New CDC Regulations And Some Airlines Banning Dogs On Flights To The U.S. Have Left Military Families Stationed Overseas Struggling To Transport Their Dogs Back Home
Due to new regulations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) taking effect on August 1, many military families stationed overseas are struggling to find ways to transport their dogs back to the United States.
The new rules, along with some airlines, are banning dogs on flights headed to the U.S. To make matters worse, the restrictions are occurring right at the height of the military’s moving season.
The rules are being established in an effort to keep dog rabies out of the U.S. According to the CDC, dog rabies is not controlled in more than 100 countries.
“The rabies virus variant carried by dogs was eliminated in the United States in 2007, and the CDC wants to prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies into the United States,” stated the government agency.
Per the new rules, pet dogs must be proven to be healthy, at least six months old, and microchipped. They must also be accompanied by updated vaccination and veterinary records in the CDC’s Dog Import paperwork.
Depending on which country the dogs are coming from, the CDC is requiring a rabies vaccine. A blood test proving immunity may be necessary as well.
A total of eight airlines will stop allowing dogs to travel back to the U.S. with their families either in the cabin or in the cargo hold.
The most recent airline to follow suit is the German airline Lufthansa, which service members in Germany primarily use to fly back to the U.S. on permanent change of station orders.
Other airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, have requested an extension from the CDC.
New Africa – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual dog
In their letter, they emphasized their concerns about the consequences that the rules will have during the peak of summer travel season. The policy changes have left military advocates in bewilderment.
“I 100% agree we have to protect the population from rabies,” Liz Hensel, the chief executive officer of Leave No Paws Behind USA, said.
“But there must be a better way than to leave hundreds of military families stranded in a situation where they have no idea what to do with their dogs.”
According to Hensel, there are over 100,000 service members stationed in Europe. She believes that many airlines are banning the transport of pets overseas because they do not want to be held liable for any issues that might crop up.
Hensel is also a veteran and the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Marine Corps Spouse of the Year. She noted that household pets help with the mental health of those serving our country, as well as their families.
She called Lufthansa’s decision “heartbreaking,” as they have been one of the most pet-friendly airlines for military families.
The CDC website says that dogs won’t be allowed back into the U.S. if the rules aren’t followed. The dog will be returned to the country of departure at the families’ expense.
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