§2148 Importation of Live Dogs

Summary

People who bring puppies into the United States to sell them must make sure each dog is healthy, has all required shots, and is at least 6 months old before resale. Importer: a person who brings puppies into the U.S. to resell them. Resale: any transfer of an imported dog under 6 months old to someone else for more than a trivial payment. Officials can make exceptions for dogs brought in for research or for veterinary treatment. Dogs legally imported into Hawaii from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand do not have to be 6 months old if they follow Hawaii’s rules and are not moved out of Hawaii to be resold while under 6 months. Federal agencies named in the law will write the rules to enforce this. Importers who break the rules face penalties under section 2149 and must pay for the dog’s care (including vet care), give up the dog, and arrange its adoption at their own expense.