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Commercial Dog Import: African Swine Fever (ASF) Federal Order FAQs

Do the ASF restrictions apply to all dog imports?

No. Only dogs for commercial resale or adoption from ASF-affected countries must comply with these requirements. Check for Countries where African Swine Fever (ASF) and Other Diseases Are Known to Exist

Where can I find the documents I need to fill out?

When the import permit is issued by Animal Care, you will be provided with the Dog Import Record, which is to be completed and submitted back to APHIS through eFile within 2 business days of the dogs’ arrival in the US. The Dog Import Record will contain guidance on how to submit the completed documents to APHIS.

What type of dog bedding can be used?

Various types of bedding are acceptable (e.g. training pads, blankets etc.), but bedding must be free of dirt, wood shavings, hay, straw, or any other organic/natural bedding material.

How should dog bedding be disposed of?

All bedding that accompanies the dog(s) during transit must be properly disposed of at the post-entry point(s) of concentration in a way that prevents the introduction or spread of ASF. Disposal methods may include:

• incineration; or
• disinfecting the bedding with an APHIS Approved Disinfectant, placing the bedding in a leakproof bag, sealing the bag, disinfecting the bag exterior with an APHIS Approved Disinfectant, inserting the disinfected bag into another leakproof bag, sealing that bag, disinfecting the bag exterior with the same disinfectant product, and disposing of the bag in a landfill in accordance with all State and local regulations. Find information on APHIS approved disinfectants.

Do the microchips need to be scanned at the U.S. port of entry (i.e. airport of arrival in the U.S.)?

No. The animals are not required to be microchipped prior to arrival to the U.S. The dog’s microchip must be scanned just prior to being bathed, and this number recorded on the Dog Import Record. If the dog had an ISO compliant microchip implanted prior to entering the U.S., then that chip can be scanned and recorded. If the dog is not microchipped or does not have an ISO compliant microchip, then an ISO microchip must be implanted after arrival just prior to bathing, and the chip scanned and confirmed at that time. This information must be entered onto the Dog Import Record that will ultimately be uploaded into eFile when completed.

What happens if the individual bathing the dog does not have a microchip scanner to scan the chip just prior to bathing?

If the individual bathing the dog(s) does not have a microchip scanner, then the importer will need to provide them with one so that the chip can be verified and recorded before dogs are bathed. Please remember that dogs must be bathed at the post-entry point(s) of concentration within 2 calendar days of arriving in the US.

What shampoo needs to be used for the bath?

Any shampoo is acceptable; there is no specific type of shampoo that must be used.

Does the bathing need to be performed at a vet clinic or a groomer?

No. The bathing needs to be performed at the US post-entry point of concentration (the first location to which the dogs are directly moved after arrival in the US). The bathing could be performed at any suitable location/facility, by any individual.

Dogs in a shipment do not all go together to a single location after arrival. How should that be handled?

Regardless of where each individual dog is taken after arrival, the animal must be bathed within 2 calendar days of arrival in the US. The importer of record will be responsible for obtaining the required documentation and signatures from the bather(s) to submit to APHIS via eFile within 2 business days of the animal(s) arrival in the US.

How do I submit the completed documents to APHIS?

The Dog Import Record will contain guidance on how to submit the completed documents to APHIS. This will be the responsibility of the importer of record, and the documents will need to be uploaded into eFile in the corresponding permit authorization.

Who can I contact for additional information?

Additional questions can be directed to our Live Animal Import Team:
LAIE@usda.gov

Back to How to Bring Dogs into the United States for Commercial Sale or Adoption