Court Upholds CDC Rule Blocking Puppies Under 6 Months

Why it matters

A federal judge in Massachusetts has sided with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), upholding a 2024 rule that bars the importation of puppies under six months old. The decision, hailed by public health officials, is a major legal validation of CDC efforts to prevent the reintroduction of canine rabies into the U.S.

Driving the news

Six animal rescue groups had challenged the rule, calling it “arbitrary and capricious” and harmful to global rescue operations. But U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris granted summary judgment in favor of the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing strong public health grounds.

In her opinion, Judge Saris wrote:

“The CDC’s rationale is not arbitrary,” adding that rabid dogs can appear healthy and that young puppies may display behavior indistinguishable from early rabies symptoms.

The court found that the six-month minimum age rule is consistent with international best practices and prioritizes public safety without banning international rescue altogether.

Read the full court opinion (PDF).

Policy background

The CDC implemented the new rule in August 2024 amid growing concerns about falsified dog vaccination records and increasing incidents of imported animals carrying infectious diseases. The regulation mandates that all imported dogs:

• Be at least six months of age
• Appear healthy upon arrival
• Be microchipped and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form
• Provide additional documentation if from high-risk rabies countries

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) recommends a seven-month wait period, but the CDC opted for a six-month threshold to allow flexibility for rescue missions.

What they’re saying

Animal Rescue Groups

Public Health Officials

Supporters of the policy, including some animal advocacy organizations, praised the ruling for balancing compassion with disease control.

The bottom line

While the court acknowledged the burden placed on international animal rescues, it found the CDC’s six-month policy to be a lawful and necessary public health safeguard. The ruling reinforces federal authority to regulate cross-border disease risks in a globalized world.