The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says it has been engaging with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to seek solutions and clarify new dog import rules intended to prevent the spread of rabies. The requirements are set to take effect on Aug. 1.

Given that Canada is free of the dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV), also known as dog rabies, and shares the same rabies-free status as the U.S., the Canadian government has voiced concerns over the new regulations and the complications they may cause.

“This has resulted in changes to the guidelines for Canadians, but the Government of Canada remains concerned by the potential negative impacts these new regulations will have on both Canadians and Americans,” said Mark Holland, Minister of Health, in a statement on Wednesday. “We continue to advocate for an exemption from these requirements.”

Holland added the regulations impose new planning and cost-related burdens on travelers, potentially impacting transportation and tourism and local economies, especially in border communities. He said that transportation sectors, such as trucking, will face challenges that will affect both American and Canadian supply chains.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) voiced concerns about these regulations, too. The alliance is asking for a deadline extension of the educational enforcement period until “at least January 2025” or or until the CDC and CFIA have agreed that all issues have been addressed.

“We believe that such an approach will bring about a better policy that protects our animals as well as allowing for all cross-border travelers to better understand how to comply with this requirement,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “We have presented a solution that not only protects our pets, but also respects our drivers and avoids the potential delays to cross-border travel, and the potential impact to billions of dollars in trade.”

Many cross-border truck drivers travel with their pets, with some fleets estimating that upwards of 20% of their longhaul drivers travel with their dogs into the U.S., CTA added in a related release, advocating for already vaccinated dogs to be grandfathered into the new regulations, regardless of microchipping status.

While the Government of Canada negotiates for further changes, current requirements for dogs travelers have to comply with as of next month include a dog’s healthy appearance, being microchipped, and being at least six months old. Owners must present a CDC Dog Import Form receipt upon arrival. The requirement will apply to all travelers, including those visiting for short trips.

While a Canadian export document issued and signed by a Canadian licensed, authorized veterinarian with vaccination and microchip information is required, endorsement by a CFIA veterinarian is not needed.