Country Classifications

The British Virgin Islands classifies the following countries as rabies-controlled:

Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, St. Kitts, Anguilla, St.Lucia, St. Vincent, U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

Your dog or cat must have been born in or continuously lived in one of these countries for a minimum of 6 months prior to travel to qualify for this category.

Pet Microchip

When traveling to the British Virgin Islands, your pet must be identified with a pet microchip that is 15 digits in length and ISO 11784/11785 compliant. It is the best form of pet identification available today and should make customs clearance smoother.

If your pet currently has a microchip that does not have 15 digits, then you can bring your own microchip scanner.

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 on how to register your pet's information in the manufacturer database.

Vaccinations

Unless your dog or cat is entering the British Virgin Islands from a country considered to be rabies-controlled (see step 1), after is it microchipped, it have been vaccinated for rabies twice. The first rabies vaccination must occur after 3 months of age and the second vaccination must occur at least 6 months after the first one. Pets must enter the British Virgin Islands within 12 months of the second shot.

If your dog or cat is currently vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, it will need to be revaccinated according to instructions above after a microchip is implanted.

Dogs entering from any country must be vaccinated for been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Lyme disease.

Cats entering from any country must be vaccinated against Feline Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Leukemia.

Rabies Titer Test

Unless your pet is entering the British Virgin Islands from a country considered to be rabies-controlled (see step 1), your pet will need a rabies titer test no sooner than 30 days after the second rabies vaccination. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories.

Pet Health Certificate

After the vaccinations and titer test are completed, a licensed veterinarian in the origination country must then complete the pet health certificate for the British Virgin Islands. After issuance, the governmental agency responsible for the import and export of live animals must endorse the certificate.

For pets entering from rabies-controlled countries (step 1), health certificates must contain a statement that your dog or cat has been in your country of origin for 6 months prior to export and that there has been no incidents of rabies among un-quarantined animals in your country for the past 24 months.

No cat or dog will be permitted entry to the British Virgin Islands from countries or areas under quarantine restrictions without prior permission from the Chief Agricultural Officer.

Import Permit

An import permit must be obtained from the Department of Agriculture for all cats, dogs and other animals entering the British Virgin Islands from countries other than rabies-controlled countries (see step #7).

Parasite Treatment

A treatment for internal and external parasite is required for cats and dogs shortly prior to entering the British Virgin Islands from all countries.

Puppies and Kittens

Young animals from rabies-controlled countries (see step #7) not subjected to vaccination and serology are allowed entry under special quarantine arrangements.

Banned Breeds

The British Virgin Islands does not publish a list of banned breeds. Pet owners are responsible for their pet's behavior.

Entering British Virgin Islands

All pets can enter the British Virgin Islands at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Tortola. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo.

Pets can enter the British Virgin Islands by sea at West End, St. Thomas Bay, Gun Creek or Great Harbor.

The Veterinary Division must be given at least 24 hours notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline/vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays, and avoid detention of animal(s) for Veterinary clearance at port of entry.

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.

Other Animals

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate and import permit to enter the British Virgin Islands. 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 2:00 PM EST.

 

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