Overseas visitors to the USA are enticed when visiting regional shopping malls to find puppies for sale.

The pet shop owner, eager to sell the overseas visitor a puppy, entices the sale by saying “all you need is a heath certificate from a veterinarian, and you can take the puppy in the cabin with you as you travel home.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.  For example, a colleague in the northeast was contacted by a visitor from Sweden who was encouraged by the Brooklyn pet shop to purchase the puppy, find a veterinarian to issue an international health certificate, and take the pet in the cabin of the airline upon their return to Stockholm, Sweden.

For pets to enter Sweden, they must have a microchip, a rabies immunization, and a blood test for Rabies antibodies four (4) months after the Rabies vaccination.

Along with treatment for both internal & external parasites, the puppy then can enter Sweden without quarantine.

Summary: for overseas visitors coming to America this winter for vacation, family gatherings, etc … understand the rules and regulations for the entry of pets into your home country before purchasing.  Especially since most live animal purchases are not refundable.

The recent finding of three (3) rabid racoons in Central Park should give Park goers cause for concern; especially with two (2) in the past week.

The New York City cluster of positive Rabies cases (20 this year: 14 from the Bronx, 4 from Manhattan, one from the Queens, and one from Staten Island) indicate all five boroughs are infected.

With no human case of Rabies in New York City since 1953, pet owners are urged to be wary of any animal acting strange, and immediately report the animal’s behavior to 311. Animals that have been attacked or may be attacked should be reported to 911.

New York City pet owners:

• Are urged to have their pet’s Rabies vaccinations current or be updated
• Leash your dog when walking it
• Do not leave dogs outdoors unattended.
• Do not attempt to separate animals that are fighting, you may be an accidental bite victim.
• Feed pets indoors.

New York’s Animal Bite Unit may be contacted at 212-676-2483; after hours or weekends call 212-POISONS (784-7667)

Call 311 for Medical follow-up, or your medical provider.