New Dog Import Rules Mandate 6-Month Minimum Age for Transfer, Adds Fees for Importers

The aptly named Healthy Dog Importation Act is looking to radically change the way dogs are brought into the U.S., adding a thick layer of federal oversight to what has often been a patchwork system. This bill amends the Animal Health Protection Act by setting up strict new rules: generally, no dog can enter the U.S. without the importer first submitting electronic paperwork proving the dog is healthy, fully vaccinated, and certified by an authorized foreign vet. Critically, any dog intended to be sold, adopted, or otherwise transferred after arrival must now be at least six months old and require an official import permit from the Secretary of Agriculture. This is a big deal for anyone involved in dog rescue or commercial import, as it formalizes the process and shifts the burden of proof (and cost) firmly onto the importer.

The Paperwork and Permit Barrier

Think of this as a mandatory digital passport system for incoming dogs. The bill requires detailed electronic documentation before the dog arrives, covering vaccinations, parasite treatments, and negative test results where applicable (Section 10404A). For the average person looking to adopt a young puppy from an international rescue, the new six-month age requirement for any dog intended for 'transfer' (sale or adoption) is a significant hurdle. This provision (Section 10404A(a)(2)(B)) essentially blocks the importation of young puppies for adoption, which is a common practice for many rescue groups. While the goal is better health screening, this rule forces importers to hold dogs abroad for longer, increasing costs and potentially straining foreign shelter resources.

Who Pays for the New System?

Setting up this new federal system isn't free, and the bill makes it clear who will foot the bill: the importers. The Secretary of Agriculture is explicitly authorized to charge fees to cover the costs of implementing and enforcing these new rules, including verification and permitting (Section 10404A(c)(3)). For large commercial importers, this might be a manageable cost of doing business, but for smaller, volunteer-run rescues, these new fees, combined with the costs associated with holding dogs for six months to meet the age requirement, could become a significant financial barrier. The Secretary also gains substantial authority to define key terms, like "Compensation," which is currently defined broadly as "anything of value," potentially sweeping non-profit rescue transfers under the commercial umbrella and subjecting them to stricter regulation.

Exceptions and Enforcement

While the rules are strict, the bill carves out sensible exceptions. If you’re a military family bringing your working dog home, or if your personal pet is just returning to the U.S. after a trip abroad, the full suite of new requirements won't apply (Section 10404A(b)). However, the enforcement side is serious. If an importer or transporter violates these rules, the Secretary can order the dog to be cared for, quarantined, forfeited, or even removed from the U.S. at the violator’s expense (Section 10404A(e)). This means if a rescue group mistakenly imports a five-month-old puppy intended for immediate adoption, they could be on the hook for the cost of sending that puppy back overseas, which is a huge financial risk. The bill gives the Secretary 18 months to finalize all these regulations, meaning the details of the fees and specific enforcement procedures are still to be determined, but the framework for strict liability is already in place.