Barbados is a small island country in the Caribbean known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. If you’re planning on moving to Barbados and bringing your pet with you, it’s important to know the requirements for importing pets into the country. In this article, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about importing pets into Barbados.
Barbados’s Pet Importation Rules
Barbados allows the import of pets. However, there are restrictions on which types of pets can be brought into the country.
Restrictions on types of pets
Dogs, cats, and birds are the only types of pets that are allowed to enter Barbados. Other types of pets, such as reptiles, amphibians, and rodents, are not allowed to enter the country.
Pet Vaccination Requirements in Barbados
All dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before the date of travel.
Birds must have a valid avian influenza vaccination, which must be administered at least 21 days before travel.
It’s important to note that these vaccination requirements are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check with the Barbados Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security or the Barbadian embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling.
Importation Application Procedure in Barbados
To import a pet to Barbados, you’ll need to complete some paperwork and meet certain requirements.
Paperwork
You’ll need to provide the following documents when entering Barbados with your pet:
- A valid pet passport or health certificate
- Proof of vaccination (rabies for dogs and cats, avian influenza for birds)
- Import permit
Requirements
In addition to the paperwork, there are some requirements that you’ll need to meet when bringing your pet to Barbados:
- Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip must be ISO compliant and readable by a device that conforms to ISO standards.
- Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination (dogs and cats) or avian influenza vaccination (birds).
- Your pet must undergo a clinical examination by a veterinarian within 7 days of travel.
- Your pet must undergo a veterinary inspection upon arrival in Barbados.
Period of quarantine needed to import a pet to Barbados
There is a mandatory quarantine period for dogs and cats entering Barbados. The quarantine period is typically 6 months, but it can be reduced to 3 months if certain requirements are met.
The quarantine period for birds entering Barbados is 7 days.
Barbados and international travel scheme for pets
Barbados is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area, which means it does not participate in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). The PETS scheme allows pets to travel between certain EU countries and other countries with similar animal health requirements without the need for quarantine.
If you’re traveling to Barbados from a PETS country, your pet will still need to meet the requirements for entering Barbados, including a valid rabies vaccination or avian influenza vaccination.
Pet Licences in Barbados
There is no requirement to obtain a license for your pet in Barbados. However, it’s important to note that some municipalities may have their own regulations regarding pet ownership, such as leash laws or limits on the number of pets per household. It’s a good idea to check with the local authorities in your area to find out about any specific regulations that may apply to your pet.
Pet Importation Resources for Barbados
The Barbados Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s website provides information about the requirements for importing pets into the country. The website is available in English and can be accessed at: https://www.agriculture.gov.bb/
The website provides detailed information on the import permit application process, as well as the requirements for microchipping, vaccinations, and quarantine. It also provides contact information for the relevant government agencies that can assist with any questions or concerns you may have about importing your pet into Barbados.
Bringing your pet to Barbados requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. Dogs, cats, and birds are the only types of pets allowed to enter the country, and they must have a valid rabies or avian influenza vaccination, depending on the species. In addition, you’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork, including obtaining an import permit, and meet the requirements for microchipping, clinical examination, and veterinary inspection.
While there is a mandatory quarantine period for dogs and cats entering Barbados, it can be reduced to 3 months if certain requirements are met. It’s important to note that Barbados is not part of the Pet Travel Scheme, which means pets traveling from certain countries may still be subject to quarantine.
Overall, with careful planning and preparation, you can bring your furry friend with you to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf of beautiful Barbados.