(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) expressed strong support for the included provisions of the Healthy Dog Importation Act in the House Agriculture Committee’s newly released Farm Bill. The legislative move aims to safeguard the health of millions of American pets, their owners, and the domestic livestock industry by addressing gaps in dog importation standards.
Each year, approximately one million dogs are imported into the United States, yet only an estimated 1 percent are screened for illness or infection. The Healthy Dog Importation Act would modernize federal requirements by mandating proof of vaccination, parasite treatment, and negative test results before dogs are transported into the country. The measure also establishes penalties for noncompliance and ensures that all imported dogs are permanently identified.
“The Healthy Dog Importation Act empowers the USDA with additional tools to monitor dogs entering the country and protect both human and animal health,” said Sandy Moore, CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network. “This is a commonsense, bipartisan step that strengthens public health protections while supporting responsible pet ownership and commerce.”
Including the Healthy Dog Importation Act in the Farm Bill advances enforceable health standards for dogs entering the United States. PAN encourages lawmakers to preserve the language as the bill advances and to continue prioritizing practical, bipartisan solutions that strengthen animal health oversight.
About Pet Advocacy Network
The Pet Advocacy Network champions pet choice and responsible pet professionals, connecting them with policymakers at the local, state, federal and international levels. Since 1971, the organization has worked to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure access to healthy pets. Pet Advocacy Network members include companion animal suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, service providers, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations. To learn more, visit www.PetAdvocacy.org.
