DogFriendly.com North American Pet Travel Rules

Rules to Bring Pets Into Countries

Entering The U.S. Mainland or Alaska
Also Including US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas) and Puerto Rico

http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/BringingAnimalToUs.html

Pets taken out of the United States are subject upon return to the same regulations as those entering for the first time. General certificates of health are not required by the CDC for US entry, but they may be required by state or airlines; confirm prior to travel date. In most cases, proof of rabies vaccine is required, however, an unvaccinated dog may be allowed under certain conditions. These include puppies, which must then be confined until vaccinated. Additional information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/BringingAnimalToUs.html

The following websites detail questions and answers regarding animal importation, APHIS VS requirements, updates regarding pet travel, health and scam alerts, and inoculation regulations:

http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/dogs.html

http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/questions-answers-haitian-earthquake-pets.html

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_pets.shtml

Please be aware that for travel from Canada or Mexico or any other country to the U.S. People (including children) must have a passport now. If you are crossing the Canadian border by car, you may use a passport card but if you are traveling by air a regular passport is required.

Entering Hawaii from Mainland US or Elsewhere

Department of Agriculture
Rabies Quarantine Branch
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602
Telephone Number:(808) 483-7151

http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqs

Hawaii has much stricter pet admissions procedures than the continental U.S. This is due to the fact that Hawaii is a rabies-free territory and wants to remain as such. People traveling with pets to Hawaii from the mainland U.S. or Alaska must have their pets meet the requirements as well. With the exception of exemptions from the rabies-free countries of New Zealand, Australia, Guam and the British Isles, all dogs entering Hawaii must complete either the 120-day or 5-day-or-less rabies quarantine. Through the 5 day or less quarantine program it is possible to take your dog directly out of the airport with you if all steps are properly followed. http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/faq answers a number of questions regarding quarantine regulations. http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqsbrochure.pdf is the official brochure regarding Hawaii Rabies Quarantine, and covers fees, pertinent procedural information for pets coming into Hawaii, pet admissions upon arrival, and care for your pet before/during and after quarantine.

Pets coming into Hawaii are required to have a micro-chip implant, a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 14 days prior to arrival, be vaccinated for common infectious agents, and have their rabies vaccination completed with an approved inactivated rabies vaccine. Dogs over 90 days of age at the time of arrival must be vaccinated not less then 10 days—nor more than the manufacturer’s recommended booster interval before arrival against: Canine distemper virus, canine infectious hepatitis virus or canine adenovirus-2, canine parvovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, leptospirosis, bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough). Canine coronavirus is recommended but optional. Puppies between 2-3 months are to be vaccinated according to AVMA guidelines.

Honolulu is the only port of entry for ALL animals. Your pet must first come to the Animal Quarantine Station on Oahu for positive identification and examination. Inspection hours for dog and cats at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) are between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. This is very important information for visitors who are qualifying their pets for direct release. Flights should be arranged to arrive by 3:30 pm to assure they can be seen that day or they may have to stay overnight, and if they are not picked up by 10 am the following day a $59 charge may be added. Further important information regarding the 120 day quarantine laws, advisory updates, their “5 day or less quarantine program, contact information, reentry requirements, forms, facts, and more can be found at the following website: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info . The owner, consignee, handler, or carrier shall pay all expenses including private veterinary examinations and returned shipments to shipper or consignor for animals failing to meet pre-arrival requirements.

Entering Canada

Please note that people (including children) must now have a passport to enter Canada from the United States. If flying to Canada, a regular passport is needed. If driving, either a regular passport or a passport card is allowed.

For pets entering Canada with their owners with them: Dogs must be accompanied by proof of a rabies shot that has not expired. Dogs under 3 months of age do not require a rabies vaccine.

For pets entering Canada without their owners with them: There is an inspection fee, but no quarantine period for pets coming into the country. Within 10 days of departure to Canada a current Canada Veterinary Certificate must accompany pets. Vaccination proof must include vaccination date, trade name/serial number of the vaccine, proof the vaccine was licensed by the dog’s country of origin, and signed by the veterinarian.

A veterinary health certificate is usually only available by contacting CFIA's Export Contacts; however, a model veterinary health certificate may be provided under certain circumstances.

Import pet polices are at this site: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pet-imports/dogs/eng/1331876172009/1331876307796

Export pet polices are at this site:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/eng/1300388920375/1300388985791

The following provides a list of International Health Certificate requirements for entry into Canada.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/eng/1321265624789/1321281361100

Entering Mexico

http://portal.sre.gob.mx/was_eng/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=67&op=page&SubMenu

Visitors are allowed to bring up to 2 dogs into the country. A Health Certificate, issued not more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico, must be obtained (in duplicate) by a licensed veterinarian or other official authority with the name, address of pet’s owner, the animal’s stats (breed, sex, age), and confirmation of a clean bill of health. Proof of inoculations against rabies and distemper at least 15 days before arriving in Mexico is also required.

It is also very important to confirm your country’s reentry procedures for your pet. Exit permits for pets are also required and can be obtained via SAGAPRA at: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx/english/Pages/Introduction.aspx; this is a free service.

Entering Aruba

http://www.visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/traveling-with-pets
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/AW/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs entering Aruba are required to have a Veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued at point of origin no sooner than 14 days prior to arrival, and a Rabies Inoculation Certificate stating the rabies inoculation was given within the last year and at least 30 days prior to arrival. If pets are less than 4 months old, they are exempt if a veterinarian statement is on the Veterinarian Good Health Certificate indicating the pet is too young for vaccinations.

Dogs (also in transit) from South America are prohibited.

Entering The Bahamas

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/countrydetail/BS/details.htm

Dogs from countries without suspected/known rabies, Canada, or the USA are allowed entry to the Bahamas if they have had their required rabies vaccinations and boosters, are over 6 months old, and have a Veterinary Health Certificate given within 24 hours of boarding. Dogs from countries suspected/known to have rabies are prohibited.

Entering Bermuda

http://www.immigration.gov.bm/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=214&PageID=0&cached=true&mode=2&userID=2
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/countrydetail/BM/details.htm

Dogs entering Bermuda must have an Official Health Certificate from a government accredited veterinarian given within 10 days of entry detailing breed, color, sex, and color which must also correspond to the pet’s microchip identification; that the animal is disease and external parasite free, and has had no exposure to rabies at all within the past 6 months. Additionally, records must indicate usage of a USDA approved canine rabies vaccine since 3 months of age with a vaccine given not less than 1 month or more than a year prior to arrival: (There are some rabies-free countries that are exempt.) Also, a certificate indicating that the pet hasn’t been within 30 miles of foot and mouth disease for at least a month before shipment.

Import Permits can be obtained Director, Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries, Box HM 834, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda. (441-236-4201; Telex 3246 CWAGY-BA; Fax 441-236-7582) The application forms for the permits should be gotten well in advance as they must be present when the animal arrives and goes through inspection. Forms can also be gotten from any Bermuda Department of Tourism offices abroad.

Warning Note: As there are no quarantine facilities in Bermuda, it is very important that all the proper documentations are in order or they will be refused entry and returned.

Entering Bonaire

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/BQ/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs coming into Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba are required to have a Veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued from their point of origin not earlier than 2 weeks before arrival and an electronic implanted micro-chip. Vaccines against rabies and canine distemper must also be given at least 30 days prior to arrival.

Dogs (also in transit) from Central and South America are prohibited.

Entering Caicos Islands

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/quick-facts.html

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/templates/front/layouts/default/images/import_regulations/Conditions%20of%20Importation%20-%20Rabies-Endemic_DOGS%20&%20CATS.pdf

Dogs entering Caicos Islands from Rabies-Endemic Countries must have an Official Health Certificate from a government accredited veterinarian from the country of origin within 30 days indicating an identifying micro-ship or tattoo; there are no infectious/contagious diseases evident; the pet has been treated for internal/external parasites within 2 weeks; tests negative for heartworm, and preparations for ticks need to have residual action (check website). Also required are the dates and information regarding vaccinations for Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Canine Parvovirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Parainfluenza; that the pets do not come from a rabies quarantined area, and they have had at least 2 rabies inactivated vaccines after 3 months old with another at least 6 months later. It must also be indicated that tests were run during certain intervals after the inoculations to verify free of rabies. Pets can enter the islands up to a year after the last booster shot if tests are positive of at least 0.5 IU/ml and marked with the pet’s permanent ID number. Dogs must also have been in the country of origin/export no less than 6 months prior to arrival.

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/templates/front/layouts/default/images/import_regulations/Conditions%20of%20Importation%20-%20Rabies-Endemic_DOGS%20&%20CATS.pdf

Dogs entering Caicos Islands from Non-Rabies-Endemic Countries must have an Official Health Certificate from a government accredited veterinarian from the country of origin within 30 days indicating an identifying micro-ship or tattoo; be healthy with no infectious/contagious diseases evident; the pet has been treated for internal/external parasites within 2 weeks; tests negative for heartworm, and preparations for ticks need to have residual action (check website). Also required are the dates and information regarding vaccinations for Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Canine Parvovirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Parainfluenza; that the pet’s country of origin has had no rabies outbreaks among un-quarantined animals in the last 2 years, and that the pet has been in its country of origin/export for a minimum of 6 months prior to arrival. All dogs must be neutered or spayed to receive an import permit. All documents, all required conditions for the health and vaccination certificates, import permit, laboratory test results, and other requirements must be met and turned into the port of entry to assist veterinary clearance. Incomplete paperwork could cause pets to be detained, deported or euthanized. A 48 hours notice to the Veterinary Unit must be given with time, date, flight, and entry port to prevent delays, and there is also a $50 fee for each permit. Animals must be kept kenneled until entry to the territory is granted or they could be denied, and there are additional requirements if the pet has a layover for more than a 24 hour period from somewhere other than their country of origin.

Entering St. Maarten/St. Martin

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/customrules/SX/rules.htm#Pets

Dogs entering St. Maarten/St. Martin are required to have a Veterinarian Good Health Certificate issued from their point of origin not earlier than 2 weeks before arrival and an electronic implanted micro-chip. Vaccines against rabies and canine distemper must also be given at least 30 days prior to arrival.

With the exception of dogs from Suriname, dogs (also in transit) from Central and South America are prohibited.

Entering Panama

http://panama.usembassy.gov
http://www.panama.alloexpat.com/panama_information/pets_to_bring_into_panama.php
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/tcsneakpreview/page/countrydetail/PA/details.htm

Dogs entering Panama are required to have an Export Certificate issued by a government accredited veterinarian from their point of origin with a history of the pet’s rabies vaccinations; a current rabies vaccination certificate, and a Health Certificate issued by the Panamanian consul from the country of origin. A request for home quarantine can be made to the Panamanian Ministry of Health at least 3 days prior to arrival for a fee of $130 (USD). Forms and additional information can be found at: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/.

The airline that transported the dog will be responsible for returning the pet if all of the requirements are not met.

Entering Guadeloupe

http://www.lesilesdeguadeloupe.com

Dogs entering Guadeloupe comes under the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and are required to have a current Health Certificate, a valid health pass, be at least 4 months old, be micro-chipped, recently had a de-worming treatment, and provide proof of anti-rabies vaccinations from the country of origin. Dogs must be at least 4 months old; there are some breed restrictions, and dogs from Haiti are prohibited. Further information can be obtained at the Tourist Board Council of the Guadeloupe Islands; Telephone + 590 (0)590 82 09 30.

Entering Dominican Republic and Punta Cana

http://www.dominicanembassy.org.uk/index.html

http://www.dominicanembassy.org.uk/FAQ.html

Dogs entering the countries of the Dominican Republic are required to have a Health Certificate obtained within 15 days prior to arrival, a health certificate from the Office of Animal Health--+1809-535-9689, proof of anti rabies vaccines given 30 days prior to arrival, and proof of inoculations for parvo-virus, distemper, lectopirosis, and hepatitis. The inoculation certificates must show a date 15 days prior to arrival of the animal. Pets unable to meet these requirements will be detained for at least 8 days and may be held for up to 1 month.

Entering St. Barts

http://www.st-barths.com/en/saint-barthelemy-guide/formalities-to-st-barts.html

http://www.st-barths.com/en/home.html

Dogs entering St. Barts are required to have been vaccinated against rabies between 21 days and 1 year before arrival; had a pest control treatment and their veterinary health journal with all inoculations current and stating the animal is in good health. Dogs must also have a health certificate obtained within 5 days of leaving. Dogs less than 3 months old are not allowed

Entering Greenland

http://www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/english/ImportExport/Travelling_with_pet_animals/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.curacao.alloexpat.com/curacao_information/pets_to_bring_into_curacao.php

Entering Jamaica

http://www.jhcuk.org/visitors/pets

http://www.jamaicamix.com/JamaicanVacation/EntryRequirementAndCustoms.html

Entering Barbados

http://www.agriculture.gov.bb/agri/images/stories/Vet_Services/documents/knowcentre/Importing_Dogs__Cats.pdf

http://www.barbados.org/relocate.htm

Entering Belize

http://www.customs.gov.bz/traveller.html#6

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/BZ-Belize-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm#Pets

Entering Guatemala

http://www.aerointel.com/CustomsDocuments/Guatemala.pdf

http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/uploads/7c/es/7cesNkayulGrhPUIQmrqlg/acsepets.pdf

Entering Hondoras

http://www.hondurasemb.org/

http://honduras.visahq.com/customs/

Entering El Salvador

http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov/

http://el-salvador.visahq.com/customs/

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/SV-El-Salvador-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-summary.htm

Entering Nicaragua

http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/bringing_pets_to/from_nicaragua.html

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/NI-Nicaragua-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm

Entering Costa Rica

http://costarica.usembassy.gov/catsdogs.html

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/animal_costa_rica.shtml

http://www.cb-jaco.com/blogs/2622-costa-rica-pet-requirements-for-travel

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