What is a Pet Passport?
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to Saint Martin pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter St Martin will include proof of a microchip and current vaccinations, parasite treatments, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
There are two sides to the island. The major international airport is located on the Dutch (Netherlands) side of the island (Sint Maarten). The other side of the island (Saint Martin) is French, and those requirements are listed here. Pets flying into Sint Maarten are subject to regulations posted here.
Animals Eligible for These Import Regulations
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats, including service and assistance dogs and cats. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations. Service and emotional support animals are subject to all regulations listed here.
Find a Licensed Veterinarian
Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that handles the movement of live animals.
Quarantine for Pets Entering St Martin
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Saint Martin if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
Saint Martin Pet Import Requirements
All steps required to conform to regulations to import a dog, cat or ferret to Saint Martin must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
Step 1: Pet Microchip
To import your pet dog or cat to Saint Martin, it must first be identified with a 15-digit pet microchip that is compliant with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11784 or Annex A of 11785. The microchip number should be reflected on all documentation. If your pet’s current microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, importers can provide a microchip scanner that will read their pet’s microchip.
Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer’s or government’s database.
Microchip numbers must be recorded on all documentation required in your pet’s passport to enter Saint Martin.
Step 2: Vaccinations
All cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies more than 21 days prior to entering Saint Martin.
Multi-year rabies vaccines can be administered as boosters, and the validity date must be signed and stamped by both the administering veterinarian and a government veterinarian on the health certificate (step 6).
The administering veterinarian should either issue a rabies certificate or record vaccination information in a government-issued vaccination booklet or EU Pet Passport, sign, and stamp.
Other Vaccinations
Dogs must also be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and adenovirus. A Bordetella vaccination is required as well. Cats should be vaccinated against feline leukemia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panaleukopenia, pneumonitis, and immunodeficiency.
Step 3: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test is required to enter Saint Martin from Central and South American countries.
Note that rabies titer test results are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination (rabies certificate, government-issued vaccination booklet, or EU Pet Passport).
Step 4: Parasite Treatments
Cats and dogs must be tested and treated against parasites before entering Saint Martin. Tests and treatment for internal parasites within 21 days of entry are required. External parasites must be treated within 14 days of travel.
Step 5: Health Certificate
All countries worldwide include a pet health certificate in their import regulations, and Saint Martin is no exception. A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must complete the health certificate within 14 days of entry.
Related: Pet Health Certificate for Saint Martin
The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number. Your veterinarian must state that:
- Your pet is fit to travel.
- Your pet is not originating from an area that is under restrictions for rabies.
- Your pet is displaying no symptoms of any contagious diseases.
After issuance, the health certificate must be certified (endorsed) by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.
Other Information
Importing Puppies and Kittens to Saint Martin
Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated for rabies prior to 3 months of age. They must be fifteen (15) weeks of age or older and have been vaccinated for rabies prior to entering Saint Martin.
Related: More information on transporting a puppy.
Breeds Banned from Import to Saint Martin
Saint Martin does not publish dangerous dog breeds; however, all Pit Bull breeds must be leashed and muzzled when in public and when clearing customs.
Entering Saint Martin by Air
Pets can arrive in Saint Martin in the cabin or as checked baggage or air cargo at the international airport at Princess Juliana International Airport, according to airline pet policies.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
Flights to Saint Martin should be direct or transit through a listed third country (step 1) or another EU Member State if possible*. If your pet transits through an unlisted third country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. The declaration must state that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.
*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.
Notice should be given to veterinary officials at the airport so they will be available to inspect your pet and its passport documentation upon landing, especially if arrival is outside of normal business hours.
If your pet’s itinerary involves a layover in the European Union, then additional requirements will apply.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport.
Further examination and treatment by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense if your dog or cat is not in apparent good health.
Whenever your pet travels to a foreign country like Saint Martin, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification indicating ownership of your pet.
Importing Other Pet Animals to Saint Martin
Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination; however, may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Saint Martin. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat, and it is even more important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations.
Related: Search the CITES database
Related: Read more about CITES
Need More Pet Import Requirements and Forms for Saint Martin?
Visit PetTravelStore.com for further details on permits, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Saint Martin are available at minimal cost. Unlimited email support is included.
Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Saint Martin?
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Current Information
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 Saint Martin pet import requirements.
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