Bermuda – Importing a Pet

Which pets can you bring into Bermuda?

Bermuda does permit the import of domestic pets, but the rules vary considerably depending on the species and, in the case of dogs, the breed. The main regulations apply to the transport of domestic dogs and cats, including assistance and service animals. Other animals — such as birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and amphibians — may also be brought in, but owners should seek guidance from the relevant authorities in both their home country and Bermuda before making arrangements.

Ferrets are not permitted to enter Bermuda from any country. All pets other than cats and dogs — such as rabbits, amphibians, and reptiles — will still need an import permit and health certificate to enter Bermuda. If your pet falls under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) — for example, certain parrots or turtles — CITES prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets, which is particularly relevant if you have a turtle or a parrot, and you will have to submit additional permit applications.

There are legislated restrictions on the importation of dogs of certain breeds. The following breeds or crossbreeds are prohibited and cannot be imported: Argentine Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Boerboel (South African Mastiff), Brazilian Mastiff (Fila), Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Presa Canario, Tosa Inu, Wolf and Wolf Hybrid. Any rare, exotic, or uncommon breed may also be refused permission to enter Bermuda or to be used in breeding, even if it does not appear on these lists.

The following breeds or crossbreeds are restricted and require pre-approval: Akita, Australian Cattle Dog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Belgian Malinois, Bouvier des Flandres, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue de Bordeaux, Shepherd (all breeds), English Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Olde English Bulldogge, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Restricted dogs may be imported or acquired once the conditions for importation and/or keeping these dogs have been fulfilled by the importer or new keeper.

Unless fifth generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be imported under the standard dog and cat regulations. Service animals and emotional support animals are required to meet the same conditions of entry as pet animals.

What are the vaccination requirements for bringing a pet to Bermuda?

Dogs and cats under the age of 10 months, and dogs and cats of any age that have received only a single rabies vaccination, do not qualify for entry into Bermuda. This is a firm rule with no exceptions, so it is essential to plan well in advance if you have a young pet or one that has not yet completed its vaccination course.

Your dog or cat must have had two vaccinations for rabies — one after the age of three months and the other between six and twelve months after the first vaccination. The primary vaccination must be given not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to your arrival in Bermuda. A three-year vaccination is accepted as long as it is administered within 12 months of travel.

Rabies vaccination is not required for dogs and cats entering from a rabies-free country such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Jamaica, although it is never advised for pets who have not been vaccinated for rabies to travel internationally. Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are not a substitute for proof of rabies vaccinations.

Dogs must also be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Parasite treatments for external parasites are required prior to entering Bermuda, using products approved in the country of origin, and the administering veterinarian can record these treatments on the health certificate or issue a separate record of treatment.

Veterinarians may only attest to vaccinations given by themselves, given under their direct supervision, or prior vaccinations accompanied by original vaccination certificates. Veterinarians cannot attest to vaccines given by non-veterinarians, including owners or breeders. This rule differs from some countries where owner-administered vaccines are permitted, so it is worth confirming your pet’s vaccination history with your vet before applying.

How do you apply to import a pet to Bermuda?

All animals arriving in Bermuda must be accompanied by an Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of Environmental Protection, together with an original health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian of the country from which the animal is coming. The following steps outline the process for importing a dog or cat (as of 2024):

1. Microchip your pet. The first step to importing a pet dog or cat to Bermuda is to have it identified with a microchip. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digit pet microchip that meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. All documents must reflect the microchip number.
2. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Confirm that your pet has received two rabies vaccinations (if required based on country of origin) and all other required vaccines, including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza for dogs. Ensure these were administered or verified by a licensed veterinarian.
3. Arrange a tick treatment. A veterinary statement is required, giving the name of the acaricidal preparation which is known to have residual activity against a variety of ticks, and was administered or applied during the examination. Dispensing of a product for unverified use by the client is not an acceptable option.
4. Obtain a veterinary health certificate. A veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days before your arrival in Bermuda, stating that the animal is not infected with any communicable disease and is free of external parasites. It must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and contain the animal’s name, date of birth, breed, description, and microchip identification, along with an original handwritten ink signature or a digital signature of the examining veterinarian.
5. Fax or email documents to obtain your Import Permit. Fax the veterinary documents to 441-232-0046. A response with an Import Permit will usually be received by fax within one business day. Ensure your fax number is shown on the application form. If your health certificate contains an electronic signature, the veterinary documents must be forwarded from the veterinary facility directly to the office via email.
6. Travel with all original documents. The faxed Import Permit and the original veterinary certificates must accompany the animal on arrival in Bermuda. Import Permits are only valid for 10 days from the date of the veterinary certificate.
7. Present documents at customs on arrival. All imported animals are subject to inspection upon arrival and/or post-arrival. When requested by Bermuda, you will be required to give information regarding the purpose of the imported animal and the location of the facility where the animal will be housed.

The discovery of false information in the application may result in the seizure of the animal, followed by deportation or euthanasia within 48 hours. Official documentation must not be changed once issued and must not contain any alteration, amendment, white-out, or cross-out such that the original content becomes unreadable. Take great care to ensure all paperwork is accurate before submitting.

For restricted dog breeds, additional steps apply before an Import Permit will be issued. Properties housing prohibited or restricted breed dogs must be able to securely house the animal by the presence of inescapable fencing or an enclosure. The fencing or enclosure must comply with the rules and processes of the Department of Planning, and the premises must be inspected by an Animal Warden before an import permit is issued.

Is quarantine required when bringing a pet to Bermuda?

There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Bermuda if pet import regulations are met. This is a significant advantage compared with jurisdictions such as Australia or New Zealand, where even fully compliant pets may spend days or weeks in government quarantine facilities upon arrival.

However, the absence of quarantine makes full compliance with all documentation requirements absolutely critical. Because there is no quarantine facility in Bermuda, animals that fail customs inspections are generally handled according to strict procedures. Animals arriving by air that fail a customs inspection, or those not accompanied by all required documentation, will be immediately deported at the importer’s expense. The importer may have to accompany the animal upon deportation, also at their own expense.

Animals arriving by sea that fail a customs inspection, and those not accompanied by all required documentation, will not be permitted on land but will be restricted to remain on board the vessel. The vessel will not be permitted to be alongside any pier or other vessel. If you are arriving on a private yacht with a pet, be aware that your vessel could be confined to deep-water anchorage for the duration of your stay if your documentation is not in order.

If your pet does not conform to the regulations, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanised. The importer will be responsible for all costs involved. The stakes are high, so it is worth seeking professional advice well in advance of travel.

Is Bermuda part of any international pet travel scheme?

Bermuda does not participate in the EU Pet Passport scheme, which allows pets to move freely between participating European countries using a standardised document. While you may hear the term “pet passport” used informally in relation to Bermuda, this refers to a collection of documents that fulfil its pet import requirements — not an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets.

Your pet’s “passport” to enter Bermuda will include the import permit, proof of microchip, current rabies and other vaccinations, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin. This documentation-based approach is similar in structure to many non-EU destinations around the world, but the paperwork must be arranged independently through Bermuda’s own authorities rather than through any shared international system.

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and maintains its own independent veterinary import rules. Pets travelling from the United Kingdom benefit from a slightly adjusted process — if the animal is coming from the United Kingdom, the owner must visit the Local Veterinary Inspector within five days of departure — but there is no blanket travel arrangement equivalent to intra-EU pet movement. Always verify the latest requirements directly with Bermuda’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources before travelling.

Do you need a licence for your pet in Bermuda?

Anyone keeping a dog in Bermuda must hold a licence for that dog. You must be at least 18 years old to apply, and licences are renewable each year. This requirement applies to residents keeping a dog on the island and is enforced under the Dogs Act 2008. This is broadly comparable to dog licensing systems in other jurisdictions — such as local council registration in parts of Australia — but is administered centrally through Bermuda’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

You must apply in person at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to obtain an initial dog licence, and provide details of yourself, the dog, and where the dog will be housed if it will not be living with you. If you imported your dog or adopted it from the local SPCA shelter, you must obtain an initial dog licence at the office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Botanical Gardens, Paget.

As of the most recently available figures, the annual fee for a spayed or neutered dog is $25 (a veterinary spay/neuter certificate must be presented), while the annual fee for an unspayed or unneutered dog is $125, regardless of age. Check the official government website for current fees, as these are subject to change. If your renewal form indicates that the animal has not been spayed or neutered, but it has in fact been spayed or neutered, bring a veterinary spay/neuter certificate to qualify for the reduced licence fee.

The licence number assigned to a dog stays with the animal for its lifetime, even if the animal is moved to a new owner. It is your responsibility to properly licence your dog annually. Late renewals may be subject to penalties under the Dogs Act 2008. You are not required to obtain a licence for an imported dog if, before the dog was imported, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was satisfied that the dog would be exported from Bermuda within 28 days of its importation, and the dog was exported within that period.

If you bring more than two dogs, a Multiple Dog Permit is required. There is no equivalent licensing requirement for cats in the publicly available regulations, but you should confirm this with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as rules can change.

Where can you find official information on importing pets to Bermuda?

The primary source of official information is the Government of Bermuda’s own website. The most relevant pages are:

• Importing animals into Bermuda — the main portal for general rules and applicable fees, maintained by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
• Import a domestic dog or cat — detailed conditions of entry, breed restrictions, and the application procedure for dogs and cats.
• Get a dog licence — information on obtaining and renewing a dog licence once resident in Bermuda.

The Bermuda Department of Environmental Protection’s Veterinary Services can be contacted by post at P.O. Box HM-834, Hamilton, Bermuda HM-CX, by phone at (441) 236-4201, by fax at (441) 232-0046, or by email at [email protected]. The official animals website is also accessible at www.animals.gov.bm.

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets, so you should check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what additional requirements they may have. Requirements can change without notice, so always confirm directly with Bermuda’s veterinary authority before booking travel for your pet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring any dog breed to Bermuda?

There are legislated restrictions on the importation of dogs of certain breeds, and any rare, exotic, or uncommon breed may also be refused permission to enter Bermuda even if it does not appear on any official list. Prohibited breeds — such as the Cane Corso, Presa Canario, and Wolf Hybrid — cannot be imported at all, while restricted breeds such as the Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher require pre-approval and a property inspection.

Can I bring my cat to Bermuda without a rabies vaccination?

Rabies vaccination is not required for cats entering from a rabies-free country such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Jamaica. However, cats from all other countries must have received two rabies vaccinations, and cats under 10 months old cannot enter Bermuda at all.

How long does it take to get an Import Permit?

A response with an Import Permit will be by fax, usually within one business day. However, you must have all veterinary documentation in order before applying. Since the permit and health certificate are both only valid for 10 days from the date of the veterinary certificate, timing your vet appointment and travel date carefully is essential.

What happens if my pet arrives without the correct paperwork?

Animals arriving by air that fail a customs inspection, or those not accompanied by all required documentation, will be immediately deported at the importer’s expense. There are no quarantine facilities on the island, so there is no option to hold the animal while paperwork is corrected. The discovery of false information in the application may result in the seizure of the animal, followed by deportation or euthanasia within 48 hours.

Are ferrets allowed in Bermuda?

Ferrets are not permitted to enter Bermuda from any country. This is an absolute prohibition, regardless of the animal’s health status or documentation. If you own a ferret, you will need to make alternative arrangements before relocating to Bermuda.

Do I need to licence my dog if I am only visiting Bermuda?

You are not required to obtain a licence for an imported dog if, before the dog was imported, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was satisfied that the dog would be exported from Bermuda within 28 days of its importation, and the dog was exported within that period. If your stay extends beyond 28 days, a dog licence becomes mandatory.

Can I bring birds or reptiles to Bermuda?

All pets other than cats and dogs — including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents — will need an import permit and health certificate to enter Bermuda. If your bird or reptile falls under CITES protections, additional permit applications will be required. Contact the Department of Environment and Natural Resources well in advance for guidance specific to your animal.

What carrier requirements apply when flying a pet to Bermuda?

Transportation must be carried out in sturdy, leak-proof, escape-proof, and well-ventilated carriers, which should be properly and prominently labelled (e.g. “Live Animal”, “This Way Up”) along with the owner’s name, destination address, and contact details. Airlines have their own policies for transporting pets, so you should check with your airline to determine what additional requirements they may have.