Pet import requirements for Jamaica

Jamaica at a glance

The detail

Jamaica is an island country in the Caribbean Sea whose closest neighbors are Cuba to the north and Haiti to the east. Norman Manley International Airport) (IATA: KIN). 3 months or older.

Import requirements

3 months or older.

Link to requirements posted on Gov website: Guidelines for Import of Dogs and Cats Into Jamaica

Importation of Dogs and Cats(2017)

NA

Different countries may have varying requirements depending on factors like their disease status, especially regarding animal imports, meaning a country considered high-risk for rabies may face stricter regulations for exporting pets to Jamaica compared to a low-risk country; countries with specific trade restrictions may also have different export needs to Jamaica.

Identification and microchip

Required, ISO Standard 11784 or 11785. Microchip number must be recorded on all documentation.

Rabies and vaccinations

Primary vaccination for puppies/kittens older than 3 months and younger than 12 months old receiving the vaccination for the first time, will NOT qualify for entry until 180 days after the primary in oculation.

Primary vaccination for dogs 12 months and older, receiving the vaccination for the first time, will not qualify for entry until 3 months after the in oculation.

Primary vaccinations:

Dogs

• Each dog was vaccinated according to the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations against canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, canine in fectious hepatitis virus or; canine adenovirus type 2 (canine respiratory disease complex) and canine parainfluenza virus not less than two (2) weeks or fourteen (14) days prior to export. Leptospirosis:
• the dog was treated against Leptospira in terrogans serovar canicola with an approved course of treatment within thirty (30) days prior to the date of shipment; (State the active in gredient, product name, dose rate and date of treatment), OR
• The dog has been vaccinated against Leptospira in terrogans serovar canicola and is up to date with booster vaccines. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis):
• If six (6) months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog has been subjected to a heartworm antigen ELISA test with a negative result within thirty (30) days prior to the date of shipment.
• ALL DOGS (regardless of age) have either been treated with a product registered for heartworm prevention at the manufacturer’s recommended dose within seven (7) days of export Leishmaniosis:
• Dogs must be tested for Leishmania in fantum in fection by an in direct fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• The test must produce a negative result within 45 days of export. This test may not be required if the country is free of Leishmaniosis. This should be CLEARLY stated in the veterinary health certificate. Babesiosis, Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis:
• Each dog has been tested using an approved test in clusive of ELISA for Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis with negative results within sixteen (16) days of export. Brucella canis:
• The dog has been subjected to a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT), or a cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test (CPAg-AGID), or a tube agglutination test (TAT) with negative results within forty-five (45) days prior to the date of export; AND
• The dog was not mated to a dog of lesser Brucella canis health status in the forty –five (45) days prior to the date of shipment.
• This test may not be required if the country is free of Brucella canis in fection or for dogs, which have been neutered/spayed. This should be CLEARLY stated in the veterinary health certificate. Canine transmissible venereal tumour: Last updated: May 30 2018
• The external genitalia of each dog was examined within seven (7) days prior to the date of shipment and no lesions suggestive of canine transmissible venereal tumour was observed. Canine Influenza:
• The dog was examined and found free of in fection with or signs and symptoms of canine in fluenza within seven (7) days of export.
• The dog was NOT vaccinated against canine in fluenza.

Cats

• Each cat shall be vaccinated according to the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations against feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV - kittens) not less than two (2) weeks or fourteen (14) days prior to export.

Tests and treatments

A FAVN titer test MUST be done 30 days after rabies vaccination. An Attestation Form for Rabies vaccination and FAVN titre testing is in cluded in Preliminary Application Form, which MUST be signed and stamped by an Official Veterinarian in the country of origin.

Helminths and Tapeworm:

-Faecal examinations must be conducted by a approved licensed veterinarian and found with negative results

• The dog/cat treated must be treated twice by an approved licensed veterinarian, at least fourteen (14) days apart with the final treatment within seven (7) days prior to export. Treatment should be with broad spectrum anthelminthic(s) that is/are registered for use in the country of origin and effective against the nematodes, cestodes and trematodes. The approved licensed veterinarian should clearly state the active in gredients, product name, dose rate and dates of treatment.
• For tapeworms a preparation containing praziquantel at a dose rate of 5mg/kg body weight Coccidiosis:

• A recognized test for coccidiosis must be performed on the dog or cat with negative results
• If positive, the dog/ cat must be treated with an effective product for the treatment of coccidial in fections according to the manufacturer’s recommendations within 21-30 days of travel. External parasites:

• The dog or cat must be examined by an approved licensed veterinarian and certified as free of external parasites
• The dog or cat must be treated by an approved licensed veterinarian twice using products registered in the exporting country for the control of fleas, ticks, lice and mites at the manufacturer’s recommended dose. The first treatment to be given thirty (30) days prior to the date of shipment, and the second treatment, within seven (7) days of export. The approved licensed veterinarian should clearly state the active in gredients, product name, dose rate and dates of treatment and certify each dog or cat as free from external parasites at each treatment

Health certificate and permits

Once all tests, vaccinations and treatment have been completed, the Official Veterinarian in the country of origin will provide an applicant with an Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

The original copy of the Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate for export, from the approved country of origin of the pet must accompany the animal along with a valid Importer’s Copy of the Veterinary Import Permit upon arrival in Jamaica.

The Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate must be completed by an Official Veterinarian of the country of origin; OR prepared by an Accredited Veterinarian of the country of origin.

The Official Veterinarian must complete, sign and stamp all pages of the Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

Any corrections made to the Veterinary Health Certificate must be struck through, remain legible and be signed and stamped by the Official Veterinarian. Correction fluid must not be used.

The Official Veterinarian must also sign and stamp each page of the following supporting documents and record the microchip number of the animal on all pages:

• Ehrlichia, Babesiosis, Lyme disease laboratory report,
• Leishmania in fantum laboratory report,
• Brucella canis laboratory report (where applicable),
• Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), where applicable
• Leptospira in terrogans serovar canicola laboratory report (if not vaccinated),
• Rabies vaccination certificate,
• FAVN Laboratory Report.

-

A copy of the supporting documents in cluding the Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate should be submitted to the Permit Unit at vsdpermits@gmail.com to be vetted prior to arrival.

It is recommended that you retain a copy of each document for your file.

Once the https://www.moa.gov.jm/sites/default/files/application%20for%20import%20permit.pdfPreliminary Application Form has been approved, the applicant will be advised via email to apply on line for a Veterinary Import Permit, which is MANDATORY.

Application for import permit

Application for export health certificate

Quarantine

See Import Requirements.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Hybrid breeds (of fspring of domestic dogs/cats crossed with another species) as well as Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and Pit Bull Terrier breeds are not allowed in Jamaica.

Animals that do not originate from countries listed in Category 1 Part 1 of the First Schedule must first be resident for a continuous period of at least 6 months in a country listen in Category 1 Part 1 of the First Schedule BEFORE qualifying for entry.

Customs, agents, and airports

A customs broker is required for Jamaica.

Highly Recommended

Norman Manley International Airport) (IATA: KIN)

Airports listed on this destination file: KIN.

When traveling to Jamaica with a pet, you can bring them in as checked baggage or cargo, but generally not in the cabin.

Pet containers flying into Jamaica must meet the

International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Containers must be large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. They must also be secure, leak-proof, and labeled with a LIVE ANIMAL sticker.

Customs hours- 9am to 5pm

You do not need to call ahead, however there will be an additional fee for arriving on the weekends and/or after business hours.

Export notes

Requirements

Application for export health certificate

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.

When importing pets other than dogs, cats, and ferrets to Jamaica, you will likely need an import permit, a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and may face additional restrictions depending on the species

Animal Welfare Regulations

Official contacts

The Veterinary Services DepartmentMinistry of Agriculture

Hope Gardens,

Kingston 6, Jamaica

Tel: +876 927-0594 / +876 977-2489 / 92

Fax: +876 977-0885

E-mail: vsdpermits@gmail.com

Website:www.moa.gov.jm

Current as of April 2025

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 2025-04-10.

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