Samoa
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Samoa
Pet Entry Requirements for Samoa
Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. First, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Second, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Your pet must be identified with a 15-digitwhich is compliant with International Standards Organization standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785 prior to getting a rabies vaccination. All documentation should reflect the microchip number. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, importers can provide athat will read their pet’s microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital or trained nurse should implant the microchip. Documentation should be provided as to the manufacturer of the microchip and registration instructions.
Vaccinations
Your dog, or cat must be vaccinated with an inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine that that is approved for use in your country between 30 days and 12 months of entering Samoa. The administering veterinarian should record vaccination information, sign and stamp one of the following documents depending on veterinary practices in the country of origin: a rabies certificatea government-issued vaccination booklet oran EU Pet Passport Proof of other vaccinations are required at scheduled intervals prior to import: canine distemper and hepatitus. Vaccinations against parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) are strongly recommended. Cats must be vaccinated against panleukopenia. Vaccinations against viral rhinotracheitis, pneumonitis and feline leukemia are strongly recommended. Veterinarians must record vaccinations on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by veterinary health procedures of the origination country.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test or rabies serology test, is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. The test will assess the effectiveness of a rabies vaccination or determine your pet’s immune response to the rabies virus. When required, a licensed veterinarian will administer the test more than 30 days after the most current rabies vaccination. A rabies titer test (FAVN) may be required to enter Samoa from an unapproved country. Have your veterinarian scan your pet’s microchip prior to the titer test.) The need for this test will be clarified at the time of import permit application. Note that rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitution for proof of rabies vaccination.
Parasite Treatments
Treatments for internal or external parasite treatment are required to enter Samoa shortly prior to travel. The treatment of pets for internal parasites, especially Echinococcus multilocularis, as well as external parasites (fleas and ticks) should be discussed with your veterinarian who will administer according to disease status of the origination country. The administering veterinarian can record these treatments on the health certificate or issue you a record of treatment.
Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate (sometimes known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) for live animals entering their country. The certificate should include the following information: details of your pet andvaccinations and treatments andveterinary attestations regarding symptoms of contagious diseases at the time of export. Further, your veterinarian must certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is not from a region that is subject to rabies restrictions. The health certificate must properly identify your pet. Your veterinarian will include additional details and treatments on the certificate depending on the country of origin. A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must complete the health certificate. After issuance, the certificate must be endorsed by the governing authority of your country responsible for the import and export of live animals. Related: A government veterinarian must either issue the certificate or endorse the certificate after issuance by a licensed veterinarian. This official represents the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.
Import Permit
Importers must file an import permit well in advance and include all medical records for your dog or cat prior to import.
Complete all 6 steps to enter Samoa with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Samoa?
Not specified
What Additional Information Do I Need for Samoa?
- Other Information:
Not specified
- Entering Samoa by Air:
Pets entering Samoa by air must enter via Faleolo Airport. When entering Samoa from another country through New Zealand, pets must be quarantined in New Zealand, then remain on the island for 90 days after quarantineprior to entering Samoa. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant? Flights to Samoa 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. Whenever your pet travels to a foreign country like Samoa, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification indicating ownership of your pet. 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 Samoa. All costs associated with further inspections or treatments will be borne by the importer.
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to Samoa 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 and other vaccinations, parasite treatments, titer test and international export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country. Samoa is a Polynesian island country located in the central South Pacific Ocean. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. The island is situated approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and comprises of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, and several smaller islands.
- 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.
- Samoa Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to Samoa pet import regulations must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
- Importing Other Pet Animals to Samoa:
Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Samoa. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
- 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. Dogs and cats can enter Samoa from American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the United States.Pets from other countries will be considered at the time of import permit application. If your pet is not originating from one of these countries, then you can file the import permit application for consideration.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Samoa:
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens are not permitted to enter Samoa. They cannot be vaccinated for rabies prior to three months of age and must conform to regulations listed here.
- 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
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Samoa last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Samoa was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!