Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the U.S. from Countries Classified as High Risk for Dog Rabies
Effective July 14, 2021, the CDC will be temporarily suspending the importation of dogs from:
- countries classified by CDC as high risk for dog rabies; AND
- countries that are NOT at high risk if the dogs have been in high-risk countries during the previous 6 months.
CDC has classified the UAE as a high-risk country. This temporary action is necessary to ensure the health and safety of dogs imported into the United States and to protect the public against the reintroduction of dog rabies into the United States.
Dogs from high-risk countries may be imported only with CDC’s advance written approval (CDC Dog Import Permit), including dogs imported from a country NOT at high risk if the dogs have been in a high-risk country during the previous 6 months. Such approvals may be granted on a limited case-by-case basis at CDC’s discretion. If your request for advance approval to import a dog is denied, CDC’s written denial will constitute final agency action. No appeals will be allowed.
Information about requesting prior written approval for importing dogs and other information about the temporary suspension can be found here: High-Risk Dog Ban FRN | CDC. Before entering or re-entering the United States with a dog, importers should continue to check other federal regulations as well as rabies vaccination requirements of state and local governments at their final destination.
For questions about this notice or CDC’s import regulations, contact CDC’s Zoonoses Team at CDCanimalimports@cdc.gov.
Please find links with additional information below:
1) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/faqs-about-high-risk-dog-ban.html
2) THEN and NOW: CDC Dog Importation Changes https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dog-importation-changes.html
3) How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/apply-dog-import-permit.html
4) High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk.html
Actions to Take:
- All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19for information on conditions in the United Arab Emirates.
- Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4
+971 2 414 2200 - abudhabiacs@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Dubai
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed and Al Seef Streets
+971 4 309 4000 - dubaiacs@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - UAE Country Information
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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