Traveling with pets on a private yacht can be a wonderful experience, allowing you to explore the seas while enjoying the company of your furry companion. There are a number of challenges when taking a pet on a boat or private yacht to various countries. You need to make sure that your port of arrival is an authorized entry port for live animals, and customs and/or veterinary officials will be available to inspect your pet and their documentation. Pet travel on a private yacht will take some research before leaving the dock.
In order to dock at different ports, pet owners will need to know the pet import regulations of every island on the ship’s log. These requirements will vary significantly from island to island so routing your trip is important.
TIP: Visit those islands with the strictest requirements first if possible. You could be responsible for producing the following documents for your pet:
- an import permit
- proof of microchip
- current rabies certificate
- health certificate
- proof of parasite treatment
- rabies titer tests administered well in advance of travel.
Many countries will extend validity periods for health certificates and parasite treatments (not rabies). If your ship’s log can support that you did not land at any intermediate port from the time the certificates were issued or the tests were done, then these certificates should be valid upon entry.
For example, the United Kingdom requires tapeworm treatments between one and five days for all dogs entering the country between one and five days of entry. Exception: pets entering from Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta. For dogs arriving in the UK on the Queen Mary 2 from the United States, this period is extended as the ship does not land in any ports prior to arrival at Southampton.
If your cat or dog remains on the boat when you visit these islands, then usually no paperwork is usually required. However,
some countries may not allow you to tie up at the dock for fear that your pet will somehow get ashore (Barbados). This is rare but if it happens you will be asked to anchor out.
Many countries classify other countries in terms of their risk for rabies incidents. If your ship’s log reflects that you have landed in any of these, high-rabies countries, there could be additional tests that must be administered, or your cat or dog will be refused entry.
Owners or captains of pleasure/leisure crafts, boats, yachts and commercial or cargo ships arriving in in any port are required to report the presence of any animals onboard their vessel to the Port Authority and to the Veterinary Inspector. They must arrange for proper inspection of their animals and their documentation.
For those islands where your pet does not meet entrance requirements, it must be kept securely on board in a locked room for the duration of the vessel’s stay. Owners must not walk these animals on piers, jetties, quays, beaches or other areas as the
animal will be deemed to have been imported and landed illegally and is subject to seizure.
Minimum requirements – From a practical standpoint, you should at least have proof of current rabies vaccination (rabies certificate) as well as an endorsed health certificate from your veterinarian stating that your pet is healthy and free of parasites and has all current inoculations. If sailing from the United States, the APHIS 7001 form endorsed by the USDA State office would be a minimum requirement. However, some islands have their own health certificates. Getting a rabies titer test administered by a licensed veterinarian no sooner than 30 days after rabies vaccination is also a smart thing to do before setting out.
European Union – If you are traveling to a country within the European Union, then you must use the EU veterinary certificate Annex IV. The certificate is only valid for 4 months from the date issued. After that time has passed, you will need to visit a vet in the EU if you are planning to visit additional ports. Also, be aware that you must enter an EU Member State at an approved border inspection port.
Caribbean – It has been reported to us by other traveling pet owners that when visiting many of the Caribbean countries the APHIS 7001, proof of parasite treatment and a $20.00 bill is all that is needed. There are certainly exceptions. The Bahamas require you to get a permit in advance of entry. Some of the British colonies in the Caribbean have stricter rules and a few islands prohibit pets coming ashore entirely (Barbados).
If you are planning to visit islands such as St. Lucia or St. Kitts, your dog or cat should have a microchip, proof of rabies vaccination, health certificate, and a rabies titer test.
South Pacific – Many of the Islands of the Pacific including Fiji and French Polynesia prohibit pets without quarantine or advance rabies titer tests.
New Zealand – Cats and dogs arriving onboard private yachts, boats or commercial vessels must meet requirements to enter New Zealand. They must be secured onboard while docked at an approved port until they are given clearance. If your cat or dog
does not meet the requirements, your pet must remain secured onboard the boat while the vessel is docked.
Click here for pet import regulations for entering over 220 countries.
By following these tips and considerations, you can enjoy safe and enjoyable private yacht travel with your beloved pet by your side. Remember to prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety at all times and make the most of your time together exploring the open seas.
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