US 'Ukraine Animal Entry Restrictions' See Even Workarounds Emerging

Refugees Accompanied by Dogs Anxiously Waiting
Also Entering Through Americans

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Among Ukrainian refugees trying to escape the war and head to the United States, those accompanied by pets have faced unexpected difficulties at the northern border of Mexico, the New York Times (NYT) reported on the 16th (local time).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allows the entry of dogs from about 50 countries classified as high-risk for rabies, including Ukraine, only in very exceptional cases. The NYT reported, "At the beginning of the war, the U.S. allowed animals from Ukraine to enter, but recently tightened related regulations," adding, "Among Ukrainian refugees, there are even warnings saying 'Do not even attempt to go to the U.S. if you are accompanied by pets.'"

Since Russia's invasion, the number of Ukrainians seeking asylum in the U.S. has surged in Tijuana, Mexico, which borders California. This is because they can arrive in Mexico on a tourist visa, which does not require a visa, and then apply for humanitarian entry at the U.S. land border.

Currently, thousands of Ukrainian refugees are waiting to enter the U.S., staying in tents or on blankets near the border checkpoint. However, upon hearing that U.S. health authorities practically do not allow pets to accompany them, some refugees leave their pets, who left their hometowns with them, alone in Mexico.

A volunteer helping Ukrainian refugees at the border area said, "The number of dogs left here is increasing daily." Some are considering turning back and fleeing to other countries.

A 'loophole' has even emerged where Americans bring pets into the country. Since Americans do not undergo entry inspections and dogs coming from Mexico, which is not a high-risk rabies country, can enter the U.S. without vaccination certificates or special permits.

The NYT reported, "Some American animal lovers are transporting Ukrainian refugees' pets to the U.S. as if they were their own," adding, "Mainly dogs and cats, dozens of pets have arrived in California with the help of Americans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.