aphis pet travel puerto rico

Getting Paws to Paradise

Pet Travel to Puerto Rico

Cats and dogs traveling between the Continental United States and Puerto Rico are required to have the following upon arrival:

• A veterinary health certificate stating that the animals do not originate in an area quarantined for rabies.
• A certificate of vaccination against rabies within six months prior to travel for pets more than four months of age.
• Proper identification tags.  A sturdy collar and two identification tags. The tags should include both your permanent address and telephone number, along with an address and telephone number where you can be reached while traveling.

Each animal or bird that comes to Puerto Rico must be accompanied by an official health certificate prepared by an accredited State it shall be valid for 30 days from the date of shipment veterinarian.

The health certificate must contain:

a) The exact description of the animals or birds including an official individual identification ( microchip number ) age, breed, and sex.

b) The date and results of laboratory or other tests, the name of the accredited laboratory or the person who performed the test. c) Date of vaccination and vaccine administered.

d) Name and address of the consignee and / or owner, consignor, origin and destination of animals.

e) A certification that the animals are free of symptoms or infectious, contagious or have been exposed to these diseases.

f) And any other certificate required for a specific species of animal

Pet Relocation to Puerto Rico: Import Rules for Dogs & Cats

What to know about bringing dogs and cats to puerto rico.

Puerto Rico Pet Import Rules and Requirements

As a US Commonwealth, Puerto Rico follows the same import rules as other US states (except for Hawaii), and traveling here from within the US is considered a domestic or across-country move.

Pet transport to Puerto Rico involves obtaining a health certificate for your pet, stating they are healthy and fit to fly. Additionally, proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccine is required for dogs and recommended for cats.

As with all pet travel, allowing plenty of time for crate training before the move is recommended so your pet will feel as comfortable as possible in their airline-approved travel crate.

Read on for more information about bringing dogs and cats to Puerto Rico, and for help with your move, feel free to contact PetRelocation for assistance.

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Regulations for Importing Pets to Puerto Rico

Attention : This information will be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before you travel, contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

This is not considered an international shipment for dogs and cats traveling to or from Puerto Rico to or from any part of the Continental US. Pets will only need regular domestic health certificates and proof of current vaccinations (if any). We do recommend the International Health Certificate Format, but it is not technically required.

International Health Certificate

Within 10 days of departure, your vet must issue a Health Certificate as required by all airlines. This certificate states that your pet is healthy and fit to fly.

Rabies Vaccination and Certificate

In general, it is required that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs who were born or have lived for at least 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies.

Dogs and cats from areas not free of rabies must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If a vaccination has not been performed, or if the certificate is not valid, the pet may be admitted if they are confined immediately upon arrival at a place of the owner’s choosing.

The dog must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the final destination but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. Pets must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated.

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Unleashing New Regulations: A Pet Owner's Guide to Traveling to Puerto Rico

In travel news for May 31st, 2023 we talk about the update pet protocol for those visiting Puerto Rico with their pets.

Traveling with your beloved furry companions is about to change for those venturing to Puerto Rico from mainland United States. Recently, Puerto Rican authorities introduced fresh pet import rules for cats and dogs, making it essential for pet owners to understand these changes in their travel plans.

Under the revised import rules, pets arriving in Puerto Rico must now undergo a health examination from a U.S.-accredited veterinarian, who will then issue an interstate health certificate. This is a new measure in ensuring the health and safety of animals making the journey across the Caribbean . However, it's essential to understand that not all veterinarians have USDA accreditation, which can pose challenges when scheduling an appointment for the required certificate.

These hurdles highlight the importance of seeking advice from a trusted vet or a professional pet transportation service. Their expertise will guide pet owners through this process, ensuring your furry friends meet the necessary health standards for their upcoming travels.

Additionally, pet owners are urged to have their cats and dogs microchipped for identification and to maintain updated vaccinations, further affirming the commitment to the wellbeing of pets in transit.

Failure to meet these updated regulations will unfortunately result in pet owners bearing the costs to send their pets back to the mainland. These new rules took effect from May 1 and are part of Puerto Rico's efforts to manage and protect the health of both resident and visiting animals.

Meanwhile, it is important to note that there are unique regulations for birds, exotic pets, and animals arriving from countries outside the United States. As such, owners of these creatures will need to take extra steps in planning their trip to Puerto Rico .

Once settled in Puerto Rico , pet owners are encouraged to register with a local veterinarian to keep their pets' health in check, particularly regarding their rabies vaccinations. Local veterinarians typically send reminders when vaccinations are due, helping you stay on top of your pets' health needs. Moreover, maintaining an up-to-date vaccination record will ease the process if future travels arise.

Puerto Rico's new pet regulations come as the island continues to experience an influx of visitors. Discover Puerto Rico reported that the island surpassed pre-pandemic visitor arrivals last year, marking it one of six Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) members to achieve such a milestone. This visitor surge is anticipated to continue into 2023, making it all the more vital for prospective pet-travelers to familiarize themselves with these revised regulations.

These updated guidelines are not just about pet travel; they symbolize Puerto Rico's dedication to ensuring the health and safety of all creatures crossing its borders. As such, travelers can look forward to an island committed to the wellbeing of its visitors—both human and animal alike. So pack your bags, secure your pet's health certificate, and prepare for an unforgettable journey to Puerto Rico!

• Puerto Rico
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Ponce, Puerto Rico
• Traveling With a Pet

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Taking Your Dog to Puerto Rico? Learn the New Rules!

By: Author Paris Permenter

Share with fellow dog lovers!

Whether you are traveling to Puerto Rico on vacation or as a family move, Puerto Rico now has new importation rules for dogs (and cats). If you fail to follow the rules, your dog will be returned to the US mainland at your expense.

What Are the New Rules for Bringing a Dog to Puerto Rico?

According to the updated regulations, pet owners are required to coordinate with a veterinarian accredited in the United States to conduct a thorough examination of their pets and issue an interstate health certificate.

Not just any veterinary office will be able to issue the certificate. Walter M. Woolf, founding veterinarian of Air Animal Pet Movers , notes, “Not all veterinarians hold USDA accreditation. Setting up a veterinary appointment for a pet can be tough without guidance from the pet’s regular veterinarian or an experienced pet shipper.”

Steps for Entering Puerto Rico with Your Dog

Before your trip, you’ll need to take specific steps–in the correct time period–to allow entry of your dog (or cat) into Puerto Rico . These include:

• Microchip the pet for identification.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination was administered no more than 6 months before entry. This rabies certificate must accompany the pet.
• Book an appointment with an accredited United States veterinarian to obtain the interstate health certificate. The appointment must take place no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico. USDA endorsement is not required.
• Ensure the pet has received an external parasite treatment no more than 72 hours before entry . The veterinarian must record the treatment on the health certificate.
• Dogs should receive the following vaccinations: DA2PPL/DAPPL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis). Cats should receive FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccinations.
• Different regulations apply for birds, exotic pets and all pets from other countries.

If you are moving to Puerto Rico, you’ll want to locate a local veterinarian. “Pet parents should always register with a local veterinarian in their new locale to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Veterinarians typically send reminder notices when vaccinations are due. If another move is in their future, they will be ready,” Woolf added.

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