Pet import requirements for Curaco
What Curaco asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2025-08-25 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-09-15. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
Curaco at a glance
| Requirement | For Curaco |
|---|---|
| Microchip | To enter Curaçao, your pet (dog or cat) requires a ISO-compliant microchip and an of ficial in ternational health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within two weeks… |
| Rabies | The animal has to be vaccinated against Rabies at the age of at least 12 weeks with an in activated vaccine at least 21 days, but no longer than 12 months to 36 months (as… |
| Rabies antibody test Required | You need an accredited veterinarian to issue an of ficial health certificate within 10 to 14 days of entry, which in cludes documentation of rabies vaccination (given at least 21… |
| Import permit Not required | Not required for a personal pet |
| Quarantine | Not required |
| Minimum age to travel | Pets must be at least 15 weeks (or 3 months and 21 days) old to enter Curaçao |
| Customs clearance | Not required |
| Agent at destination | There are no local destination agents so it is best to have the owner travel with the pet or have someone on the island to be there to receive the pet |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
Curaçao in cludes the main island of Curaçao and much smaller, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao ("Little Curaçao"). Curacao Airport: Curaçao International Airport (CUR, TNCC), also known as Hato International Airport, is the only airport for the island of Curaçao. Pets must be at least 15 weeks (or 3 months and 21 days) old to enter Curaçao.
Import requirements
Pets must be at least 15 weeks (or 3 months and 21 days) old to enter Curaçao. This is due to the mandatory rabies vaccination schedule.
All pets must comply with the requirements. All service animals must comply as well. In order to import a dog, cat or ferret to Curaçao the animal has to comply with importation regulations. It is important to coordinate with your local Government authority as to what is required for direct import / export into Curacao from origin country. If you come from a high-risk rabies area it may be a good idea to have a FAVN titer accompany your health certificate and rabies vaccination.
For Curacao, a "personal pet move" is the non-commercial import of companion animals for the owner's personal reasons, such as relocation or travel, not for sale or profit. A "commercial move" in volves animals not in tended for personal reasons, such as those imported for sale, or pets that are unaccompanied by their owner and/or arrive more than 5 days before or after the owner.
Follow import guidelines and requirements.
It is best to contact the Chief Veterinary Officer in advance. Also, you will want to confirm what the validity is for endorsement of the health certificate for commercially kept animals.
Arnold Dwarkasing, Chief Veterinary Officer, For in formation regarding animal shipment / travel to Curaçao, please contact Dr. Dwarkasing at the office of Veterinary Affairs in Curaçao:
Email: info.uovz@gobiernu.cw
Tel: +599 9461 4000
Additional contact in formation is found below under country contacts.
ARUBA and CURACAO- this may impact your shipment or logistical planning for Curacao - NOTE: Dogs and Cats traveling from South & Central America " Mexico" Cuba" Haiti and the Dominican Republic are not allowed to travel to Aruba " this in cludes emotional support dogs. Support dogs are only allowed if they are on same day transit via Aruba. Animals traveling or originating from South and Central America are prohibited in Aruba, unless they are part of the moving household and a certificate of no objection is issued by the Veterinary Service Aruba.
No entry into Curacao from South and Central America (excludes Suriname).
The animal has to be transported in a suitable kennel and according to IATA regulations.
After the parasite treatments it has to be kept free of any ecto - and endoparasites.
Identification and microchip
To enter Curaçao, your pet (dog or cat) requires a ISO-compliant microchip and an of ficial in ternational health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within two weeks of travel, along with a rabies vaccination and an of ficial rabies titer test. While a pet passport is a convenient document that can contain this in formation, it's the microchip, health certificate, and vaccination records that are the mandatory forms of identification and health proof. Tattoos are not a primary form of identification, and pictures are not sufficient for entry.
Rabies and vaccinations
The animal has to be vaccinated against Rabies at the age of at least 12 weeks with an in activated vaccine at least 21 days, but no longer than 12 months to 36 months (as registered by the manufacturer) prior to departure.
Core vaccinations required for cats and dogs as recommended by the country of export and specific country guidelines. Vaccinations should be kept current It is recommended to have the following core vaccinations:
- Dogs(s) have/have been vaccinated against Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Lyme disease.
- Cat(s) has/have been vaccinated against Feline Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Leukemia. All animals (in cluding dogs, cats, and ferrets) must be properly microchipped for identification before travel. A rabies vaccination is required for ferrets as well.
Tests and treatments
You need an accredited veterinarian to issue an of ficial health certificate within 10 to 14 days of entry, which in cludes documentation of rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days prior) and tapeworm treatment. Additionally, your pet requires a microchip, and a rabies titer test is necessary, with the blood sample collected no more than 12 months before arrival.
The animal has to be free of any endoparasites. Therefore the veterinarian certifies treating the animal within 14 days prior to departure with a registered endoparasitic agent as in structed by the manufacturer (mention the date and the product used on the health certificate).
The animal has to be free of any ectoparasites. Therefore the veterinarian certifies treating the animal as in structed by the manufacturer with a registered systemic/oral or to pical ectoparasitic agent, with a long lasting persistent efficacy of at least 28 days, within 14 days prior to departure (mention the date, the time and the product used on the health certificate).
Health certificate and permits
A pet has to be accompanied by an of ficial in ternational veterinary certificate issued by the Veterinary Authority and signed by the of ficial veterinarian designated by the Veterinary Authority and endorsed by the Veterinary Authority with a validity of not more than 2 (two) weeks. The USDA supplies a form for the USA - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/health-certificates/non-eu/curacao-dog-cat.pdf.
*Check to see if your country has a specific export health certificate for Curacao.*
Not required for personal pets. However, a valid Official International Health Certificate is mandatory, issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by a government veterinarian, and is only valid for two weeks.
US Health Certificate
Quarantine
Not required as long as pet meets the import requirements. Pets may be euthanized if proper protocol and requirements are not met or if imported from a restricted country or banned breed.
Restrictions and banned breeds
Breed Restrictions
Prohibited breeds:
Pit Bull type dogs are not allowed into Curaçao.
Restricted origin:
Dogs from South and Central America (excluding Suriname) are prohibited from entering Curaçao. Climate and Travel
Time Restrictions Airline Embargoes:
Many airlines will not transport pets as cargo when ground temperatures are too extreme, typically above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C).
Ground Handling Risk:
The risk to pets is not in the temperature-controlled aircraft cabin, but during ground handling in hot or cold conditions.
Travel Planning:
Consider traveling during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to reduce exposure to high temperatures.
Customs, agents, and airports
Owner can clear the pet. Brokers are not required.
There are no local destination agents so it is best to have the owner travel with the pet or have someone on the island to be there to receive the pet.
Curacao Airport: Curaçao International Airport (CUR, TNCC), also known as Hato International Airport, is the only airport for the island of Curaçao. The airport is located on the north coast of Curaçao, 12 kilometres from the capital Willemstad.
Water Ports:
Port of Willemstad
Bullen Bay
Caracas Bay
was-gmcur@minbuza.nl
Curaçao Customs: +5999 7240053
Note: In some in stances with live animal cargo you may wish to fly into Aruba and transfer to Divi Divi, the local ABC carrier. Or you may need to fly from Bonaire for certain in ternational routes. There are no ferries in between islands.
Pet owner may declare and clear pet. However, there is a protocol for those arriving by sea. http://curports.com/shipping/yachting/customs-immigration.
Local company Seawings N.V. of fers customs assistance - http://www.seawingsnv.com/Services/Customs
All pets must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport.
Best Airport/Transport:There is no ferry service available between the ABC islands. The largest airport is Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (AUA). Curacao International Airport (CUR) and Bonaire International Airport (BON).
Customs Broker/Agent Requirements: Not Required. However, there are certain requirements that differ when arriving by sea compared to air travel. Please review guidelines - http://curports.com/shipping/yachting/customs-immigration. It may be helpful to have an Agent - http://www.seawingsnv.com/Services/Customs
For in formation related to customs and their import regulations it is advised you to visit their website: www.douane.cw
Export notes
Pet owners may declare and clear pets. However, there is a protocol for those arriving by sea. http://curports.com/shipping/yachting/customs-immigration.
Local company Seawings N.V. of fers customs assistance - http://www.seawingsnv.com/Services/Customs
All pets must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport.
Best Airport/Transport:There is no ferry service available between the ABC islands. The largest airport is Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba (AUA). Curacao International Airport (CUR) and Bonaire International Airport (BON).
Customs Broker/Agent Requirements: Not Required. However, there are certain requirements that differ when arriving by sea compared to air travel. Please review guidelines - HERE. It may be helpful to have an Agent - http://www.seawingsnv.com/Services/Customs For in formation related to customs and their import regulations it is advised you to visit their website: HERE
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
CITES requirements only apply if your pet is a listed species; most pets for the pet trade, such as dogs and cats, are not subject to CITES. Additionally, Curaçao has specific restrictions, such as a ban on Pitbull-type dogs.
Your pet must be identified by an ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit, non-encrypted microchip.
CITES permits are only required for specific wildlife species that are endangered, like certain parrots or macaws. Follow rules according to species. Contact the Chief Veterinary Officer in advance.
Birds requirements are found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/health-certificates/non-eu/curacao-birds.pdf
For birds - The department of Veterinary Affairs must be warned by the freight forwarders and/or customs at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight, so that the shipment may be in spected on arrival. Birds that do not comply with the aforementioned certification requirements or show any symptoms of any communicable disease will be euthanized immediately.
When exporting animals they must first comply with the importing country's requirements. Official Health Certificates are issued at our office (Abattoirweg 15 between 8 - 11 AM, costs are Nafl 70,- for 3 animals of the same species), but the applicant must visit their private vet to have their pet examined and get the application form for the Official Health Certificate to bring to our office. It is the responsibility of the owner to contact the importing country to receive their current import requirements.
Official contacts
Arnold Dwarkasing, Chief Veterinary Officer
For in formation regarding animal shipment / travel to Curaçao, please contact Dr. Dwarkasing at the office of Veterinary Affairs in Curaçao:
Email: info.uovz@gobiernu.cw
Tel: +599 9461 4000
Dr Arnold DWARKASING
Chief Veterinary Officer
Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature Veterinary Services
Abattoirweg 15
Netherlands Antilles Island
Willemstad
CURACAO
Tel: +599 94 61 40 00
Fax: +599 94 61 10 14
Additional contact Email:
arnold.dwarkasing@gobiernu.cw
arnold.dwarkasing@gmail.com
Department of Veterinary Affairs
Abattoirweg 15
Willemstad, Curacao
Phone: +599 9461-4000
Fax: +599 9 461-1014
Email: info.uovz@gobiernu.cw
Veterinary Officer Email: Arnold.Dwarkasing@gobiernu.cw
Veterinary Officer Email: Jennyfer.Nicolina[@gobiernu.cw
Website](http://www.gobiernu.cw/)
Current as of June 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 2025-08-25.
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: Bermuda · British Virgin Islands · Canada · all destinations
Official sources for Curaco
- Animal Welfare Regulations aphis.usda.gov
Questions about moving a pet to Curaco
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Curaco?
To enter Curaçao, your pet (dog or cat) requires a ISO-compliant microchip and an of ficial in ternational health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within two weeks…
From the country profile, last verified 2025-08-25.
What rabies vaccination does Curaco require?
The animal has to be vaccinated against Rabies at the age of at least 12 weeks with an in activated vaccine at least 21 days, but no longer than 12 months to 36 months (as…
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for Curaco?
You need an accredited veterinarian to issue an of ficial health certificate within 10 to 14 days of entry, which in cludes documentation of rabies vaccination (given at least 21…
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Curaco?
Not required for a personal pet
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Curaco?
Not required