During the last decade, an increasing number of animal welfare organizations have begun working in poorly resourced areas around the world in an effort to improve animal welfare. In areas with little capacity for local adoptions, sheltering organizations have started investigating whether international pet adoption might be a viable option to save more animal lives. While well intentioned, this trend has led to a significant increase in the movement of dogs into Canada, and subsequently the need to balance lifesaving with disease management and mitigation.
 

This presentation will discuss current trends in international dog transportation, potential risks to both animal welfare and public health, particular infectious diseases of concern, the role of the veterinarian both on the exporting and importing side, and current safeguards and regulations in place to mitigate disease risk (and their shortcomings). Resources and recommendations will be provided on developing sound medical protocols, identifying infectious diseases of concern, the role of the private practitioner, and CVMA resources.

Key Learnings

1. Examine the factors driving the importation of dogs into Canada, and the benefits and risks to animal welfare, public health, and the environment.
2. Discuss current Canadian regulations pertaining to dog importation, and the role of the private practitioner.
3. Discuss and develop protocols to mitigate the potential risk of zoonotic disease introduction and transmission.