Conditions for Dogs and Cats

Your pet’s entry requirements depend on whether the country, zone, or compartment is classified as Low Risk (Rabies-Free) by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

A. Rabies-Free / Low-Risk Countries (Recognized by WOAH)

For Dogs:

• An International Veterinary Certificate (issued within 48 hours of import) must confirm that the dog(s):

  1. is/are more than six (6) months of age.

  2. was/were actively immunized against the following diseases: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Adenovirus.

  3. is/are free of internal parasites as determined by a negative fecal test result.

  4. is/are free of external parasites.

B. Rabies-Present / High-Risk Countries

For Dogs:

• An International Veterinary Certificate (issued within 48 hours of import) must confirm that the dog(s):

  1. is/are more than six (6) months of age

  2. was/were actively immunized against the following diseases:

     a. Rabies by either:

     • 1-year vaccine: Given 1–10 months before travel.

     • 3-year vaccine: Given 1–34 months before travel.

     b. Distemper, c. Hepatitis, d. Leptospirosis, e. Parvovirus, f. Adenovirus, g. Coronavirus.

  3. is/are free of internal parasites as determined by a negative fecal test result.

  4. is/are free of external parasites.

For Cats:

• An International Veterinary Certificate (issued within 48 hours of import) must confirm that the cat(s):

  1. is/are more than six (6) months of age

  2. was/were actively immunized against the following diseases:

     a. Rabies by either:

     • 1-year vaccine: Given 1–10 months before travel.

     • 3-year vaccine: Given 1–34 months before travel.

     b. Feline Leukemia, c. Rhinotracheitis, d. Calicivirus, e. Panleukopenia and f. Pneumonitis

  3. is/are free of internal parasites as determined by a negative fecal test result.

  4. is/are free of external parasites.

For Cats:

• An International Veterinary Certificate (issued within 48 hours of import) must confirm that the cat(s):

  1. is/are more than six (6) months of age.

  2. was/were actively immunized against the following diseases: Rabies, Feline Leukemia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Pneumonitis.

  3. is/are free of internal parasites as determined by a negative fecal test result.

  4. is/are free of external parasites.

These countries are officially recognized as rabies-free in terrestrial animals and are generally subject to fewer import restrictions: e.g. Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Hong Kong (SAR), Taiwan, etc. (30/07/2025)

Always determine your country's status before travel!

These countries report cases of rabies and are considered higher risk. e.g. United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, India, China, South Africa, The Philippines, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, etc. (30/07/2025)

Always determine your country's status before travel!

Pet Vaccination Certificate

Important!

Your Pet Vaccination Records must be uploaded with your Permit Application. A Photograph of your Pet(s) is also required.

Veterinarian Information:

• Vet’s full name & clinic contact details

Owner Information:

• Full name & current address

Pet Details:

• Name

• Age or date of birth (minimum 6 months old)

• Breed (Primary breed only, or "Primary, Secondary" for mixed breeds)

• Weight (specify lbs. or kgs.)

• Microchip number

Vaccination Records:

• Vaccine type(s)

• Date administered

• Expiration date (must be valid/unexpired)

Please ensure the certificate includes the following details for each pet:

Banned Pet Breeds

The Bahamas has several Banned Pet Breeds

Restricted Cat Breeds:

• Savannah Cat

• Bengal Cat

• Chausie

Restricted/Banned Dog Breeds:

The following breeds of dogs, or any mixed breed dogs containing these breeds, are not allowed per Bahamas pet travel requirements:

• Pit Bull

• Presa Canario

• Cane Corso

• American Bully

• Staffordshire Terrier

• Dogo Argentino