Pet import requirements for Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda at a glance

The detail

A customs broker is not typically required for Antigua and Barbuda. A destination agent is not typically required for Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles. Build extra buffer for Latin America And Caribbean connections; live-animal acceptance windows are shorter than passenger connections.

Import requirements

At least six months old and fully vaccinated, in cluding a rabies vaccination, before entry; there are no specific exceptions mentioned regarding pregnant females, but it's always best to consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date in formation.

To bring your dog and/or cat into Antigua, you must apply for a Veterinary Import License from the Veterinary & Livestock Division.

An Import License must be obtained from the Veterinary and Livestock Division prior to any importation of live animals or animal by-products. It is the refore recommended that in dividuals wishing to import live animals first contact the division at least two weeks in advance to obtain a document outlining the necessary import requirements that must be fulfilled before the license can be issued. It is important to note that these requirements vary depending on the animal’s country of origin.

Once the in formation requested in the document is provided via fax or email, it will be verified by Veterinary Officers and if given the approval, the Import License will be prepared within 48 hours.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE VETERINARY & LIVESTOCK DIVISION AT: (268) 460-1759; (268) 562-1814; (268) 562-7592

Commercial importers must comply with all standard import requirements and may face additional regulations depending on the in tended use of the animals. All commercial shipments require prior approval from the Veterinary & Livestock Division and must meet health certification and documentation requirements. Contact the Veterinary & Livestock Division at vld@ab.gov.ag or +1 (268) 460-1759 for specific commercial import requirements.

YES. Requirements vary significantly based on the country of origin. FOR RABIES-ENDEMIC COUNTRIES (USA, Canada, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and countries that do not maintain strict entry control requirements): (1) ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip REQUIRED before rabies vaccination; (2) Valid rabies vaccination (annual vaccines required, within 1 year of importation); (3) Rabies FAVN Antibody Titer Test at OIE-approved laboratory (must be within last 24 months; second test not required if annual vaccines kept up to date); (4) Full medical and vaccination history in cluding Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus for dogs; testing for Lyme, Heartworm, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Leishmania for dogs; FeLV/FIV testing and vaccination history for cats. FOR OIE CERTIFIED RABIES-FREE COUNTRIES (such as Barbados, Jamaica) that maintain strict entry control: Medical and vaccination history required (in clude Ehrlichia and Lyme testing for dogs; FIP, FeLV, FIV in formation for cats). Import permit from Veterinary & Livestock Division REQUIRED for all origins. Contact vld@ab.gov.ag or +1 (268) 460-1759.

The Country of origin will determine the procedure that is taken.

If the country of origin is a Rabies in fected country such as the USA, Canada, Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago or a country that does not maintain strict entry control requirements of imported pets from rabies endemic countries, the requirements are:

• Valid Certification of Rabies Vaccination (rabies vaccine within 1 year of importation)
• Certification of Microchipping
• Results within accepted levels of the Rabies FAVN (Antibody Titer) tested at an
• OIE approved Laboratory.

If the country of origin of the pet is an OIE certified Rabies-free country and maintains strict entry control requirements of imported pets from rabies endemic countries such as Barbados, Jamaica, to name a few, the requirements are:

• Medical and Vaccination History (please in clude results for Ehrlichia and Lyme’s Disease Testing) (for cats please in clude testing results, vaccinations and any relevant history regarding FIP, FeLV, FIV).

Additional requirements in clude: (1) All documentation must be in English or accompanied by certified English translations; (2) Airlines and shipping companies have their own requirements for pet transport, so verify these with your carrier in advance; (3) Ensure your pet’s travel crate meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards; (4) Plan sufficient time to complete all required tests, vaccinations, and obtain necessary permits, as the FAVN antibody titer test alone can take several weeks to process; (5) Keep copies of all documentation for your records; (6) Notify the Veterinary & Livestock Division at least 72 hours before arrival with estimated time of arrival (ETA). Failure to provide advance notification will result in significant delays. A veterinary in spection fee of EC$130 or US$50 is charged upon arrival. Overtime fees apply for arrivals outside 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday or on weekends/public holidays.

Please fax +268 460-1759 or email vld@ab.gov.ag the in formation required for the processing of the import license.

Once this is done and after reviewing the dogs/cats medical and vaccination history an import license can be issued.

An Import License must be obtained from the Veterinary and Livestock Division prior to any importation of live animals or animal by-products. It is the refore recommended that in dividuals wishing to import live animals first contact the division at least two weeks in advance to obtain a document outlining the necessary import requirements that must be fulfilled before the license can be issued. It is important to note that these requirements vary depending on the animal’s country of origin. Once the in formation requested in the document is provided via fax or email, it will be verified by Veterinary Officers and if given the approval, the Import License will be prepared within 48 hours.

Identification and microchip

Certification of Microchip with an AVID microchip

Rabies and vaccinations

Valid Certification of Rabies Vaccination (rabies vaccine within 1 year of importation) Results within accepted levels of the Rabies FAVN (Antibody Titer) tested at an OIE approved Laboratory.

DOGS

• Carré's disease (DISTEMPER)

• Hepatitis

• Leptospirosis

• Parvovirus

• Rabie.

CATS

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis

• Feline calicivirus

• Rabies

Tests and treatments

Please in clude results for Ehrlichia and Lyme’s Disease Testing.

Internal, and external parasites treatments 10days administered by certified veterinarian 10 days before entry and must be on health certificate.

The animal is to be treated within seven (7) days of exportation for in ternal and external parasites with approved product(s). The products should be noted on the of ficial health certificate.

Health certificate and permits

An Official Health Certificate is REQUIRED stating that the animal is in good health and free from symptoms of communicable diseases. The certificate must be: (1) Issued within 7 days prior to arrival into Antigua & Barbuda; (2) Issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian for shipments from the USA; (3) Endorsed (countersigned) by an APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office for shipments from the USA; (4) Must contain the date of treatment and product name for both in ternal and external parasite treatments performed within 7 days of export. For dogs, in clude medical and vaccination history with testing results for Ehrlichia, Lyme Disease, Heartworm, Anaplasma, and Leishmania, plus vaccinations for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. For cats, in clude testing results for FeLV and FIV, vaccination history for FeLV, and any relevant history regarding FIP, FeLV, and FIV.

Once this is done and after reviewing the dogs/cats medical and vaccination history an import license can be issued. Only pets with a duly issued import license will be accepted into Antigua and Barbuda.

Please fax (268-460-1759) or email (vld@ab.gov.ag) the in formation required above so that we can proceed in the processing of the import license.

Quarantine

None if entry requirements are met.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Dogs of the “pitbull” breed or mixes of this breed are not allowed to land on Antigua and Barbuda. Any dog, which physically resembles this breed, must be accompanied by certification from a recognized kennel club, which verifies that the dog is not of this breed (pitbull).

Please note that failure to comply with any of the requirements may result in refusal of entry of the pet into Antigua & Barbuda or confiscation of the pet.

Aninal Welfare Regulations

Customs, agents, and airports

A customs broker is not typically required for Antigua and Barbuda.

A destination agent is not typically required for Antigua and Barbuda.

Airports:

• V.C. Bird International Airport, St. John’s (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA) – Located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of the capital. This is the main in ternational airport and primary entry point for Antigua and Barbuda.

Ground:

• Entry Point, City (contact in formation)
• Entry Point, City (contact in formation)

Water Port:

• Port Name, City (contact in formation)
• Port Name, City (contact in formation)

Aeropuerto Internacional V. C. Bird / IATA: ANU

Upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda, all pets must clear customs and undergo veterinary in spection at the entry point. Animals are classified as property for customs purposes and are subject to the imposition of duties and taxes as applicable. Present all required documentation in cluding the import permit, health certificate, vaccination records, and proof of microchip to the veterinary in spector upon arrival. Ensure advance notification was provided at least 72 hours before arrival to facilitate smooth clearance. The veterinary in spection fee of EC$130 or US$50 must be paid upon arrival. If arriving outside normal working hours (8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday) or on weekends and public holidays, overtime in spection fees will apply. Failure to comply with requirements may result in delays, quarantine, or refusal of entry. Entry points: V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) and St. John’s Deep Water Harbour (Heritage Quay, Nevis Street Pier).

Export notes

For exporting pets from Antigua and Barbuda to another country, you must comply with the import requirements of the destination country. Contact the Veterinary & Livestock Division to obtain an export health certificate. The veterinary in spector will examine your pet and issue a health certificate confirming the animal’s health status. You must provide documentation of all vaccinations, treatments, and health records. Verify the specific requirements of your destination country well in advance of travel, as requirements vary significantly between countries. Some countries may require additional testing, waiting periods, or permits. Most countries require a health certificate (in ternational health certificate) that is no older than 10 days, though some require certificates less than 10 days old. Contact: vld@ab.gov.ag or +1 (268) 460-1759.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Antigua and Barbuda is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret, particularly if it is a turtle, parrot, or other exotic species, you must verify that it is not protected under CITES. Additional permits and documentation will be required for CITES-listed species. Use the Species+ Database at https://www.speciesplus.net/ or the CITES Checklist at https://checklist.cites.org/ to verify if your animal is protected. For more in formation, visit https://www.cites.org/. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations.

Dogs and cats are the primary types of pets allowed to enter Antigua and Barbuda. Other pets such as birds, reptiles, rodents, and exotic animals face significant restrictions or may not be permitted entry. Any animal species not covered under the standard dog and cat import requirements must be approved in advance by the Veterinary & Livestock Division. Contact vld@ab.gov.ag or call +1 (268) 460-1759 before attempting to import any animal other than a dog or cat to determine specific requirements and whether importation is permitted. CITES regulations apply to protected species such as turtles, parrots, and other exotic animals. Verify your animal’s status at https://www.speciesplus.net/ before travel.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS:

Veterinary & Livestock Division:

Email vld@ab.gov.ag

Phone +1 (268) 460-1759 / +1 (268) 562-1814

Fax +1 (268) 460-1759.

Dog Registration & Control Authority (DRCA):

Phone +1 (268) 562-7277.

ENTRY POINTS:

V.C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA), St. John’s; St. John’s Deep Water Harbour (Heritage Quay, Nevis Street Pier); English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour.

PROHIBITED BREEDS: Pitbull breeds or mixes are NOT allowed. Dogs resembling pitbulls must have certification from a recognized kennel club. IMPORTANT NOTES: Begin application process 60-90 days before travel.

Import permit REQUIRED before arrival. Notify authorities 72 hours before arrival. Keep all original documents and copies. Regulations subject to change - always verify current requirements. Non-compliance may result in refusal of entry, quarantine, confiscation, or return at owner’s expense.

OFFICIAL RESOURCES:

Ministry of Agriculture

Official Import Requirements:

Entry Requirements

USDA APHIS:

Website

When exporting pets from Antigua and Barbuda, ensure your pet has been registered with the Dog Registration & Control Authority (DRCA) if it was a resident pet. Registration is required within 7-10 days of arrival for all dogs owned by residents. Contact DRCA at +1 (268) 562-7277. Obtain a health certificate from a local veterinarian certifying that your pet is healthy and fit for travel. Schedule a veterinary in spection appointment in advance by contacting the Veterinary & Livestock Division at vld@ab.gov.ag or +1 (268) 460-1759. The veterinarian will in spect your pet and verify all documentation before issuing the required export certificate. Ensure your pet’s travel crate meets IATA standards and airline requirements. Confirm all requirements with your airline or shipping company before the travel date. Requirements vary by destination country.

Official contacts

VETERINARY AND LIVESTOCK DIVISION

P.O. Box 1282

Friars Hill Road

St. John's, ANTIGUA

EMAIL: vld@ab.gov.ag

PHONE: +268 460-1759

FAX: +268 462-6104

Current as of March 2024

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-03-23.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

Other destinations: Anguilla · Argentina · Aruba · all destinations