Homeward Bound Act

The Homeward Bound Act (S 5113) delays a 2024 rule requiring rabies testing for imported dogs for 18 months. It specifically applies to U.S. military personnel stationed abroad, diplomatic staff, and their family members, allowing them to import dogs from low-rabies-risk countries without the rule's requirements. The bill also directs the CDC to revise import rules to permit importing dogs of any age or unmicrochipped dogs born before the bill's enactment. These changes directly affect service animal handlers and military/diplomatic families seeking to bring pets into the U.S. from designated low-risk countries.