Pet Microchip

The Dominican Republic does not require that your pet be identified with a pet microchip, but it is recommended that you microchip your pet and register your contact information prior to traveling as a means of identification should your pet be lost or separated from you. If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pets are wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner.

Vaccinations

Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the Dominican Republic.

Other vaccinations required: DHPP (Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus).

Rabies Titer Test

A blood titer test is required to enter the Dominican Republic from a high-rabies country.

Import Permit

An import permit is not required when importing a personal pet to the Dominican Republic. Cats and dogs imported for commercial purposes will require an import permit.

Pet Health Certificate

A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must complete the Veterinary Certificate for the Dominican Republic shortly prior to travel. (We recommend 10 days.) An alternate copy translated into Spanish is also recommended but not required. Your pet must be inspected for general health and parasites within 72 hours of transport.

The certificate must be endorsed by the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of animals.

Up to five personal pets can be imported to the Dominican Republic without an import permit.

If these requirements are not met, your pet will be quarantined from 8 to 30 days, depending on the country of origin. For other animal species, prior authorization is required. You are required to keep the pet in your custody for the first 3 months you are in Dominican Republic.

Entering the Dominican Republic by Air

Pets should enter the Dominican Republic via international airports in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plate or Punta Cana. Notice should be given to veterinary officials so they will be available to inspect your pet upon landing. 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 the Dominican Republic. Once your puppy or kitten turns 3 months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies and wait 30 days before entering the Dominican Republic.

Banned Breeds

The Dominican Republic does not publish a list of banned breeds.

Exporting Pets from the Dominican Republic

On departure, be sure to obtain a health certificate in the Office of Animal Health Tel. (809) 542-0132, valid for 72 hours. You will need it to depart the country.

Before departure, you must take your pet to the quarantine office at the airport 48 hours before departure from the Dominican Republic where they will issue a new health certificate and permit to take the pet from the country. There is a nominal fee charged for this service.

Other Animals

Birds entering the Dominican Republic will need an import permit.

Rabbits will need testing for rabbit hemorrhagic disease, myxomatosis and tularemia.

Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter the Dominican Republic. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

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).  You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations. .

Need More Assistance?

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 4:00 PM EST.

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