WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27, 2023) – The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, applauded Congress today for re-introducing the Healthy Dog Importation Act.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 1 million dogs are imported into the U.S. each year and more than 90% of those dogs enter our country with minimal oversight,” said PFI Senior Director of Government Relations Atalie Ebersole. “Unfortunately, the current process, or lack thereof can introduce dangerous foreign animal diseases and pests into the U.S. We are grateful to Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Annie Kuster (D-NH) for re-introducing this important legislation, which will address oversight gaps and help protect the health of the public and animals.”
The Healthy Dog Importation Act provides solutions to the importation of unhealthy dogs into the U.S. by expanding the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) program to monitor the health of dogs being imported into the United States. The Act requires all dogs imported into the U.S. to submit valid health certificates from a licensed veterinarian accredited by a recognized veterinary authority, be permanently identified, and checked upon entry. These new measures will help prevent the importation of deadly zoonotic diseases like rabies and canine influenza.
PFI joins more than 40 organizations which urge Congress to quickly pass this bipartisan legislation to help better protect animal and public health in the United States. View the full list of supporting organizations here.