Bringing Pets to the British Virgin Islands

The following information has been provided by the British Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Division. The BVI is a Rabies free territory and in order to protect against the spread of this disease, the following regulations are strictly adhered to and enforced.

Please note that there are two sets of regulations regarding the importation of pets to the BVI. The first deals with pets from countries which are known to have outbreaks of Rabies, such as mainland USA & Canada. The second set of regulations is for countries which are believed to be Rabies free. For more information and advice, please contact the Chief Agricultural Officer at: (284) 495-2532

Importation of Dogs & Cats from Nonscheduled (Rabies Endemic) Countries

Your dog or cat will be only be permitted entry into the British Virgin Islands accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate issued by the Veterinary Authority (Government) in the country of origin stating:

• Proper identification of the animal.
• That the dog or cat is healthy and free from symptoms of infectious or contagious disease.
• That the dog or cat has been treated against internal and external parasites.
• That the dog has been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease.
• That the cat has been vaccinated against Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus & Feline Leukemia.
• That the area of origin is not currently under Rabies quarantine.
• That the dog or cat has had at least two Rabies INACTIVATED vaccines; the first not earlier than three months of age and another at least six months later. That four months after the first inoculation and at least on month after the second or subsequent vaccines, serological test has been carried out to determine the presence of adequate virus neutralizing antibody titres, prior to departure.
• Animals will be permitted to enter the BVI up to twelve months after the last booster shot, subject to positive blood tests.

1. Original vaccination certificate and laboratory test reports must accompany the animal.
2. The Dog or Cat must be found clinically healthy upon arrival in the BVI.
3. Young animals not subjected to vaccination and serology are allowed entry under special quarantine arrangements.
4. The veterinary division must be given at least 24 hours notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline or vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays and avoid detention of animal for veterinary clearance at port of entry.
5. The animal will be taken at port of entry directly to a place of quarantine and will be held there for a period of three to six months. This will be determined upon arrival.
6. All cost associated with quarantine are to be borne by the owner.
7. All required conditions must be met and all documents including; Import Permit, Veterinary Health Certificate, Vaccination Certificate & Lab Test Reports must be presented at the port of disembarkation in order to facilitate clearance and to avoid the otherwise unpleasant but necessary options such as animals being kept in a quarantine facility, deportation or euthanasia.

Importation of Dogs & Cats from Scheduled Countries

Conditions of entry from the following countries:
Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, St. Kitts, Anguilla, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, United States Virgin Islands & the United Kingdom

Your dog or cat will be only be permitted entry into the British Virgin Islands accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate issued by the Veterinary Authority (Government) in the country of origin stating:

• Proper identification of the animal.
• That the dog or cat is healthy and free from symptoms of infectious or contagious disease.
• That the dog or cat has been treated against internal and external parasites.
• That the dog has been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease.
• That the cat has been vaccinated against Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus & Feline Leukemia.
• That the animal has been in the country of origin for at least 6 months immediately preceding importation to the British Virgin Islands.
• That there has been no Rabies among unquarantined animals in country of origin/export for the past 24 months.

1. The dog or cat must be found clinically healthy on arrival.
2. The veterinary division must be given at least 24 hours notice of confirmed arrival date, time, airline or vessel and port of entry. This will facilitate unnecessary delays and avoid detention of animal for veterinary clearance at port of entry.
3. All required conditions must be met and all documents including; Import Permit, Veterinary Health Certificate, Vaccination Certificate & Lab Test Reports must be presented at the port of disembarkation in order to facilitate clearance and to avoid the otherwise unpleasant but necessary options such as animals being kept in a quarantine facility, deportation or euthanasia.

Top Of Page

If there are any topics not already addressed in this tourist guide ... or should you have information to add, please feel free to send us your suggestions at: bvivacations@surfbvi.com

Member

This travel guide is offered as a free service by All-In-One BVI Vacations. To submit or update your URL or BVI company listing, go to: Submissions British Virgin Island registered companies only please!