Bhutan Pet Passport & Import Regulations
Your cat or dog will not be quarantined when entering Bhutan as long as the following requirements are met. Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats. Owners of other pets should refer to item 11.
Pet Microchip
All cats and dogs entering Bhutan must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip in the origination country prior to travel. If your pet does not have a microchip, then you can provide a microchip scanner that will read your pet's microchip.
The microchip should be implanted by your veterinarian, veterinary hospital or trained nurse. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions how to register your pet's information in the manufacturer database.
Vaccinations
Your cat or dog must be accompanied with proof of a current rabies vaccination administered between 6 months and 12 months of entering the country.
Rabies Titer Test
Your pet will need a rabies titer test with acceptable results to enter Bhutan. The titer test should be done no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination to ensure the best results. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories.
Import Permit
All pets entering Bhutan must have an import permit issued by the local BAFRA office.
Pet Health Certificate
A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must complete a pet health certificate within 48 hours of entry. The government agency that is responsible for the import and export of live animals must endorse the certificate after it is issued.
Internal and External Parasites
Your pet should be treated for internal and external parasites shortly prior to entering Bhutan.
Quarantine
Bhutan will impose home quarantine on all pets entering the country even if they conform to regulations. Pet dogs and cats must be restrained and not exposed to local cats and dogs.
Entering Bhutan by Air
Pets entering Bhutan must enter at Paro Airport.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.
Puppies and Kittens
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens are not permitted to enter Bhutan. The import requirements include a rabies vaccination no sooner than 3 months of age. Puppies and kittens should wait a minimum of 30 days after rabies vaccination prior to having their titer test.
Banned Breeds
Bhutan does not publish a list of banned breeds.
Other Animals
Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but will need an import permit and should have a health certificate to enter Bhutan. A minimum of 15 days of quarantine will be imposed upon arrival.
CITES
If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Importers will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.
Need More Advice?
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.
Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 2:00 PM EST.
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