1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am a constituent from Reston, VA. I’m writing with regards to the new CDC dog import guidelines that are set to go into effect on August 1.These measures are going to impact ordinary Americans traveling with their pets, rescues helping save animals from areas of conflict, diplomats, American citizens working abroad and military families. With less than 3 weeks before the rules go into effect the CDC is not prepared to implement these rules and they are a horrific overreach of the agency. At a time when people are moving and traveling for the summer, the CDC is not able to provide clear answers or the paperwork needed for dogs to enter the county. The new required forms are still not available for public. The rules place a legal burden on airlines to review CDC paperwork. Without the time or training to do so, airlines are now simply banning dogs on all their flights bound for the US. Lufthansa is the first airline to do so and others are going to follow suit. This means anyone traveling outside of the country for the summer break with their pet will not be able to return home. I’m asking you to please contact the CDC to ask for a delay of these rules until a more fair and measured approach can be put into place. Representative Langworthy of NY has already called on the agency to do so. Thank you for your time.