The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean nation that has many tourists and expats visiting and living there. If you are planning on relocating to the Dominican Republic with your pet, it is important to know the regulations for importing pets to the country. Here are some of the common questions regarding importing pets to the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic’s Pet Importation Rules
The Dominican Republic allows the import of pets, including cats and dogs. However, there are some restrictions in place that you need to be aware of.
Restrictions on which types of pets you can bring into the Dominican Republic
There are no restrictions on which types of cats or dogs you can bring into the Dominican Republic. However, the government has strict regulations for importing other types of animals such as birds, reptiles, and rodents. If you plan to bring any of these animals into the country, you should contact the Dominican Republic embassy for more information.
Vaccination Requirements in the Dominican Republic
There are vaccination requirements for bringing pets to the Dominican Republic. Your pet must have the following vaccinations:
- Rabies
- Canine Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
You will need to provide proof of these vaccinations in order to import your pet to the Dominican Republic.
Importation Application Procedure
To import your pet to the Dominican Republic, you will need to follow these steps:
Obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian. The certificate should state that your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Your pet will need to be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. This will help identify your pet and ensure that it is not confused with other animals.
Apply for an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic. You can apply for the permit through the embassy or consulate of the Dominican Republic in your home country.
Submit the health certificate, proof of vaccinations, and import permit to the Ministry of Agriculture at least two weeks before your arrival in the Dominican Republic.
Quarantine Rules in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic does not require a period of quarantine for imported pets. However, your pet may be subject to inspection upon arrival to ensure that it is healthy and free of disease.
International Travel Scheme
The Dominican Republic is not currently part of any international travel scheme for pets. However, the country does follow the guidelines set forth by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for transporting pets by air.
Licences in the Dominican Republic
Individuals do not need to obtain a license for their pet in the Dominican Republic. However, it is recommended that you keep your pet’s health records and import permit with you at all times.
Resources in the Dominican Republic
The Ministry of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic has a website where you can find information on importing pets to the country. The website is http://www.agricultura.gob.do.