U.S. Puppy Import Ban: What You Need to Know

At TomKings Puppies, we have been committed to bringing joy into your homes through our beloved Frenchies for more than 13 years. However, a significant change is on the horizon that will impact how we continue to fulfill this mission. Starting from August 1st, 2024, the United States will enforce new CDC regulations, requiring all puppies to be at least six months old before they can enter the country. This update from the previous age limit marks a significant change for prospective pet owners and breeders alike. In this article, we will explore what exactly this new puppy import ban entails and how it will reshape the way we bring our puppies to their forever homes.

What Are the New CDC Regulations?

The upcoming changes introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aim to reduce health risks by setting stricter guidelines for importing puppies into the United States. Effective from August 1st, 2024, the new rules require all puppies to be at least six months old before they are allowed to enter the country. This is a significant adjustment from the current regulation, which permits the import of puppies just under four months old.

According to the CDC, starting August 1st, all dogs entering the United States must:

• Appear healthy upon arrival
• Be at least six months of age
• Be microchipped
• Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.

There will also be additional requirements depending on where the dog has been in the last six months and whether they were vaccinated in the United States. For dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies, they must be protected against rabies. This policy change primarily aims to prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies into the United States. Moreover, CDC also states that the new regulation tackles recent issues with international dog importations, including fraudulent paperwork and unsafe conditions for dogs that fail to meet entry requirements to the U.S.

How the Import Ban Affects TomKings Puppies

While we at TomKings Puppies always prioritize the health and safety of our puppies, these new age rules present a significant challenge for us and other reputable breeders outside the U.S. As for families and prospective dog parents looking to adopt a puppy from abroad, this means adjusting their timelines and planning further ahead to meet the age requirement. We are committed to adapting our processes to align with these new requirements, although they will definitely affect how we plan our breedings and schedule the travel of our Frenchies. 

Geri, the co-founder of TomKings shares his thoughts on this significant shift: “It definitely came as a surprise, but our team is working extra hard to address these changes. We’re committed to continuing our mission of bringing healthy and happy Frenchies into loving families, while maintaining the quality and care that TomKings Puppies is known for.” Geri adds, “Many of our dear followers have expressed their support and even shared that they are willing to wait a little longer for the perfect puppy. We are immensely grateful for their understanding and patience. As for the future, I can say that we are actively working on solutions to provide younger puppies beyond August 1^st as well.”

The CDC announcement has also led to a notable increase in inquiries from families eager to welcome a Frenchie before the new rules take effect. “Thankfully, we’ve had several new litters recently who will still be able to arrive to their new homes before the August 1^st deadline,” Geri notes. “The entire TomKings team is dedicated to ensuring that we find the best possible matches for our prospective puppy parents and our Frenchies alike, and to deliver them to their new homes within the narrow time frame we have.”

Timing Your TomKings Adoption Before the New Rules

In light of the upcoming CDC regulations, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead if you wish to welcome a young French Bulldog puppy from TomKings. By acting now and reserving your puppy as soon as possible, latest by early July, you can ensure that your new furry friend arrives before the new rules take effect, allowing you to enjoy those precious early months together. 

The upcoming increase in demand for our puppies who can still travel before the new regulations means there will be limited availability. So, contacting us in time can also ensure that you finally get the Frenchie you’ve been dreaming of before someone else reserves them. Our currently available and upcoming litters will be ready to travel soon, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity if you’d prefer to bring home a younger TomKings puppy.

In addition to the factors mentioned already, Geri also alerts that the prices of Frenchie puppies are expected to increase in the U.S. after August 1^st due to the reduced number of available young puppies in the country. “This is another aspect to consider if you have been thinking about welcoming a Frenchie into your family for some time. Acting now can help you avoid potential price increases and longer wait times that will follow the new regulations.”

Contact Us Today!

If you’re thinking about purchasing a Frenchie from us or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming changes, we’re here for you. Our friendly team at TomKings Puppies is ready to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure a smooth transition for your new family member. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us through the following contact forms:

• Instagram: @tom_kings_kennel
• Facebook: Tomkingskennel
• Email: [email protected]

We also invite you to join our close-knit Facebook community called the TomKings Frenchie Family, where you can find more information, support, and shared experiences from other Frenchie parents. We look forward to helping you find your perfect Frenchie and continuing to bring happiness into your homes!