CDC Will Not Allow Temple Woman To Return Home with Service Dog

A Central Texas dog trainer is fighting to return home after a trip to Honduras with her service dog, Dante.

Isabella Carruth works as service dog trainer in Central Texas and is asking the public for their help in bringing Dante back home to the U.S. after newly enacted CDC guidelines have barred Dante from returning without a permit.

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Carruth's trip was to deliver another service dog, Maya, that she trained to assist a disabled woman in Honduras. Carruth booked a flight from Austin to Honduras for the two service animals, plus herself and her boyfriend, so that they could deliver Maya safely. The flights were booked June 20, 2021 for July 9-18th, 2021.

Unfortunately, the CDC initiated a temporary suspension of dogs arriving into the U.S. from countries with a high-risk for dog rabies effective July 14, just 4 days before Isabella was scheduled to return.

Carruth was not aware of the temporary suspension which the CDC announced on June 14, 2021. Carruth states that she booked her flight over the phone with United Airlines to ensure all the paperwork for the service dogs departure and return was taken care of. She also states that the new suspension was not mentioned anywhere on the airlines site.

According to the CDC, Carruth would have needed to acquire an advance written approval, AKA a CDC Dog Import Permit. To request advance written approval, Isabella must submit an application at least 30 business days (6 weeks) before intending to enter the United States. If the request for advance approval to import a dog is denied, the CDC’s written denial will constitute final agency action. No appeals will be allowed.

While Isabella herself is free to return home, Dante is not. Dante is absolutely essential to Carruth, and helps her perform everyday tasks. A GoFundMe has been created to help Isabella in her quest to bring them both home. Isabella has already applied for a permit, but no longer has access to critical medication for herself and Dante. She's hoping that the public attention and donations will put pressure on the CDC and assist to #bringdantehome.