Cruising the Caribbean with a Dog - Import permits, requirements, costs, & our experiences
- Jan 15
- 14 min read
Locations covered in this article: Bahamas*Turks &Caicos*Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico*St Croix*St Thomad/St John, USVI*BVI*St Maarten*St Barth*Guadeloupe*Martinique*Saba*St Kitts & Nevis*St Vincent & the Grenadines*Grenada*St Lucia*Trinidad & Tobago*Antigua*Dominica*Montserrat
Meet Tito - our boat dog who goes everywhere with us!
Cruising with a Dog Aboard Maho
Most recently updated January 2026
Bahamas (2023)
Requirements:
- Bahamas Import Permit
- Bahamas health certificate issued within 48 hours of arrival.
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated for Rabies (between 30 days and 10 months of arrival with the 1-year vaccine and between 30 days and 34 months with the 3-year vaccine)
- Vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Coronavirus, and Leptospirosis.
- Declared free of external and internal parasites.
Our Experience:
Import Permit: Sent the import permit application to Wellington for him to submit. He takes your paperwork directly to the office and gets it validated and emails you your permit. Turnaround time is about 1 week. https://www.bahamaspetpermit.com/ . We highly recommend this route.
In the past I did not use Wellington’s service. The permit states it could take up to 6 weeks for you to receive your permit once they sign and post it – it does! I paid about $60 to FedEx 3 day the application to the Bahamas. I also paid the $5 fax fee so that the office could directly fax your signed permit to you and skip the 6 weeks wait time. I am just going to say I never received a fax. Luckily, I called and their office ended up emailing me a copy of the permit but I would not count on that. I felt very fortunate she assisted us.
Went in for our vet checkup appointment as close to the day we were leaving (it was the day before) so we could have his Bahamas health certificate document signed as close to 48 hours before arrival as possible. Our experience is if they know you have only been at sea they have been ok with 3-5 days.
On arrival: submit the signed and stamped import permit and health certificate and Tito was good to go!
Total cost: $65 for Wellington’s service. I think this has gone up to $90 now.
Turks and Caicos (2023)
Requirements:
- Turks and Caicos Health Import permit
- Endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
- Microchipped
- vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis
- negative Lyme disease
- treated for internal/external parasites within 14 days of arrival
- negative Rabies Titer Test
- Inspection on arrival
Cost: $50. Received stamped permit after Tito’s inspection.
Our Experience: We emailed our application to the office and received a response within 2-3days. We arranged for them to meet us at the customs office to for Tito’s inspection. Customs was set up at various marinas around the island and the was responsive via Whatsapp and met us at the location we had checked in at. He did a brief checkup and handed us our stamped permit for $50 cash. We had his US International Health Certificate from his checkup in December (60 days old) and did get the impression we might have slid by here. It also felt that because our estimated time we would be in the country was only 1 week he was not as concerned.
Contact info: agriculture@gov.tc.
Whatsapp: Reginald Thomas: +1-767-275-3614. (The actual vet that met us was we think “Reginald’s assistant”)
Dominican Republic (2023)
Requirements:
- Microchip
- Health Certificate endorsed by the USDA or local CFIA office issued within 10 days of arrival.
- Vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies
- Vaccinated for Rabies between 30 days and 12 months of arrival.
We checked-in in Luperon. The Navy officer boards your boat and he did not look twice at Tito. We went to shore to finish checking in to Customs, Immigrations, and Agriculture and decided to leave Tito on the boat as we were not sure the rules. We visited the Agriculture department; they asked if we had any animals, we said 1 dog and we paid $10. We had all of his paperwork to include our 2 month old health certificated but they did not request to see papers or Tito.
Puerto Rico (2023, 2025)
- Signed health certificate within 30 days
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies
2023:Our experience: We checked in via ROAM app coming from the Dominican Republic. The officer asked if we had Tito’s papers and we said yes. Easy.
2025:Our experience flying from PR to US and US to PR – no papers were requested at the airport
St Croix (2025)
Our experience: We sailed from St. Martin to St. Croix, checked in via ROAM, no questions asked.
St Thomas, St John (2023, 2024,2025)
- Health Certificate
- Vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies
Our experience: We did not have to check Tito in. While in St Thomas we visited the vet to get an updated Health Certificate. Veterinary Centers of the V.I.; easily walkable from the dingy dock at Red Hook anchorage and the vet was very knowledgeable on pet travel, permits, and regulations. Phone: 340-775-6933. She administered Tito’s flea/tick meds to satisfy the “treated for internal/external parasites” requirement of some countries. This is normally given 1/month which worked out perfectly; he was due for his treatment!
We took a mental note to keep an eye on that requirement, so he doesn’t get over treated moving forward.
Flying STT to US: we were asked for the permit at the airport.
Flying US to STT: no papers were requested.
Cost: $0 to check in. Vet checkup $86 plus $38 for the endorsed health certificate.
BVI
Requirements:
- Import Permit
- Health Certificate
- Microchipped
- Treated against internal and external parasites
- Vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parinfluenza, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease
- 2 rabies inactivated vaccines; the first not earlier than 3 months of age and another 6 months later. 1 and 3 yr rabies vaccinations are accepted.
- Rabies titer test
- 24 hours notice and inspection on entry. $10
Our Experience: we checked in via Sail Clear and then into Jost Van Dyke. Since we were only there for a day at a time we decided to opt out of getting the import permit for Tito.
What we have heard: they can be kind of a pain. They do care about the pets most recent appt and the certificate and you do need the Rabies Titer. We have also heard some people have been charged ~$100-200 to clear their dog in but we aren’t sure those circumstances.
St. Maarten – check in on the French Side
- St Maarten import application and permit submitted within 5 days of arrival.
- Endorsed Health Certificate
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis, Bordatella
- Free of internal and external parasites within 21 days and treatment was administered or supervised by a license veterinarian
- Vaccinated for Rabies
- Rabies Titer test if coming from Central or South America (not 100% sure on this requirement)
Our experience: We had all of the required documents. We checked in at a computer in Marigot Bay on the French side of St. Maarten at Ile Marine. It was very simple and there were no questions about animals. I was trying to do the right thing so I asked about getting an import permit for Tito. The response was “does Tito have a passport?”, “then no”. It was laughable.
Technically you can go here https://services.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?fid=864a3d42-42ae-418e-9843-b77e488cf03a&v=C5f6GagHNo to submit the application online. I found this after we had already left.
We have been back and forth to St. Martin numerous times and there are no special requirements for the dogs.
The general rule of thumb is the French islands are very easy to have your pet but they do not appreciate them on their beaches.
Cost: $0
St Barth:
- Vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies.
- Health certificate within 5 days
Our experience: We checked in on a computer in Gustavia. There were no questions about dogs and I chose to not ask. We had all of Tito’s paperwork if it became an issue. His health certificate would have been about 30 days old at this time. No one asked and we had a nice stay.
Guadeloupe:
French island: no check in required: no dogs on beaches as a general rule but use your best judgement.
Martinique:
French island: no check in required.
**Tito got a French Passport here! – located in Le Marin (Clinique Veterinaire du Marin) and walkable from the marina; we got an updated health certificate for traveling to St. Lucia. She was extremely helpful with travel documentation; we would recommend them. +596 596 74 70 50. The vet spoke very good English but the receptionist is limited so speak slowly :)
Saba:
No check in required: I actually got laughed at when I asked but it is a small island and literally everyone knows everyone there was absolutely no way of hiding it.
St Kitts and Nevis:
This was on our radar as an island we would not be able to visit due to their regulations on pet imports.
Requirements:
- St Kitts and Nevis Import Permit
- Endorsed health certificate within 30 days.
- Microchipped
- Treated for internal and external parasites – the health certificate outlines that the treatment was administered by an accredited veterinarian within 5 days of arrival
- Rabies titer test (they used to require 2 rabies titer tests but recently reduced it to 1)
- Rabies vaccine administered more than 30 days before arrival (1 and 3 year vaccines accepted) – Rabies certificate.
- 14 day at home quarantine (recently changed from 30 days). This also includes 2-3 at home visits from the vet throughout the 14 days.
- Inspection on arrival
Our experience: We had all the required documents but were not ok with the quarantine period. Due to our circumstances we decided to reach out to the veterinarian anyways via email. We explained we would be arriving by boat and would like to request an import permit so we could bring our dog ashore. I sent all of Tito’s paperwork and they responded promptly. Dr. Newman had a few questions about where exactly Tito would be staying and how long we would be visiting. Once I clarified Tito would be staying on our boat with us and we would be visiting for about 1 week she sent me a stamped import permit. We set up to meet her for inspection on arrival by Customs in Bassaterre. On arrival she was available via WhatsApp and we met her that afternoon. It was quick and easy. We also got the export permit which is required for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (our next stop) which is valid for 10 days.
Contacts: Dr. Newman Whatsapp: 1-869-766-9263, skbvet12@gmail.com, valianewman@gmail.com
The import permits and regulations generally seem to be geared more toward animals being brought in via plane. St Kitts was a perfect example of why it is always worth asking. We were so pleasantly surprised that the vet did not give us pushback and trusted that we took care of our dog and allowed us to not only bring him ashore, but we got to visit an island we ultimately thought was out of the question.
Cost: $60 for inspection checkup. $25Eastern Caribbean=$9.25US for the export permit.
Have cash either US or EC.
St Vincent and the Grenadines (2023, 2024)
- Health Certificate
- Import Permit – you request the import permit from the veterinary department via phone 456-1111. They then give you the e-mail address animalhealthsvg@hotmail.com to request the permit.
- Microchipped
- Rabies Titer Test
- Vaccinated against DAPP
- Treatment for internal and external parasites
- 48 hours notice to schedule an inspection
Our Experience: We checked in via SailClear and the went into the Customs and Immigration office in Bequia. We marked we had a dog on SailClear and the Customs agent confirmed that we had been in touch with the veterinary department. He requested we did not bring the dog to shore until he has been cleared in. Long story short we did attempt to check Tito in. The vet responds about once a week and continually asks for more detailed info about our location. So we never received the official permit. We stuck to the beaches and did not have a problem.
What we have heard: you have to go to St. Vincent to get the permit.
Grenada (2023, 2024)
Requirements:
- Grenada Import Permit
- Health Certificate within 3 weeks of arrival
- Rabies vaccine within 12 months prior to arrival
- Notify the Veterinary Officer at time of arrival for inspection.
Send your permit application and health certificate at least 2 weeks prior to arrival. grenadalivestock@gmail.com, 440-3083
Our Experience: The chief veterinary office is very responsive. We received Tito’s permit within a day or two which we needed to show Customs/Immigration when we checked in. The veterinarian meets you at the office and stamps the import permit.
We also flew Tito home with us from Grenada. This required an export permit from Grenada which we received from the Small Animal Clinic at the University (~45). While we were home we had to get a Health Certificate to export Tito back to Grenada. This can take a few days so make sure you give yourself enough time. We emailed the Veterinary Office in Grenada to let them know our flight/travel arrangements and they sent us the Grenada import permit (signed). At the Miami airport they asked to see the stamped US Health Certificate and the Grenada import permit at the check in counter. Once we arrived in Grenada the Veterinary Officer met us at the airport where he stamped the permit. At this point we did have to Import the dog. Despite the explanation we still do not fully understand why but they assured us it was a 1 time fee and to keep a copy of the receipt with us (184EC!)
Cost: $0 sometimes
St Lucia (2023, 2024)
Requirements: https://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/publications/conditions-for-dogs-cats-2018.pdf. The requirements vary depending on if you are traveling from a Rabies free country or Other country.
- Import permit: Application can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/health-certificates/non-eu/st-lucia-dog-cat-import-permit.pdf
- Microchipped
- Rabies vaccine – administered no less than 30 days prior to export.
- Health Certificate from accredited Veterinarian stating: good health, free of external parsites; treated for endo-parasites including tapeworm and ecto-parasites including ticks no less than 14 days prior to export.
- Vaccines for Distemper, Lepto, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, no less than 14 days prior to export.
- Tested negative for Heartworm, Lyme, Leishmaniasis, Nipah; tests must be done no more than 14 days prior to export.
- Rabies titer.
Contact: vlsdec.agriculture@govt.lc
Cost: $45 EC
Our experience: Email the Veterinary office a few days before your arrival with the Import permit form and required documents. The office e-mailed us back with a permit but it states it is not official until the animal is inspected. When you check in at Customs and state you have a dog on board they call the Veterinary office to arrange for them to meet you.
Our first experience: Since we were only staying 1 night and his most recent rabies vaccine was administered less than 30 days prior we did not check him in. Even though his rabies vaccine had not lapsed they still require a 30 day period after the vaccine.
Our second experience: the vet contacted us via Whatsapp after we checked in and met us at the dingy dock. She checked that Tito's chip read the correct number and checked his skin. We paid her 45EC and she signed the permit. She was very pleasant.
Trinidad and Tobago
Requirements:
- Health Certificate within 7 days
- Microchipped
- Rabies vaccine
- Rabies Titer
- Negative test for Brucella canis
- Treated for internal and external parasites
- How to apply: Apply to the Trinidad and Tobago Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at
aphmalmr@gmail.com for an import permit at least (1) one month in advance of your
planned travel date, and ensure you have an import permit prior to entry.
Notify the Veterinary Officer, Quarantine, Veterinary Services, telephone (868)
693-2910 and nadcaph2013@gmail.com at least two (2) working days before the scheduled time of arrival.
I did contact them although we did not end up going. They were responsive to my questions.
Antigua
Requirements:
- Endorsed Health certificate within 7 days
- Treated for internal and external parasites within 7 days
- Import permit; contact vld@ab.gov.ag
- Microchipped
- Rabies vaccine certificate
- Rabies titer test
We have not checked Tito in here yet but this is the advice that was passed on to us for when we do.
Clear in at Jolly Harbor. Click that you have a pet aboard when you clear in and they will call the vet. There are two vets on the island and there is a 95% chance of getting Dr. Edwards. He usually just wants to see the rabies certificate and titer test results and collects $50. If you get the other vet she most likely will want you to rent a car and drive to a vet in Antigua for tests. Email the vet in advance (you will most likely not get a response). His contact is tubal.edwards@ab.gov.ag.
We have since been back and we did email the above contact. No response. We again didn’t check him in and while it did feel stressful when we went to shore we kept to more secluded areas and no questions were asked. I try to always click Dog on SailClear so we aren’t lying and so our papers stay consistent. The thought is if they don’t ask then we can play dumb. Until now I think that had been very successful. We went to check out of Jolly Harbor and the customs agent got very upset with me saying even if we do not take the dog off of the boat we still have to clear him in. I am surprised he did not charge me a ridiculous fee. The experience made us not want to go back to Antigua.
Dominica
- Health permit from exporting country stating good health.
- Rabies vaccine
- Free of internal and external parasites.
- Treated for heartworm, and heartworm negative test certified.
- Current on DHLPP+C immunization.
- Rabies titer.
- Obtain an import permit from Dominica.
Contact: Tel: 448-0414/448-2731 Ext 3427
Whatsapp Bryan Bertrand (Vet) in Portsmouth. 17672453683.
Our Experience 2023: We contacted the office via e-mail and they responded same day with the requirements and import form. We sent all of the required paperwork and then had no further response from their office. We decided to chance it. We checked we had an animal onboard on SailClear and the Customs/Immigration office did not ask any questions. We had Tito's paperwork if needed but we had no issues while visiting Dominica.
Our next Experience: We were not planning to check Tito in. But coincidentally the vet happened to be at the port dock to meet another person to check their dog in. Long story short the check in process is simple, just show him your papers and he hand write the permit. It would have cost us $90-$100 US so we handed the permit back to him and said Tito will be staying on the boat as we would only be there 2 nights.
Montserrat
Requirements: Regular vaccinations up to date, examined by certified vet 72 hours prior to arrival and the official certificate of health acquired, contact them 48 hours ahead of arrival so authority can meet you at the port.
We did not end up going here but the contact was responsive in answering questions and ensuring the best for the animal. They state the animal is subject to a 10 day quarantine. I contacted them to see if there was anything we could do or provide to skip the quarantine but I did not receive a response.
Emailed vetunit@gov.ms for the paperwork I would need.
Director of Agricultural Services: Emailed first: Dr Maloney maloneys@gov.ms.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Bowen: She sends the documentation required bowenr@gov.ms.
Cost: 100 EC
PRE-PLANNING
Before we left we researched each country we might go to and the requirements for animal clearance. I took all of the research to the vet to ensure we had all the required vaccinations.
- We got all vaccinations and shots updated for his health record.
- Ensured we had a copy of his rabies certificate.
- Got a rabies titer test to include a stamped original copy of the Rabies Titer results (FAVN report). Start this process early; I would say give yourself 2 months to make sure you get the results.
- Purchased appropriate amount of heartworm and flea/tick medicine for our time away.
There is a lot of information out there and a lot of which is outdated. This website has been very helpful in ensuring we have what we need.
All Regulations for Pet Importation are up to date on this website:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel. You can select your destination country and it will have the requirements listed and links to most of the required documentation.
We learned what the varying colors mean on this website. They are referring to the health certificate requirements;
- Green Banner means this country accepts USDA digital endorsement. This means the final, endorsed health certificate that travels with the animal can be printed out.
- Orange Banner means the vet can submit the health certificate online for endorsement but the country requires an ink signed and embossed health certificate to travel with the animal.
- Red Banner means the country requires an ink signed and embossed health certificate to travel
with the animal.
All of this being said, we do not have an original ink signed endorsed health certificate onboard and we have been lucky enough to have never been questioned.
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