Legislation1w ago
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To authorize implementation grants to community-based nonprofits to operate one-stop reentry centers.
HR8548Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37] (D-CA)
introduced
HR3349119th CongressWALLET
Healthy Dog Importation Act
Sponsored By: Representative Johnson (SD)
Introduced
Summary
Creates a unified federal import regime for live dogs to require health checks, permanent ID, permits for transfers, and centralized enforcement. This bill would set pre-import electronic documentation, vaccination and testing standards, and allow post-arrival verification and penalties for noncompliance.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Higher penalties for illegal dog imports
If enacted, the Secretary could enforce the rules and penalize importers or transporters who break them. Violators could face fines and other penalties. They could also be required to pay for vet care, quarantine, removal from the U.S., and the return of dogs to the exporter.
Stricter health and permit rules for imported dogs
If enacted, you could not import a dog unless the Secretary gets electronic proof before travel. The dog would need required vaccines, parasite treatment, and any negative tests. A licensed, accredited vet would need to issue an endorsed certificate. The dog would need a permanent ID approved by the Secretary. If the dog is for sale, adoption, or other transfer, it would need to be at least 6 months old and have an import permit.
New import rules and data reporting
If enacted, the Secretary would write new dog import rules within 18 months. Paperwork could be sent electronically and shared across agencies. Post-arrival checks would be set, and dogs that break the rules could be denied entry. Importers and carriers would need to send vet certificates to a central database, and States could get copies within three days. An annual report would show country of origin and reason for import. The bill would also define who counts as an importer or transporter and what a transfer is, and treat cash and noncash perks as compensation.
Exceptions for returning pets and special cases
If enacted, some dogs would get exceptions by regulation. These include personal U.S.-origin pets returning home and U.S. military working dogs. Research dogs and some dogs brought for vet care could qualify if the importer pays, the dog goes straight to a vet, stays in quarantine, and is then sent back to its home country. Hawaii could allow dogs under 6 months from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand if state rules are met and the dog is not moved out for transfer before 6 months.
New fees for dog import permits
If enacted, the Secretary could charge fees for checking documents and issuing import permits. Importers, transporters, and carriers would likely pay these fees. Fees would be set to fund program work and would be set within 18 months.
Old rules stay until new ones
If enacted, current live-dog import rules would stay in place during a transition. The transition would start at enactment and end when the new rules are final. The bill would also repeal the old import section of the Animal Welfare Act, shifting to the new system once regulations are issued.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Johnson (SD)
SD • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
NC • D
Sponsored 5/13/2025
Crawford
AR • R
Sponsored 5/13/2025
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
CA • D
Sponsored 5/13/2025
Rouzer
NC • R
Sponsored 5/13/2025
Wittman
VA • R
Sponsored 5/13/2025
Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]
MN • D
Sponsored 5/13/2025
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
CA • D
Sponsored 6/3/2025
Malliotakis
NY • R
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Feenstra
IA • R
Sponsored 8/19/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 9/10/2025
Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]
OR • D
Sponsored 4/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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