Puerto Rico

Pet Entry Requirements for Puerto Rico

Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Puerto Rico?

What Additional Information Do I Need for Puerto Rico?

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• Current Information:

  To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on wagsandwanders.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. To avoid these consequences, we suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Puerto Rico pet import requirements.

• What is a Pet Passport?:

  We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to Puerto Rico 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 will include proof of microchip, rabies vaccination and international export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.

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• Entering Puerto Rico by Air:

  If flying, pets must enter Puerto Rico via the international airport in San Juan. Pets can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo according to airline pet policies. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant? Flights to Puerto Rick should be direct or transit through arabies-controlled countryor another EU Member State if possible*. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply. Flights should be direct if the duration of the flight does not violate animal welfare laws. Layovers should be short and not involve a change in airline companies. If your pet’s itinerary involves a layover in the European Union, then additional requirements will apply. Importers will need to provide advance notice to veterinary officials at the airport so they will be available to inspect your pet and its passport documentation upon landing. This is especially important if your pet will be arriving outside of normal business hours. Whenever your pet travels to a foreign country like Puerto Rico, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification indicating ownership of your pet. Your pet should have a sturdy collar and two identification tags. The tags should include both your permanent address and telephone number, along with an address and cell phone number where you can be reached while traveling. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. A government veterinarian will provide further examination if your dog or cat is not in apparent good health when entering Puerto Rico. All costs associated with further inspections or treatments will be borne by the importer.

• 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. The agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals should either license or employ your veterinarian.

• Puerto Rico Pet Import Requirements:

  All steps required to conform to Puerto Rico pet import regulations must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.

• Animals Eligible for These Regulations:

  Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats including service and assistance dogs and cats. These regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree.

• Breeds Banned from Import to Puerto Rico:

  In July of 2018, Puerto Rico ended their ban on American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers and all Pit Bulls or their crosses. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.

• Quarantine for Pets Entering Puerto Rico:

  Quarantine will not be imposed on your pet if the following regulations are met. Pets not meeting import regulations will be quarantined, returned to the origin country or euthanized. All costs are the responsibility of the importer.

• Importing Other Pet Animals to Puerto Rico:

  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.

• Importing Puppies and Kittens to Puerto Rico:

  Unvaccinated puppies and kittens that are not yet four months old may enter Puerto Rico with a health certificate from rabies-free or rabies-controlled countries. Once your puppy or kitten turns three months of age, it must be vaccinated for rabies and wait 30 days before entering Puerto Rico. Related: More information on transporting a puppy.

• Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Puerto Rico?:

  Have a comment about importing a pet to Puerto Rico? Post it below and we will respond. Post it below and be published! You can also reach out by posting to ourBlog,[X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/Wags and Wanderscom/),[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Wags and Wanders/), orEmailor follow our activities on[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Wags and Wanderstransport/profilecard/)andTikTok. Please note that the accuracy of comments made below by users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

• Need More Detailed Puerto Rico Pet Import Requirements and Forms?:

  Visit Wags and WandersStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Puerto Rico at minimal cost.Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.

• Here’s what is included in the Puerto Rico pet passport package::

  Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to Puerto Rico from any country available in six languagesISO 11784/11785 Compliant Microchip InformationRequired Vaccinations and IntervalsHealth Certificate InformationParasite TreatmentsIATA Carrier and Crate RequirementsLayover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet TravelResponsibilities of a Pet TransporterFREE unlimited email supportboth for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions Also included at no additional cost: Veterinary Health Certificate for Puerto Rico (US/Canada)Inoculation RecordMicrochip CertificateAirline Health Certificate

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

  The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is crucial if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If this is the case, importers will have to submit additional permit applications. The agency that issues these permits is responsible for the protection of wildlife in your country. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES

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