,” said Representative Peltola. 

Full text of the letter can be found here.

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