Border (CA to US) crossing with pups

[Anatidae]

Have any of you guys been issued a Dog Confinement Agreement or denied one when re-entering the States with a pup under 4 months of age?

We are planning our trip to SK and have 2 new pups that we will not leave at home. It's take a chance on being denied a DCA or stay home this year.

I've exhausted all the info on the CDC site and have sent an e-mail to Animal Imports division of the CDC, but have not received a response yet.

If denied, we would have to stay in Canada with the pups for the 30-day period after inoculation. Road conditions may not be favorable at that time. The site lists the numbers of DCA's granted since 2006. There were 1733 issued in 2013 and 874 so far, this year. That doesn't give me assurance that I will be successful in obtaining one, though because I've been in situations where it depends on the level of knowledge either by the grantee or grantor.

When we called to get a variance on this, the representative said the new requirement (effective 8.11.2014) is - you can't bring a dog under 4 months of age back into the States - no exceptions. The Federal Register says otherwise - that the HHS/CDC Director can allow dogs that are not adequately vaccinated under the Dog Confinement Agreement provision of the code.

The trouble is - it appears you will not know whether you will be granted a DCA or denied entry upon return until you arrive at the BP. It is advised that notification be given to that crossing 72 hours prior to arrival, so inspection personnel are present to inspect your pet(s).

Any first-hand experiences related, would be appreciated at this point. I'd like to continue packing for the trip.

Thanks
'Anatidae'
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[fishduck]

I have no first hand knowledge. My understanding was they made working dogs exempt but I did not read the law. Because it is a new law, enforcement will depend on the officer.

My suggestion is to post the same question on rtf. With the Canadian trainers preparing for their winter trips, they should know.

[Anatidae]

Thanks, Mark - good suggestion.

I heard from the CDC Animal Imports division, today.

While there is no guarantee that the reviewing officer(s) will let you back across with the pup(s)...(like you said), they sent me the information they need to conduct their review, pre-trip.

1. Name and contact information (phone #, email, and address) of the owner
2. Name and contact information (phone #, email, and address) of the importer/agent, if applicable
3. Description of the puppy (date of birth, sex, breed, descriptive markings/colors, microchip/tattoo #)
4. Source of puppy (kennel, breeder, or rescue) *please provide the name and address of the kennel/breeder, if applicable
5. Country of Origin
6. How long was the puppy in the country of origin
7. Projected date of travel and method of transportation (airplane, travel by car) *please provide flight information, if applicable
8. Port of entry or land border crossing
9. Final destination of puppy
10. Purpose of importation
11. Why do you need a confinement agreement
12. Detailed explanation of why you (the importer) cannot comply with the rabies vaccination requirements

I provided this information on both dogs today and hope to get a determination prior to us hitting the road Friday morning. At this point, we'll take our chances. Both pups are 'chipped' and we'll have the helth certificate on the rabies vaccination for momma dog.

Worst thing that could happen is they turn us around at the US border and we have to keep hunting ducks and geese until November 28th.

Thanks for your interest and reply.

Randy
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