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Repeals section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148), which currently governs importation of live dogs under that Act.
Inserts a new section 10404A (Importation of live dogs) into the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.) after section 10404, establishing definitions, import documentation and permit requirements, regulatory implementation deadlines and consultation, database and reporting requirements, fee authority, and enforcement provisions.
Creates a new federal rule set for importing live dogs by adding an "Importation of live dogs" title to the Animal Health Protection Act. It requires electronic documentation before entry, sets minimum-age and permit rules for dogs intended for transfer, allows only narrow exceptions, directs the Secretary to issue implementing regulations within 18 months, and establishes enforcement tools and penalties for importers and transporters who fail to comply. The provision also includes a short transition rule and repeals the existing Animal Welfare Act provision on dog importation.
Adds a new section titled “10404A. Importation of live dogs” to the Animal Health Protection Act by inserting it after section 10404.
Defines “compensation” to include any act or thing of value received by a person directly (cash or noncash benefits, cost-avoidance, publicity, exchange of services, keeping a license, etc.).
Defines “import transporter” as any person or entity that receives an imported dog from an importer, dealer, research facility, exhibitor, auction operator, or government department/agency and receives compensation for moving the dog in commerce.
Defines “importer” as any person who transports or causes the transportation of a dog into the United States from a foreign country.
Defines “transfer” as any change of ownership or control of an imported dog, including sale, adoption, exchange, or donation.
Who is affected and how:
Importers and transporters (airlines, shipping companies, brokers): Must collect and transmit pre-entry electronic documentation, verify age/permit requirements, and may face civil penalties or denied entry for noncompliance. Operational procedures for animal shipments will need updating.
Nonprofit rescue groups and breeders: Organizations that bring dogs from overseas for adoption or sale will need to comply with permit and documentation rules; small rescue groups may see higher paperwork burdens or costs.
Customs and border agencies and USDA/APHIS: Agencies responsible for animal import oversight will implement pre-arrival review processes, enforce penalties, and develop rules and systems to process electronic documentation.
Prospective pet owners and adopters: May experience delays or reduced availability for imported dogs during the implementation period or if documentation is incomplete.
Animal health and public health stakeholders: Improved pre-entry records and age/permit requirements aim to reduce disease risk and improve traceability of imported dogs, potentially lowering public and animal health risks.
Businesses supporting imports (veterinarians, labs, testing services, permit preparers): Could see increased demand for pre-export health checks, certifications, and paperwork services.
Overall effects: The law creates a centralized, pre-arrival documentation regime that strengthens animal health oversight but will raise compliance and administrative costs for importers, carriers, and rescue organizations. The 18-month rulemaking window provides time to develop systems, but short-term disruptions are possible during transition and while agencies design electronic submission processes.
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced May 13, 2025 by Charles Ernest Grassley · Last progress May 13, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced in Senate