Caribbean Pet Immigration – It is a confusing experience to get an expat pet to the Caribbean

Moving to the islands would not be the same if your family pet didn’t make the trip with you!  The challenge of brining pets to the Caribbean is that there are different regulations in each of the island – nations.  So, let’s focus on the Virgin Islands as an example.

The Virgin Islands do not have any quarantine requirements. Pets traveling to the United States mainland from the Virgin Islands also will not require quarantine.

You should contact your air carrier and find out details on whether you can carry your pet with you on your flight. That is the best option. Often cats and small dogs are allowed to be carried in carriers with you on the aircraft, which is what we prefer, given that our cat, Patches, would not like us anymore if she was in the baggage compartment.

If your pet is small enough to fit into an approved pet carrier then you can travel with your pet in the carrier onto the plane, your pet will be your carry-on luggage. Pets that are not hand carried into the plane will travel in a climate controlled baggage space of the airplane. ( Can you imagine being a dog or cat and think this is a fun way to travel to the Caribbean – in a climate controlled baggage space?)

It is a good idea to prepare your pet for being in the carrier. For several weeks before the trip, place the carrier in an area they often go to in your house.  Put some toys in the carrier and allow your pet to play in the carrier so that they can become accustomed to it. ( Do not leave toys in the carrier when you are traveling, they may become hazardous as your pet is transported.)

A health certificate confirming that your pet bird is healthy is necessary. Birds have particular regulations for travel, some are not allowed – contact your airline for details.

Some very large dogs are not allowed on the aircraft but can be transported by air cargo. Again your best bet is to contact the air carriers that service the U.S. Virgin Islands to get details. When traveling with a large dog you need to try and get a direct flight to St. Thomas or St. Croix rather then a stop over in Puerto Rico . The commuter planes from Puerto Rico to the islands are small and don’t really have room for a large dog carrier. Ask a lot of questions of your airline to find the best travel route for your pets.

A health certificate from your veterinarian stating the animal; has not been exposed to any communicable diseases, is not sick and is up to date on rabies shots is necessary. This certificate should be prepared within 10 days of travel. An up-to-date rabies shot is necessary. The rabies shot should be no less then 30 days prior to arrival but no longer then one year. Have these documents readily available when you are traveling.

The Virgin Islands are welcoming to animals, however you have a responsibility to make sure they adapt to the islands. The weather here makes worms more likely, water more necessary and care greater. Although many locals leave animals outside the house, this invites danger. Frogs, centipedes, passing cars are threats to animals. If you take the measures to make it safe for your pets the islands will be a great place for them.  Let me know some of your pet stories so I can pass them on to my readers.  Until next time….