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Creates a new federal import rule for live dogs that sets health, vaccination, identification, and minimum age requirements; requires electronic pre-import paperwork and permits for dogs intended for transfer; and gives USDA enforcement authority and penalties. The Secretary of Agriculture must write implementing regulations within 18 months, import certificate data must be shared quickly with State veterinarians, and the current Animal Welfare Act provision on live-dog importation is repealed.
Defines “compensation” to mean any act, consideration, or thing of value received directly (cash or noncash benefits, cost-avoidance, publicity, exchange of services, or maintaining a license).
Defines “importer” as any person who transports or causes the transportation of a dog into the United States from a foreign country.
Defines “import transporter” as any person or entity that (A) receives an imported dog from an importer, dealer, research facility, exhibitor, auction operator, or government department/agency and (B) receives compensation for moving that dog in commerce.
Defines “transfer” as a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person (sale, adoption, exchange, donation).
Before transport to the United States, the Secretary must receive electronic documentation demonstrating that the dog: (A) is in good health; (B) has required vaccinations, parasite treatment, and negative test results evidenced by a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian accredited by a competent veterinary authority and endorsed by that authority; (C) is officially identified by a permanent method approved by the Secretary; and (D) if the dog is intended for transfer, the dog is at least 6 months old and accompanied by an import permit issued by the Secretary.
Primary effects fall on people and organizations that import, transport, rehome, or sell dogs into the United States. Importers and merchandise importers must meet new health, vaccination, identification, and age rules and may need permits when dogs are intended for transfer; this will add administrative steps and possible costs (permit fees, veterinary checks, ID microchipping, or paperwork systems). Nonprofit animal rescue organizations that import dogs for placement could face new permit requirements and earlier submission of electronic documentation, which could slow or raise the cost of rescue imports. State animal health officials and veterinarians will gain faster access to import certificate data to detect and respond to animal disease risks, but they may need to coordinate with federal systems. USDA will be responsible for writing and enforcing the regulations, requiring internal rulemaking and enforcement resources. Public health and pet-owning consumers may benefit from reduced risk of importing animals with contagious diseases (including rabies) and improved traceability, while some small rescues or low-volume importers may experience compliance burdens. International exporters and foreign breeders may see changes in export documentation demand and market access conditions.
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Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced May 13, 2025 by Dustin Johnson · Last progress May 13, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House