(NAFB) – Senators Chuck Grassley and Tina Smith Wednesday introduced the Healthy Dog Importation Act.

The Iowa Republican and Minnesota Democrat say the bill would expand USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services program by providing additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs imported into the country.

Grassley states the bill “will expand an already existing program to ensure that all dogs entering the country are healthy and not at risk of spreading dangerous diseases.”

Smith adds, “Mitigating the spread of foreign diseases in dogs will help keep domestic and wild animals healthy.”

In addition, the legislation would require every imported dog to have a certificate of veterinary inspection from a licensed veterinarian. The health certificate must certify that the dog has received all required vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results. This legislation would also create an online database containing documentation and import permits to ensure dogs entering the U.S. are being properly screened.