Bills · HR 3349
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3349Agriculture and Food
Healthy Dog Importation Act
INTRO MAY 13· LAST ACTION MAY 13
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
11BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to protect public and animal health in the United States by preventing the entry of sick or diseased dogs. Currently, laxer import rules can lead to dogs carrying diseases like rabies, canine influenza, or parvovirus being brought into the country, posing risks to existing pet populations and potentially to humans.
If this bill becomes law, consumers looking to acquire an imported dog would have greater confidence in the animal's health status, reducing the emotional and financial burden of adopting a sick pet. It would also help to reduce the strain on veterinary resources and public health systems that deal with outbreaks. If it doesn't pass, the current system with potentially less rigorous health checks for imported dogs would continue, leaving the U.S. vulnerable to the spread of foreign diseases and allowing the continued sale of very young, potentially unhealthy imported puppies.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires electronic documentation to be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture before a dog is transported into the U.S., demonstrating the dog's good health, required vaccinations, and parasite treatments.
This aims to ensure dogs are healthy before they even start their journey, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that dogs intended for transfer (like sale or adoption) must be at least 6 months old and accompanied by an import permit.
This provision targets the commercial import of young puppies, who are often more vulnerable to illness and may be imported without adequate health checks.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a centralized database for imported dog health certificates and requires annual reports on aggregated import data, including country of origin and purpose.
This creates a system for better tracking and oversight of dog imports, allowing for more informed public health decisions.
PROVISION 04
Requires new regulations to be put in place within 18 months of the bill's enactment to implement and enforce these new importation rules.
This sets a clear timeline for the government to develop the detailed rules and processes needed to make the new law effective.
PROVISION 05
Repeals Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act, which currently governs dog importation, and moves these regulations into the Animal Health Protection Act.
This centralizes and updates the legal framework for dog importation under a single, more focused act.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 11
R· South Dakota
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
39
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 90%
DEM 6 REP 5 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 13
Introduced in House
MAY 13
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3349
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 13, 2025
Last actionMay 13, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 13, 2025
House BillHR 3349Agriculture and Food
Healthy Dog Importation Act
INTRODUCED MAY 13, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 13, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
11
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
