Dear Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
I am writing this letter to urge the CDC to consider providing short-term travelers visiting Point
Roberts, Washington, with reasonable accommodations or alternatives to upcoming rules on
Canadians traveling to the United States with their dogs. Point Roberts is unique and is uniquely
reliant on short-term Canadian tourism. Its economy, already in a precarious position, cannot
bear further harm to its tourism industry. I firmly believe that the risk of an exceptional policy for
Point Roberts is limited, while the cost of ignoring the town’s extra-ordinary needs would be
devastating.
Point Roberts does not share a land border with the United States. Driving to Point Roberts from
the rest of Washington state requires traveling 25 miles through Canada and crossing two
international border checkpoints. For that reason, Point Roberts has historically been reliant on
tourism from the nearby Vancouver, BC, metro area. Tourist visits to the community tend to be
shorter and more regular than visits to other communities heavily reliant on tourism, owing to the
small size of Point Roberts and its relative accessibility.
COVID-19 travel restrictions crippled the Point Roberts economy, and the town has not yet
recovered. Many businesses have closed; those that remain struggle to maintain regular hours of
operation. Fewer businesses and attractions have meant fewer tourists, precipitating a dangerous
cycle of economic contraction. While Whatcom County and Washington state work to address
the community’s needs, it is essential that no further harm be done to its tourism industry.
I am supportive of the CDC’s intention, but these new rules, as applied to Point Roberts, risk
damaging its already struggling economy. Canadian tourists planning short-term travel with their
dogs are unlikely to consider visiting Point Roberts if they are required to pay for a costly
veterinarian appointment every month, provide days of advanced notice, and refrain from
traveling with puppies younger than six months old.
Point Roberts cannot survive without interest from, and spending by, Canadian tourists. In the
past, federal regulators in both the United States and Canada have accounted for the unique
immigration needs of Point Roberts and adjusted policy accordingly. For that reason, I ask that
the CDC consider developing reasonable allowances, exceptions, or alternatives to its upcoming
canine border crossing rules for Canadians making short-term trips to Point Roberts.
Thank you for considering my concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any
questions or require any further information.
Sincerely,
Senator Shewmake
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