Who is responsible for inspecting dogs and cats at ports of entry to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?

The responsibility for inspecting dogs and cats at ports of entry to prevent the spread of infectious diseases falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection. This agency plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health and safety by ensuring that animals entering the country are not carriers of diseases that could affect both animal and human populations.

Customs and Border Protection conducts thorough inspections and assessments of animals as they arrive at ports of entry. This includes checking for any signs of illness and ensuring compliance with vaccination and health certification requirements. By executing these inspections, the agency helps to prevent the introduction of zoonotic diseases, which can pose significant risks to public health, agriculture, and the environment.

Other agencies, like the Department of Agriculture, do play supportive roles concerning animal health regulations and may provide guidelines regarding animal welfare and standards. However, the specific frontline responsibility for inspecting animals at ports lies with Customs and Border Protection, which is tasked with border security and protection against various threats, including the health threats posed by infectious diseases in animals.