SanDiegoRed.com had an exclusive interview with Wilson Portocarrero, Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Chief of Communications to clear up some questions regarding the new requirements to cross dogs to the United States, in which the issue of the microchip came up.

Portocarrero explained that these new rules came into effect on Thursday, August 1 and travelers who wish to visit the United States with their dogs must meet certain requirements, depending on the country they're coming from and its rabies risk.

He explained that Tijuana natives and Mexicans specifically who wish to enter through Tijuana's ports of entry (or any other port of entry) will only need the Dog Import Form and the implemented microchip.

"For pets coming from Mexico, since it is a rabies low-risk country, you will only need the Dog Import Form and the microchip."

He added that CBP doesn't have the resources to verify dogs with microchips, however, if the agent thinks that the dog is not in good health conditions, they could force travelers to present proof of this ID device.

Will these new requirements cause chaos at Tijuana's ports of entry?

Due to these new rules, travelers have shown concern about whether waiting times will increase at Tijuana's ports of entry. Wilson has reiterated that as long as the dog is in good health conditions and meets the requirements there won't be reason to worry.

“I don't think it'll be a big deal, it is just going to be another of the questions that we ask, he claimed.

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