Puerto Rico Pet Passport & Import Regulations
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Puerto Rico as long as the following requirements are met. Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs, cats and ferrets only. Owners of other pets should refer to item 9.
Pet Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip when entering Puerto Rico.
Vaccinations
Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies between 28 days and 6 months prior to entering Puerto Rico.
Puppies should not be vaccinated for rabies until they reach 3 months of age.
External Parasite Treatment
A treatment by your veterinarian for external parasite is required within 72 hours of entering Puerto Rico. The treatment must be noted on the health certificate.
Health Certificate
Within 30 days of entry, a licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Puerto Rico. An alternate copy translated into Spanish is also recommended.
Entering Puerto Rico by Air
Pets should enter Puerto Rico via the international airport in San Juan. Notice should be given to veterinary officials so they will be available to inspect your pet upon landing.
Puppies and Kittens
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens that are not yet 4 months old may enter Puerto Rico with a health certificate from rabies-free or rabies-controlled countries. Once your puppy or kitten turns 3 months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies and wait 30 days before entering Puerto Rico.
Banned Breeds
In July of 2018, Puerto Rico ended their ban on American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers and all Pit Bulls or their crosses.
Returning to Puerto Rico
Pets returning to Puerto Rico are subject to the same passport requirements as those entering for the first time. This means that pet owners returning to Puerto Rico should have a new health certificate completed by a vet in the country you are visiting if you stay for more than 30 days.
Other Animals
Birds entering Puerto Rico are subject to the same requirements as they are entering the United States. (30 days quarantine) Birds that were obtained in the United States may enter Puerto Rico without quarantine. All birds will need a permit number and an endorsed health certificate issued right before travel and proof of negative test results for Avian influenza, Chlamydia psittaci and Newcastle disease.
Other animals such as reptiles, rabbits and small rodents will need a current health certificate and import permit to enter Puerto Rico.
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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