BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Phones are ringing off the hook at local veterinarian offices with people looking to get their pets in line with new CDC rules that are set to take effect August 1.
The rules say all dogs coming into the U.S. from Canada have to be at least six months old, have a micro-chip implant, and have various vaccinations and documentation.
"You cant spring this on people in cross border communities in the middle of the high tourist season, it's unfair," said Congressman Nick Langworthy.
He's now working to get that deadline pushed back, sending a letter to the CDC asking for an 18 month pause to explore other options.
Local pet owners hope the CDC puts this on pause.
"It's unworkable," said Deborah Williams, a Nexus card holder. "I think of crossing the Peace Bridge, similar to crossing the Grand Island Bridge."
Her dog Sam is a therapy dog who works with the SPCA, but likes to spend his time off Kayaking in Canada.
“The CDC's new rule is incredibly ill-timed and will place a massive undue burden on responsible pet owners and travelers during our short peak travel season,” said Congressman Langworthy.
He worries this will impact border wait times and our local economy, which depends on border travel.
According to a report from the USDA, about 1,000,000 dogs come into the U.S each year.
80% of vets in the U.S. are USDA certified, per the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, however when you search in our area, you only find about 16.
You can find a list of local vets here and more guidelines from the CDC here.
