Smith, Grassley reintroduce 'Healthy Dog' legislation

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) this week reintroduced the Healthy Dog Importation to combat the spread of foreign animal diseases entering the United States. 

The legislation would expand the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) program by providing additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs being imported into the country. 

In addition to expanding the USDA-APHIS program, the Healthy Dog Importation Act   would require every imported dog to have a certificate of veterinary inspection from a licensed veterinarian, with some exemptions for personal pet travel and military dogs. The health certificate must attest the dog has received all required vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results. 

The legislation also would create an online database containing documentation and import permits to ensure dogs entering the country are being properly screened.