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Importing Cats And Dogs To Jamaica
How Can I Bring My Pet To Jamaica?

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Importing Cats and Dogs To JamaicaImporting Cats and Dogs To Jamaica

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Jamaica has some very specific rules when it comes to importing cats and dogs into the country. This is to protect against diseases such as rabies which is seen frequently in animals. But, as long as your cat or dog fits these stipulations, then it is safe to bring it to Jamaica.

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Rules For Importing Cats And Dogs To Jamaica

  • The cat or dog must be born in one of the countries from which importation of domestic animals is permitted. If your animal is not born in these countries, it must be a resident of any of these countries for 6 months before your furry friend qualifies for entry. Before, cats and dogs were only permitted if they were born in Great Britain or Ireland but this law was amended in 2017.
  • Your pet must be easily identified by its permanently implanted microchip which must be done prior to its rabies vaccination. This microchip number must be recorded on all the documents relating to your animal and its arrival.
  • Your animal must not be under quarantine restrictions at the time of export to Jamaica.
  • If you are importing female cats and dogs to Jamaica, they will not be granted entry if they are pregnant or suckling at that time.
  • Primary vaccination for newborns between 3 and 12 months old, will not qualify for entry until 180 days after their primary inoculation. Dogs 12 months and above who are being vaccinated for the first time, will not qualify for entry until 3 months after their initial inoculation. A FAVN Titre must be done 30 days after inoculation in both cases.

Steps To Follow When Importing Cats and Dogs To Jamaica

Step 1 - Complete the Preliminary Application Form

First, complete the Preliminary Application Form which can be downloaded from the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries website. 

An Attestation Form for Rabies and FAVN Titre testing will be included in the Preliminary Application Form, which must be signed and stamped by an official veterinarian in the country of origin. Copies of these results and certificates must be submitted along with the preliminary application.

If your preliminary application submitted with the FAVN test results is not approved, you will not be able to continue with the process.  

Copies must also be submitted to the Veterinary Services Division by email along with the hard copy.

When applying you must have an estimated date of arrival to properly facilitate and organize the pre-export treatment schedule for additional tests and vaccinations and other requirements for entry into Jamaica.

Step 2 - Obtain a Veterinary Import Permit

When the Preliminary Application Form has been approved, you will be notified by email and asked to apply online for the Veterinary Import Permit at the Ministry of Agriculture’s website.

Step 3 - Complete Tests, Treatments and Vaccination Requirements

The complete list with all related tests, treatments and vaccination requirements is available on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries website.

Step 4 - Obtain an Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate

Once all checks are complete, the official vet in the country of origin will provide you with an Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate. The original copy completed by an official veterinarian or accredited veterinarian of the country of origin must accompany your animal.

Please note that each page must be signed and stamped by the person completing the document. As the person bringing in the animal to the country, you will also need a valid Importer’s Copy of the Veterinary Import Permit.

Step 5 - Complete and Submit an Animal Landing Notification Form

The Animal Landing Notification Form should be completed and submitted to the Veterinary Services Division via the permit unit’s email address, 3 weeks before the arrival date of your animal. The form should state:

  1. The name, address and contact information for the owner/agent in Jamaica
  2. The name, address and contact information for the Customs broker, if one was used
  3. The date and time of arrival
  4. The airline and flight number

Step 6 - Complete and Submit a Confirmation of Animal Arrival Form

The Animal Arrival Form must be submitted 72 hours before arriving in Jamaica as confirmation that the animal will be arriving on that date. This should also be accompanied by a copy of the Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

Countries From Which Importing Cats and Dogs To Jamaica Is Allowed

  • Andorra
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Aruba
  • Ascension Island
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Bonaire, St. Eustatius &
  • Saba
  • The British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Channel Islands
  • Curacao
  • Dominica
  • European Union Member States
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • French Polynesia
  • Greenland
  • Guam
  • Guadeloupe
  • Hawaii
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Liechtenstein
  • Martinique
  • Mexico
  • Monaco
  • Montserrat
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Ireland
  • Russian Federation
  • St. Helena
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Maarten
  • St. Martin
  • St. Pierre & Miquelon
  • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks
  • and Caicos Islands
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • US Virgin Islands
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City State
  • Wallis & Futuna

Banned Animals In Jamaica

The following animals are banned from being imported to Jamaica and will therefore be denied entry. Also, offspring of domestic dogs or cats which are crossed with other species are not allowed entry into Jamaica.

  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Savannah Cat

General Information On Importing Cats and Dogs to Jamaica

  1. It is recommended to keep a copy of each document for yourself. The Veterinary Services Division also provides an import checklist on the Ministry of Agriculture’s website. It is a good idea to have a copy for your own use.

  2. It is advised to have 30 days before the estimated time for travel to ensure your pet gets ready for travel. If it appears as though the originally scheduled date of arrival will not be possible, reach out to the Veterinary Services Division immediately.

  3. A copy of all the documents should be submitted to the Permit Unit via email to be vetted for correctness. This way you’ll have no surprises on the day of arrival.

  4. The animal will only be permitted to enter the country through the Norman Manley Airport in Kingston unless a special licence is given to you by the Director of Veterinary Services. Your dog, or cat, must arrive in Jamaica before the expiration date of the import permit.

  5. Your animal must travel as manifested cargo in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved crate. Animals should not travel with cloth, straw or hay bedding as this is illegal. Also, animals should not have any toys or clothing. These items will be confiscated.

  6. Except for service dogs, all dogs and cats will be checked at the freight terminal, not the passenger terminal.

  7. If you wish to travel with pet food, you will need to apply for an Import Permit specifically for that purpose. 

  8. Animals should arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and between 8:30 and 4:00 pm on Fridays to facilitate Customs and Veterinary clearances where applicable. If you arrive outside of this window on weekdays or at any time on weekends or Public Holidays it will attract additional fees.

  9. On arrival, your animal will be examined by an official vet, who will check all import documents for accuracy, physically examine the animal to ensure it is in good health and free from signs of diseases and finally determine whether the animal will be released or quarantined. Quarantine or release is dependent on the animal's health.

  10. All documents must be submitted to the Veterinary Services Division (VSD), Permit Unit: vsdpermits@gmail.com or Fax: 1(876) 977-0885. The hard copy should also be submitted to the Permit Unit.

As you can see, importing cats and dogs to Jamaica can be quite the task. However, if at any time you need information or clarification you can reach out to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Veterinary Services Division.

Contact Information

  • Email: vsdpermits@gmail.com or vsd@micaf.gov.jm 
  • Telephone: +1 (876) 927-0594/ +876 927 0594/ +1 (876) 977-2489/92
  • Ministry of Agriculture’s Website: http://www.moa.gov.jm/content/guidelines-importation-dogs-and-cats-jamaica-animals-diseases-importation-control-amendment

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References & Sources For Importing Cats and Dogs To Jamaica

  1. Senior, Olive, Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage, 2003
  2. Wallace & Robinson, Creating Jamaica, Our Early Years, Carlong Publishers
  3. Black, Clinton V. History Of Jamaica, 2005
  4. Simpson, Joanne, M. Why Heritage, "A Guide To The Importance Of Our Jamaican Story"
  5. Sherlock, Phillip & Bennett, Hazel, "The Story Of The Jamaican People" (independence)
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