U.S. drops rules for dogs entering from rabies-free countries

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control will not require Canadians to fill out long forms before crossing the border from Canada with their dogs this summer.

The agency had announced new rules in May that were aimed at keeping rabies out of the country.

They stated that dogs needed to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by two forms, including one signed by a veterinarian. The forms were supposed to include photos of the dog's teeth and would be verified upon arrival by border agents.

The changes, which were set to take effect Aug. 1, had been panned by veterinary associations, the tourism industry and the federal government in Canada.

Canadian officials said they were trying to secure an exemption because of Canada's status as a rabies-free country.

Last week, Health Minister Mark Holland said he had secured a partial exemption to the rules and was hopeful for a grace period. The CDC announcement Monday goes further.

«These updates incorporate the feedback received from the public, industry partners, and various countries on the dog importation rule, and clarify and simplify the processes for those bringing dogs from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries,» the CDC said in a media statement on Monday.

As long as the dog has been in a low-risk or rabies-free country for the previous six months, it can cross the border with just animport form that can be completed online the day of travel.

Holland said Monday that the changes came after he spoke with CDC director Mandy Cohen.

«We have arrived at a place that results in limited administrative burden on Canadians,» he wrote in a statement posted on social media.

«I thank …