Pet import requirements for Barbados

Barbados at a glance

The detail

For Barbados, start with this checkpoint: 6 Months. Barbados is an eastern Caribbean Island and an in dependent British Commonwealth nation. Cargo and passenger-pet routings commonly use BGI.

Import requirements

6 Months

Please provide the following in formation:

• Name, address (in Barbados) and contact in formation of the owner/agent.
• Name and contact in formation of the Customs broker.
• Date and time of arrival.
• Airline and Flight number or vessel name

The import health requirements will differ depending on the category of country. However, irrespective of the country of origin and its rabies status, all cats and dogs entering Barbados must be permanently identified with a microchip and must be vaccinated against rabies after microchip implantation.

Persons are asked to note that all pets must clear customs and veterinary checks upon arrival, and they will need to employ the services of a customs broker to facilitate customs clearance. According to the Animal (Diseases and Importation Control) Regulations CAP. 253, Section 5, the airline must issue a “Pre-Alert” notifying the relevant parties in Barbados of the pets on board the aircraft.

For further in formation on the conditions for the importation of a cat or dog into Barbados, persons may call the Veterinary Services Department at 535-0220 or 535-0221 or email vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb.

For Commercial Traders, a valid Business License is required.

All animal importations require an Import permit. An application form may be obtained from the Veterinary Services Administration, The Pine, St. Michael and must be submitted along with a fee of BDS $25.00 before the permit can be issued.

Identification and microchip

All dogs and cats entering Barbados must be permanently identified with a microchip (ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to standard 11785) and must be vaccinated against rabies after microchip implantation. Only ISO standard microchips should be used.|

The identification number stated in the certificate should be identical to that which can be found on the animal. All supporting certificates (rabies vaccination, laboratory test results) should bear the microchip number. The certifying veterinarian must be able to verify the microchip number before signing the certificate.

Rabies and vaccinations

The animal must be implanted with a microchip before or at the time of vaccination against rabies. Only in activated virus vaccines manufactured in compliance with the recommendations of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Manual should be used. The validity

of the vaccine is according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The vaccination should have been carried out when the animal was at least three (3) months old. In the case of a booster vaccination, the booster must have been administered on or before the date of expiry of the previous vaccine. There is a wait of thirty-five (35) days from the date of administration of a primary

rabies vaccination or revaccination of an expired or missed rabies booster vaccination before your dog or cat is eligible to enter Barbados. If the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet requires more than one vaccination to complete the primary course of vaccinations, the 35 day wait applies from the date of the final

vaccination of that course. The day of vaccination counts as day 0.

DOGS

• Carré's disease (DISTEMPER)

• Hepatitis

• Leptospirosis

• Parvovirus

• Rabies.

CATS

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis

• Feline calicivirus

• Rabies.

Tests and treatments

For countries where the following diseases are endemic, the pets must be tested for heartworm, leishmaniasis, nipah virus and/or hendra virus and found to be negative.

Heartworm Disease Test: Dog over 6 months old must be tested for heartworm disease within the 30 days prior to leaving the U.S. (Cats do not require a heartworm test):

ELISA antigen tests such as the IDEXX® SNAP® test kit may be used. If the ELISA test is positive or if the animal was previously treated for heartworm, then the modified Knott’s test may be carried out to demonstrate the absence of microfilaraemia.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test: Animals that have been in a Category 2 country in the 3 months prior to travel from the U.S. to Barbados as well as pets arriving by sea must be tested for rabies antibodies using a FAVN test done at an approved laboratory. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination with results ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. In the case of a failed test result (less than 0.5 IU/ml), the animal must be revaccinated and retested before travel is allowed.

Treatment against in ternal and external parasites required and should be noted in the health certificate. Specifically, Dogs must be treated for ticks and tapeworms within the 7 days prior to leaving the U.S. The tapeworm treatment must contain praziquantel.

Health certificate and permits

All dogs and cats entering Barbados must be accompanied by an Official Export Health Certificate endorsed (signed and stamped endorsed) by the Official/Federal Veterinary Services of the country of origin and completed in English. Within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate from the country of origin. This may not be the same veterinarian who carries out the procedures and/or fills out the health certificate. The Official Veterinarian should see the import permit before issuing the Export Health Certificate.

Health record MUST accompany the pet which states that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation. For the three-year vaccine, it must be within no less than one month and not more than 34 months prior to importation. For the three-year vaccine, it must be within no less than one month and not more than 34 months prior to importation. Pet must also so record of being immunized against distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Adenovirus, and Coronavirus (for Dogs) and Feline Leukemia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia and Feline Pneumonitis (for Cats). The animal also must be declared free from external and in ternal parasites. The Official Veternary Health Certificate has been endorsed; it must be presented within 48 hours of arrival in the Bahamas to a licensed Veterinarian for an examination.

Also required, the applicant will be given a Veterinarian Form (AGR/VS/1A Form) after Import permit is issued, which must be completed by a Registered Veterinarian 24 hours prior to travel.

The export health certificate is valid for a period of 10 days from the date of endorsement by the Official Veterinarian. In the case of animals travelling by sea, validity can be extended for the period of the voyage.

Residency: Cats and dogs from Category 1 countries must demonstrate that they have spent at least three (3) months continuously either in the country of export or in other Category 1 countries immediately prior to entry. This three (3) month period may be partly in the country of export and partly in another Category 1 country. If the latter is the case, the certifying veterinarian must be able to verify this prior to signing the certificate. All animals that do not fall into Category 1, in cluding pets that have not been in a Category 1 country for more than 3 months and animals arriving by sea must satisfy the conditions for Category 2.

DOGS & CATS, ALL COUNTRIES

(2014/12/15)

Page 2 of 6

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Category I countries

To qualify for entry:

• The pets must be microchipped;
• the pets must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip has been implanted;

• thirty-five (35) days must pass after the rabies vaccination before the pets are eligible to enter Barbados;
• within seven (7) days of travel, dogs must be treated against ticks and tapeworms;

• for countries where the following diseases are endemic, the pets must be tested for heartworm,

leishmaniasis, nipah virus and/or hendra virus and found to be negative;

• within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an

Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

Requirements for Category 2 countries:

To qualify for entry:

• The pets must be microchipped;
• the pets must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip has been implanted;

• thirty (30) days after rabies vaccination, the pets must have a blood test (FAVN rabies antibody titre test)

carried out by an approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml

• ninety (90) days must pass after the successful blood sample was taken before the pets are eligible to

enter Barbados

• within seven (7) days of travel, dogs must be treated against ticks and tapeworms;
• for countries where the following diseases are endemic, the pets must be tested for heartworm,

leishmaniasis, nipah virus and/or hendra virus and found negative;

• within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an

Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

Example Veterinary Health Certificate (US)

All dogs and cats entering Barbados must be accompanied by an Official Export Health Certificate endorsed (signed and stamped endorsed) by the Official/Federal Veterinary Services of the country of origin and completed in English. Within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate from the country of origin. This may not be the same veterinarian who carries out the procedures and/or fills out the health certificate. The Official Veterinarian should see the import permit before issuing the Export Health Certificate.

Health record MUST accompany the pet which states that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies not less than 1 month and not more than 10 months prior to importation. For the three-year vaccine, it must be within no less than one month and not more than 34 months prior to importation. For the three-year vaccine, it must be within no less than one month and not more than 34 months prior to importation. Pet must also so record of being immunized against distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Adenovirus, and Coronavirus (for Dogs) and Feline Leukemia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia and Feline Pneumonitis (for Cats). The animal also must be declared free from external and in ternal parasites. The Official Veternary Health Certificate has been endorsed; it must be presented within 48 hours of arrival in the Bahamas to a licensed Veterinarian for an examination.

Also required, the applicant will be given a Veterinarian Form (AGR/VS/1A Form) after Import permit is issued, which must be completed by a Registered Veterinarian 24 hours prior to travel.

The export health certificate is valid for a period of 10 days from the date of endorsement by the Official Veterinarian. In the case of animals travelling by sea, validity can be extended for the period of the voyage.

Residency: Cats and dogs from Category 1 countries must demonstrate that they have spent at least three (3) months continuously either in the country of export or in other Category 1 countries immediately prior to entry. This three (3) month period may be partly in the country of export and partly in another Category 1 country. If the latter is the case, the certifying veterinarian must be able to verify this prior to signing the certificate. All animals that do not fall into Category 1, in cluding pets that have not been in a Category 1 country for more than 3 months and animals arriving by sea must satisfy the conditions for Category 2.

DOGS & CATS, ALL COUNTRIES

(2014/12/15)

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Category I countries

To qualify for entry:

• The pets must be microchipped;
• the pets must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip has been implanted;

• thirty-five (35) days must pass after the rabies vaccination before the pets are eligible to enter Barbados;
• within seven (7) days of travel, dogs must be treated against ticks and tapeworms;

• for countries where the following diseases are endemic, the pets must be tested for heartworm,

leishmaniasis, nipah virus and/or hendra virus and found to be negative;

• within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an

Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

Requirements for Category 2 countries:

To qualify for entry:

• The pets must be microchipped;
• the pets must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip has been implanted;

• thirty (30) days after rabies vaccination, the pets must have a blood test (FAVN rabies antibody titre test)

carried out by an approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml

• ninety (90) days must pass after the successful blood sample was taken before the pets are eligible to

enter Barbados

• within seven (7) days of travel, dogs must be treated against ticks and tapeworms;
• for countries where the following diseases are endemic, the pets must be tested for heartworm,

leishmaniasis, nipah virus and/or hendra virus and found negative;

• within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an

Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

Example Veterinary Health Certificate (US)

The rules governing the importation of cats and dogs into Barbados allows pets to enter the island from all countries.

An Import Permit must first be obtained from the Veterinary Services Department, Barbados. The import permit can only be issued once paid for. Once completed, Paid for, and approved, Permits are valid for six months from the date of issue. Application forms are available from the Veterinary Services office or can be completed on line at [Ministry of Agriculture’s website](https://agriculture.gov.bb/Apply/Importati on OfDogsAndCats).

Persons wishing to import a cat or dog into Barbados are asked to note the conditions for receiving a permit.

The export health certificate is referred to as an Official Export Health Certificate 1, which is a document signed and stamped by the Official Veterinary Services of the country of origin, and must be completed in English.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Barbados does not allow dogs or cats arrive on commercial, private, or cargo vessels (boats) to disembark the vessel for any reason. This in cludes assistance animals. All pets must be declared once at port, and available for in spection. They must be locked aborad the vessel while at port. Pets leaving the vessel (in cluding a walk on the pier, quay, port land, or beaches) are subject to immediate seizure.

Customs, agents, and airports

Yes required.

Airports:

• Grantley Adams International Airport, Seawell / Bridgetown (IATA: BGI, ICAO: TBPB)

Ground:

• Port of Bridgetown (Deep Water Harbour), Bridgetown
• Phone: +1 246-434-6100
• Email: info@barbadosport.com
• Connect Caribe (regional ferry service — planned, Barbados office) (Note: service not yet operational)

• Phone: +1 246-539-7878
• Email: enquiries@connectcaribe.com

Water Port:

• Port of Bridgetown (Deep Water Harbour), Bridgetown
• Phone: +1 246-434-6100
• Fax: +1 246-429-5348
• Email: info@barbadosport.com

Grantley Adams International *Airport* (BGI, TBPB). Grantley Adams International Airport is an in ternational airport at Seawell, Christ Church, Barbados, serving as the country's only port of entry by air. Hub for: InterCaribbean Airways, Eastern Caribbean Express, Caribbean Airways.

Grantley Adams International Airport

Christ Church

BARBADOS

Phone: (246) 418-4180

Fax: (246) 420-7180

Email: imm-dept@caribsurf.com

Airports listed on this destination file: BGI.

Please provide the following in formation:

• Name, address (in Barbados) and contact in formation of the owner/agent.
• Name and contact in formation of the Customs broker.
• Date and time of arrival.
• Airline and Flight number or vessel name. The Airlines must issue a “Pre-Alert” notifying the relevant parties in Barbados of the pets on board the aircraft.

The import health requirements will differ depending on the category of country. However, irrespective of the country of origin and its rabies status, all cats and dogs entering Barbados must be permanently identified with a microchip and must be vaccinated against rabies after microchip implantation.

Persons are asked to note that all pets must clear customs and veterinary checks upon arrival, and they will need to employ the services of a customs broker to facilitate customs clearance. According to the Animal (Diseases and Importation Control) Regulations CAP. 253, Section 5, the airline must issue a “Pre-Alert” notifying the relevant parties in Barbados of the pets on board the aircraft.

For further in formation on the conditions for the importation of a cat or dog into Barbados, persons may call the Veterinary Services Department at 535-0220 or 535-0221 or email vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb.

Whichever country the pet comes in from, if travelling by commercial airline it must arrive in Barbados as manifested cargo. All pets must clear customs and veterinary checks upon arrival. You will need to employ the services of a customs broker to facilitate customs clearance. Upon arrival, the pet will be taken by the aircraft handlers directly to the Animal Reception Centre where it will be examined by a Veterinary Officer and once approval has been given for the pet to enter the country, a Customs Officer will apply the relevant duties and the pets can be collected by their owner.

You must give at least three (3) working days’ notice of the expected date and time of arrival of the animal. Failure to do so will result in significant delays in getting your pet once it arrives. Contact Veterinary Services at (246) 427-5492; (246)427-5073; Fax: (246) 429-2143; email: vetservices@caribsurf.com. Please provide the following in formation:

a. Name, address (in Barbados) and contact in formation of the owner/agent.

b. Name and contact in formation of the Customs broker.

c. Date and time of arrival.

d. Airline and Flight number or vessel name

• In addition to custom duties, Barbados legislation allows for the collection of various fees on the importation of dogs and cats. Animals landed in Barbados outside of Government working hours, 8.15 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and on weekends and Bank Holidays are subject to overtime in spection fees
• The legal in struments in clude the Agricultural, Diagnostic and Other Services (Fees) Order, 2008 and the Animals (Diseases and Importation Control) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014.

• Under these regulations, fees levied by the Veterinary Services are:

a. Import permit application fee: $25.00

b. Landing certificate fee (per animal): $60.00

c. Overtime fees payable to the in spector: $150.00 – $300.00 depending on the day and time of arrival/in spection

• Failure to satisfy all of the health conditions laid out in the health requirements will result in your pet being refused entry into Barbado
• Contact the originating country's department of animal health to determine if import health requirements are on file for the destination country.
• If not, contact the originating country's Agricultural Officer at the Embassy or Consulate in the destination country. They should be able to provide the import health requirements in the language of the originating country.
• Alternatively, go to the source in the destination country and contact the country's Department of Animal Health.

NOTICE: Assistance Dogs

We regret that at this time there are no special exemptions to the import health requirements for assistance dogs. These dogs must satisfy the same import conditions as pets.

The laws of Barbados do not provide for access of assistance dogs to public places (shops, restaurants, hotels, etc.).

Please contact Veterinary Services for specific conditions for various animal species and the conditions related to their importation prior to making an application.

Export notes

All animals will require an export health certificate issued by a local vet that meets the requirements of the destination country.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under CITES. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case.

CLICK HERE

In the case of animals traveling by sea, validity of the endorsed health certificate from the export country can be extended for the period of the voyage.

In addition to custom duties, Barbados legislation allows for the collection of various fees on the importation of dogs and cats. Animals landed in Barbados outside of Government working hours, 8:15 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Weekends and Bank Holidays are subject to overtime in spection fees.

Official contacts

Ministry of AgricultureVeterinary Services

Point of Contact Name:Senior Veterinary Officer: Dr. Mark O. Trotman, DVM., MSc.

Direct Tel: +1246 535-0224

Email

Other Tel: +246 535-0221 / 0226

Address:

The Pine

St. Michael, BB11091

Barbados

Email: vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb

Website

Current as of January 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 2026-02-25.

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 · Antigua and Barbuda · Argentina · all destinations