🐶 New regulations for pet dogs traveling to the US

Cayman Airways Ltd has announced new regulations for transporting pet dogs into the United States, as mandated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Effective from Thursday, 1 August, all dogs entering or re-entering the US from countries with low or no dog rabies, like the Cayman Islands, must now have a completed CDC Dog Import form. The passenger accompanying the dog must provide a copy of their submission receipt upon check-in for their flight at Owen Roberts International Airport. 🐾

In addition to the new form, the CDC requires all dogs traveling to the United States to be in good health upon arrival, be at least six months old at the time of entry or return to the US, and have a microchip that can be read by a universal microchip scanner for identification purposes. The CDC recommends completing the form several days before travel. The form, which can be completed in less than five minutes at no charge, generates a receipt for travel from rabies-free or low-risk countries within minutes. This receipt will be valid for six months from the date of issuance, including for multiple entries into the United States. 🛂

The new requirements come after months of negotiations between the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the CDC to balance the convenience of pet transport with necessary safety procedures. These negotiations are still ongoing, and dog transportation to the United States could change significantly in the coming months. Cayman Airways will provide updates on dog transport as they become available. Passengers are responsible for housing, caring for, and repatriating any animals denied entry to the US. 🐕‍🦺