Signature Pet Transport Proudly Endorses the Homeward Bound Act
At Signature Pet Transport, we see firsthand the impact CDC dog importation regulations have on American families, especially military families and those with service dogs. That’s why we are proud to endorse the Homeward Bound Act. When Congressman Kelly Armstrong’s office asked for our feedback, we didn’t hesitate.
This bill is a game-changer. It introduces an 18-month waiver, freeing military families, diplomats, and service dog owners from burdensome CDC requirements, like the six-month minimum age rule and microchip mandates, for dogs coming from low-risk rabies countries. The time saved on paperwork alone will reduce stress and financial burdens, allowing families to focus on what really matters—being with their pets.
But this isn’t just about paperwork. This bill is about keeping families whole. We’ve had to make alternate plans for far too many of our clients because their young dogs couldn’t travel under the current rules. This often means boarding their pets, which is an emotional strain.
The Homeward Bound Act will ease that separation for many.
Now, while this bill is a huge step in the right direction, it’s not the final solution. The majority of responsible pet owners who wish to travel with young dogs will still face obstacles.
Our hope is that in the future, with advancements in global rabies control, we can see these restrictions loosen even further.
At Signature Pet Transport, our commitment is twofold: ensuring compliance with public health standards while advocating for our clients. We know dogs from low-risk rabies countries aren’t the problem, and the regulations should reflect that.
The Homeward Bound Act paves the way for a brighter future for pet owners. We’re proud to support it, and we’re excited for what it means for our clients, particularly military families and those with service dogs.
If you'd like to learn more about the bill and view the official press release, you can find it here.