Bringing Pets to the Virgin Islands

Moving to the islands would not be the same if your family pet didn’t make the trip with you - learn how!

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.

Transportation of your Pet to the Virgin Islands

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.

Pet Carriers

If your pet is small enough to fit into an approved pet carrier then your 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.

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 go often, 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.

Airlines Serving the Virgin Islands

All airlines have regulations for pets traveling in baggage areas. Travel restrictions during various seasons exist, primarily due to extreme temperatures that might negatively affect pets while on the ramps at airports. Call your carrier and find out what dates they allow pet transportation. In order to insure the safety and comfort of your pet do try your best to get a non-stop flight; transfers, delays, large airports can be traumatic and hard on a pet. Be sure to label your carrier and put signs like “live animal”, “pet dog” or “my name is ____, please be nice to me”. Be sure to include a zip-lock bag with food on the outside of the carrier just in case.

Birds, Large Dogs

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.

Get your pet’s papers in order!

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.

Protecting your Pet in the Virgin Islands

Heartworm is a frequent problem for pets; it might be a good idea to have your pet on preventative medication the entire year. You might want to test your pet for heartworm before traveling and have your pet put on preventative heartworm medication before coming to the Virgin Islands as a precautionary measure. Cats also can get heartworm, so don’t forget to protect them as well. Other pet pests are ticks and fleas, and they are around all year round. Once living on islands do frequent checks of your pet for ticks and fleas. Erlichiosis or tick fever is transmitted by these pest and can be deadly if left untreated. Preventative measures include having your pets treated monthly for fleas and ticks, keeping your pets living area clean and free of pest and keeping your yard clean, grass and bushes low. Other things to be aware of: road traffic, cars, neighborhood dogs, neighbors who might not like animals, people in general. Some homes are close to the road and pets might run out into the road and quickly become a causality. Neighborhood dogs, stray or owned might pose a treat for pet cats and dogs; as territorial fights might ensue. There are problems with some residents poisoning dogs and cats because they don’t like animals or perhaps because they have livestock and don’t want dogs in their yard. Locals typically are scared of dogs so be aware of this when walking your pets; some people might not find your pet dog as cute and friendly as you know he/she is.

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.

Adopting Pets once on Virgin Islands

You can also adopt pets once in the Virgin Islands from the Animal Shelter.