CDC rule requires dogs to be microchipped for reentry into US starting Aug. 1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People traveling outside of the U.S. with a dog need the pet to be microchipped on Aug. 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a new set of guidelines for all dogs, including service animals entering the U.S. The dogs must be at least six months old, appear healthy and be microchipped.

Any vet or shelter can scan the microchip if a pet gets lost. Louisville Metro Animal Services said the process is similar to a person getting a shot.

"It isn't a tracking or a GPS," said Stephanie Jackson with Louisville Metro Animal Services. "It is a teeny tiny microchip that is implanted between the shoulder blades of most pets."

Jackson said the microchip has the pet owner's phone number, address, a second contact information and emergency contact information.

The CDC's rules only apply to pets entering the country. A person could leave with their dog, but not be able to bring it back if it doesn't have the microchip.

If the pet is denied entry, a person would have to pay for their dog to be sent back to the country the trip was in.

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