Pet import requirements for the Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands at a glance

The detail

The Mariana also simply the Marianas, are a crescent-shaped archipelago comprising the summits of fourteen longitudinally oriented, mostly dormant volcanic mountains in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, between the 12th and 21st parallels…. Star Marianas Air is the only regional airline based in the Northern Marian Islands. Recommended - Client must be present during Customs clearance.

Import requirements

Pet needs to be old enough to satisfy rabies vaccinations and FAVN requirements.

ANIMAL RULES AND REGULATIONS – this is a good resource to reference as a general overview and guide.

https://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/admincode/T85/T85-20.1.pdf -

First step is to contact DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) to request an entry permit. They will advise you on next steps.

Please see rabies free protocol under the section Special Import Requirements Due to Origin.

ENTRY PERMIT

Gather your veterinary records and send them to Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for the entry permit along with your projected travel date. This should be done no more than 60 days prior to projected flight, because the Entry Permit is only valid for 60 days. Email all documents to gether so there is no confusion.

All dogs and cats from rabies in fected areas in tended for importation into the Northern Mariana Islands are required by law to undergo at least 120 days of quarantine in Guam, Honolulu or at the As Perdido Animal Quarantine Facility on Saipan. The reason behind this is to avoid the possible in troduction of rabies which we are quite fortunate not to have. All other quarantine places are not acceptable.

Our quarantine requirements and entry conditions for dogs and cats from the U.S. Mainland and other rabies-in fected areas are as follows:

• An animal quarantine permit for each species must be secured in advance from our office along with a $25.00 non-refundable entry permit fee (per animal) in certified check or money order made out to “CNMI Treasurer.” An accurate description of each animal must be submitted which shall in clude the name, breed, color, weight, age, sex, and other pertinent in formation.
• An advance deposit of $50.00 per animal is also required. This money is non-refundable but shall be used as partial payment for the quarantine fee if the animal does undergo quarantine on Saipan. If the quarantine space reservation is canceled due to non-arrival of the animal or for other reason, then the deposit money becomes forfeit after the expiration of the issued entry permit.
• Upon arrival on Saipan, the animal shall be quarantined at our As Perdido Animal Quarantine Station for a period of at least 120 days. The in dividual animal quarantine fee is $10.00 per day for dogs and $5.00 per day for cats. The fee is only for feeding, watering and cleaning of the kennels. It does not cover the cost of drugs, medication, veterinary supplies and materials, deworming, examination, bathing or grooming, vaccinations, treatment for any medical reason, surgery, veterinary care, other services, etc.
• The animal must be examined and certified as being healthy by a licensed, Federally accredited veterinarian of the state or country of origin within 10 days prior to arrival date.

The health certificate must in dicate that the animal is free from any sign or evidence of in fectious or communicable disease and was dipped or otherwise treated to free of external and in ternal parasites within 10 days of the arrival date on Saipan.

A certificate of current rabies vaccination must accompany the animal. In addition, the following vaccinations (immunizations) must be current and up to date:

Dogs: Canine Distemper; Parvovirus; Infectious Canine Hepatitis; Leptospirosis; Parainfluenza; Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough); Coronavirus

Cats: Feline Distemper; Feline Leukemia; Feline Rhinotracheitis; Calicivirus; Feline Pneumonitis

The original or copy of quarantine permit must accompany the animal during shipment.

Limited kennels are available for quarantine.

In applying for and requesting for a quarantine space, it is understood that you are also waiving any and all claims for liability against the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the Division of Agriculture, in cluding all employees and the CNMI Veterinarian, and the Government of the Northern Marianas which may be related to the quarantine.

It is strongly advised that dogs be tested for heartworms and be started on the heartworm preventative medication preferably at least one (1) month prior to entering the Northern Marianas or any other heartworm endemic area.

Government warning: one dog undergoing quarantine in the facility was stolen on or about 7 May 1983. Two additional dogs were stolen on 14 January 1994. They cannot be responsible for this type of in cident, so this is another risk that you have to assume yourself if you want your animal to be quarantined on Saipan.

Pet owners can opt for the “Home Quarantine Agreement.” If you are able to meet the requirements, conditions, rules and restrictions, your pet may qualify for the 60-day home quarantine (or 90 days) following a 60-day mandatory quarantine period (or 30 days) at our As Perdido Animal Quarantine Facility on Saipan.

The Home Quarantine mentioned above applies only to dogs and cats originating from the Mainland United States and Canada. An additional $125.00 fee for the Home Quarantine is being assessed per owner. For the 90-day Home Quarantine, the fee is $200.00.

Ticks are also a big problem in the CNMI, in cluding our kennel facility, so please bring with you enough supplies of tick medication or acaricides such as flea & tick powder, collars, shampoo, or to pical “spot-on” medications such as Frontline-Plus, etc. Ticks can also carry a blood parasite that can cause a disease condition called “Canine Ehrlichiosis,” which can cause a serious condition if the in fected dog is not treated.

Dogs and cats over 6 months of age that were vaccinated for rabies at least twice, with the last two rabies immunizations dating not less than 30 days apart, with a FAVN test performed at least 30 days from the last rabies immunization with a titer of 0.5 IU/ml or greater, will not be quarantined. They still must have a CNMI Import Permit, valid health certificate, and all the required immunizations listed on the entry permit, and treatment for external and in ternal parasites must be fully satisfied and completed. Each pet is required to have a microchip implant that is readable.

Follow the guidelines to make sure your pet qualifies. It is highly advised to avoid the quarantine facility in Saipan.

It is best to contact the Government directly.

RABIES FREE ORIGIN:

Dogs & Cats from Rabies Free Area

Dogs and cats from rabies-free areas may be exempted from quarantine requirements. In

addition to meeting all requirements applicable to dogs and cats, these animals are imported in compliance with the following:

(a) That the animals are transported in the same carrier from port of origin to port of destination in the Northern Marianas Islands;

(b) That no other animals except dogs and cats of the same origin and health status are transported aboard the carrier;

(c) That none of the animals consigned to the Northern Marianas or to ports beyond the Northern Marianas are off-loaded en-route to the Northern Marianas from the country of origin;

(d) That the animals destined to the Northern Marianas are accompanied by the following documents:

(1) A health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian certifying the description of each dog or cat and animal examination of free external parasites and symptoms or clinical signs of transmissible diseases.

(2) An affidavit containing origin of animal during the 120-days period prior to shipment, direct contact to other animals, accurate identification of the carrier, and statements of port calls.

(e) That all dogs and cats shipped to the Northern Marianas from rabies-free areas are shipped in nose-proof and paw-proof containers that must be sealed in such manner that removal of the animals will break the seal;

(f) That failure to comply with all of the above provisions for dogs and cats from rabies-free areas will subject the animal in question to quarantine for a minimum period of one hundred twenty days; and

(g) That the animals are in spected by the Chief of Animal Health & Industry or an authorized in spector at the time of arrival. Any in dication of transmissible disease or the presence and detection of parasites at the time of in spection shall be a sufficient reason to quarantine any or all of the animals in the shipment at the As Perdido Animal Quarantine Station, at owner’s or importer’s expense, or be refused entry at owner’s importer’s or carrier’s expense.

Designated Ports of Entry

(a) General

Animals in tended to be imported into the Northern Marianas shall be entered only through of ficial, designated ports of entry.

(b) Designated Ports of Entry

(1) Saipan - The of ficial designated ports of entry for Saipan are the Saipan

International Airport, and the Saipan Commercial Port in Puerto Rico.

(2) Tinian - The of ficial designated ports of entry for Tinian are the West Tinian

Airport, and the San Jose Harbor in San Jose.

(3) Rota - The of ficial designated ports of entry for Rota are the Rota Airport and Seaport.

Identification and microchip

Microchip must be implanted prior to rabies vaccine and FAVN test.

Rabies and vaccinations

All dogs and cats originating from rabies in fected areas are over three months of age shall be accompanied by a current and valid rabies vaccination certificate dated not

more than 12 months prior to entry into the Northern Marianas. Dogs and cats between 3 to 6 months old shall be vaccinated for rabies at this age but must be re-vaccinated 12 months from the date of their vaccination. Dogs and cats under 3 months of age need not be vaccinated for rabies.

At minimum 2 rabies vaccines. Current rabies vaccination and FAVN testing.

Dogs and cats from rabies-free areas need not be vaccinated for rabies.

Cats: Feline Distemper; Feline Leukemia; Feline Rhinotracheitis; Calicivirus; Feline Pneumonitis

Dogs: Canine Distemper; Parvovirus; Infectious Canine Hepatitis; Leptospirosis; Parainfluenza; Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough); Coronavirus

Tests and treatments

FAVN test and heartworm. The FAVN blood test must be done not more than 36 months and not less than 120 days prior to arrival in Guam or Hawaii.

Heartworm test is also recommended.

Internal and external parasites treatment given and documentation. Must be free of or treated within 10 days

of arrival on Saipan for in ternal and external parasites.

Health certificate and permits

Example Health Certificate

All dogs and cats entering the Northern Marianas, regardless of their places of origin, shall be accompanied by a current and valid health certificate signed and issued by a licensed veterinarian of their places of origin. The health certificate must be dated not more than two weeks (14 days) prior to the animal’s departure for the Northern Marianas.

Dogs and cats arriving without a current and valid health certificate may be refused entry by the Chief, subject to his review of the matter. All dogs and cats originating from

Africa, Asia, or islands of the Pacific Ocean (excepting Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii) shall be accompanied by a certificate from the chief livestock sanitary of ficer of their respective country of origin. The dog must be examined and certified by a licensed veterinarian as healthy and free of contagious or communicable diseases and in ternal/external parasites within fourteen (14) days of arrival on Saipan.

Application for Import

Yes, an entry permit is required. DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) to request an entry permit. They will advise you on next steps.

FOR THE ENTRY PERMIT:

Gather your veterinary records and send them to Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for the entry permit along with your projected travel date. This should be done no more than 60 days prior to projected flight, because the Entry Permit is only valid for 60 days. Email all documents to gether so there is no confusion.

Once CVO receives your pet’s lab results from accredited FAVN world lab, he will issue a CNMI Animal Entry Permit.

Must be accompanied by valid CNMI Animal Quarantine Entry Permit which cost $10.00 per animal,

plus $50.00 security deposit (to reserve a kennel space which is limited - only 10 are available) which is non-refundable and must be paid by certified check or money order made out to"CNMI Treasurer.

http://aqis.co.kr/pdf/Saipan%20AQIS.pdf

https://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/admincode/T85/T85-20.1.pdf - ANIMAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Quarantine

At the satisfactory completion of the 120-day quarantine, the Chief shall release all healthy dogs and cats from quarantine upon payment in full of all accrued fees and charges. Upon arrival on Saipan, the dog will be quarantined at the CNMI Government Animal Quarantine Facility in As Perdido for a minimum of sixty (60) days. If the owner qualifies for "Home Quarantine," the remaining 60 days can be completed at owner's residence, otherwise the entire 120 days will be completed in the government facility.

Your pet can also be quarantined in Hawaii or Guam. Upon completion of their quarantine requirements, your pet can be entered into the CNMI without further quarantine. You would still need to obtain an entry permit.

The following conditions, restrictions and requirements shall apply during the remainder of the quarantine period:

• Prior to release for the home quarantine, Owner agrees to have his/her pet vaccinated for rabies by the CNMI Veterinarian, even if already done at pet’s place of origin.

• The pet must not leave the confines of the facility described above while still undergoing the remainder of the required 120-day quarantine period. Owner agrees to secure the pet and the pet’s facility at all times to prevent accidental escape or escape by other means.

• The pet shall not have contact with any other animal, in cluding other dogs and cats or humans, except its legal owner.

• The pet is permitted to go outside only during daylight hours, and only under the following conditions:

A) The pet must be on a leash, under close supervision by the owner, and within the confines of the facility described above;

B) Each time it is allowed, the pet does not remain outside for more than 30 minutes;

C) While outside, there shall be no other animal in the immediate vicinity of the pet.

• The owner must immediately report any sudden change in the pet’s behavior or physical condition to the CNMI Veterinarian.

• The CNMI Veterinarian or any of his designee has the right to in spect the facility described above, and to examine or observe the pet at any reasonable time in order to ensure compliance with these rules. The visits will be done at least twice a week.

• The CNMI Veterinarian reserves the right to abrogate this agreement at any time and in his discretion require the pet to serve the remainder of this quarantine period at the As Perdido Animal Quarantine Facility.

• The Owner does hereby covenant and agree not to in stitute any suit or action at law or in equity against the Division of Agriculture, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, or the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or any of their employees, by reason of any claim Owner now has or may hereafter acquire relating to, arising from or associated in any way to the quarantine and confinement of Owner’s pet at the above-described facility.

• This agreement will terminate when the CNMI Veterinarian certifies that the pet has completed the quarantine period required by 2 CMC § 5326 (a) and finds the pet upon examination, to be in sound and healthy condition.

SPECIAL NOTE: They do not provide a 24-hour patient care to any animal that may get sick while in quarantine. Instead, the sick animal must be referred to a local private veterinarian, or to a government-approved veterinary clinic or hospital in Guam or Honolulu at owner’s sole and total expense. They are limited, too, on the type of patient care and clinical services (laboratory support, and both medical and surgical) that they provide.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Domestic animals, poultry, birds, and livestock may be imported from the U.S. on its territories only upon a written permit issued by the Chief Animal Health & Industry. All

such animals in tended for importation are subject to the regulations and shall comply with the entry requirements contained in the regulations in this subchapter. Only direct

shipment of poultry, birds, and livestock from the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, and Guam will be allowed, and accepted in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. Wild or feral animals, in cluding skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, wolves, bats, and the crosses of these animals with domestic animals may be imported into the Northern Marianas, but are subject to all applicable laws and regulations of U.S. Department of

Agriculture, and Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife. Only an established and duly licensed zoo may be allowed to import the listed animals.

Importation from Outside the USA

Importation of poultry, birds, and domestic animals other than dogs and cats from foreign countries is prohibited. The dogs and cats may be imported into the CNMI subject to the animal quarantine regulations in this subchapter and every requirement contained in the regulations. Wild or feral animals, in cluding menagerie and zoological animals, may be imported into the CNMI, but are subject to all applicable laws and regulations of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service of U.S. Department of Interior. All animals from foreign countries that are determined to be enterable may be imported into the Northern Marianas Islands only upon a written permit issued by the Chief of Animal Health & Industry.

Customs, agents, and airports

Recommended - Client must be present during Customs clearance. http://webportal.atlasintl.com/Customs%20Docs/Saipan.pdf

Star Marianas Air is the only regional airline based in the Northern Marian Islands. The main in ternational gateway into the Marianas is Saipan (SPN IATA). There are frequent flights from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, but visitors from the US will have to connect in Guam or transit through the previous countries listed.

There are no scheduled ferry services to the islands. Occasionally yachts, cruise ships, or military vessels stop in port for a brief visit.

All Nippon Airways, Perimeter Aviation, Jeju Air and United Airlines offer flights from many US airports to Saipan Airport.

It is difficult and expensive to fly to Saipan and often a private charter is the only means with animal travel

FOR QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES:

cnmicustoms@dof.gov.mp

Saipan (670)664-1610

Designated Ports of Entry

(a) General

Animals in tended to be imported into the Northern Marianas shall be entered only

through of ficial, designated ports of entry.

(b) Designated Ports of Entry

(1) Saipan - The of ficial designated ports of entry for Saipan are the Saipan

International Airport, and the Saipan Commercial Port in Puerto Rico.

(2) Tinian - The of ficial designated ports of entry for Tinian are the West Tinian Airport, and the San Jose Harbor in San Jose.

(3) Rota - The of ficial designated ports of entry for Rota are the Rota Airport and Seaport.

Landing & Entry of Animals:

(a) Responsibility of Local Managers, Agents, Carriers, or Commanding Officers

(1) Notify the in spector immediately of the presence on board of animals.

(2) Furnish the in spector with a full and complete list of the number and types of animals taken on board from any port outside the Northern Marianas, with the names of the owners, importers or consignees, and the ports of origin for said animals.

(3) Furnish the in spector with the carrier’s records on the port of calls made within the preceding four months from the date of their arrival in the Northern Marianas.

(4) Provide the in spector with death and in jury list, if known or available.

(5)(i) Furnish a bond in the sum of five hundred dollars per animal on board the vessel as specified by the Director.

(ii) The animals shall be confined on board the carrier in compliance with the in spector’s in structions.

(6) Furnish the in spector with a written request for disposal of garbage, if a carrier desires to dispose its garbage. However, the provision of this subsection shall not apply to any carrier desiring to discharge on land garbage derived exclusively from food supplies obtained in the Northern Marianas Islands, unless otherwise prohibited. No foreign or domestic garbage shall be discharged, if a USDA-approved disposal facility is not available, or unable to handle the disposal of all garbage within 24 hours of their receipt at the disposal site.

Removal of Animals from Carrier

Animals for entry shall be securely confined on the pier or at the airport in a manner approved by the Chief of Animal Health & Industry or in spector until movement is authorized by him. Animals for transit shall be securely confined on the pier or at the airport in a manner approved by the in spector.

Landing of Animals

*No animals shall be allowed entry into the Commonwealth of the Northern MarianasIslands unless all pre-entry requirements have been met. *

Landing or removal of animals from a carrier for purposes of in spection or quarantine shall not constitute entry into the Northern Marianas Islands. No effects of animals shall be brought into the Northern Marianas Islands unless authorized by the Chief of Animal Health & Industry or in spector.

http://webportal.atlasintl.com/Customs%20Docs/Saipan.pdf for more details.

Export notes

To export animals from Saipan, you will need a valid in ternational health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, which should in clude proof of rabies vaccination (at least two doses), microchip in formation, parasite treatment records, and any other required tests depending on the destination country; you may also need an export permit from the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources, verifying that the animal is not an endangered species and complies with CITES regulations.

For more in formation: https://dlnr.cnmi.gov or https://dlnr.cnmi.gov/agriculture.html

Phone: 670-322-9830 / 9834

Contact:

It may also be helpful to contact the Saipan Humane Society for export guidance or help to update health requirements or health certificate.

https://saipanhumanesociety.org

Address: Afula Ln, Afetna, Saipan 96950, Northern Mariana Islands

Phone: +1 670-838-7387

• Email: info@saipanhumanesociety.org
• Saipan Mayor’s Animal Shelter, As Perdido, Saipan

Contact:

• Phone/WhatsApp: (670) 838-7387
• Email: info@saipanhumanesociety.org

Location/Hours:

• Saipan Mayor’s Animal Shelter, As Perdido, Saipan

Dr. Ignacio T. dela Cruz (if available)

P. O. Box 500677

Saipan, MP 96950

email: cnmistatevet@gmail.com

It may also be helpful to contact the Saipan Humane Society for guidance.

https://saipanhumanesociety.org

Address: Afula Ln, Afetna, Saipan 96950, Northern Mariana Islands

Phone: +1 670-838-7387

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Yes they follow CITES.

Guidelines for Bring Pet Rabbits to Mauritius

Animal Welfare act of 2013

There is no clinical veterinarian consistently on Saipan, although there is access to some basic care through Saipan Humane society. Plan your travel around a visiting veterinarian. Email info@saipanhumanesociety.org with title “HEALTH CERTIFICATE” to discuss if this is an option.

Contact Harper Valley Kennels on Guam for assistance, and they can provide a health certificate during transit while the pet is on Guam. Their email is: petshippersguam@gmail.com

Should you have any questions regarding importing a pet, please reach out to Lauren@saipanhumanesociety.org and title the email “IMPORT INQUIRY”

If you are considering a 2 year or longer contract, it may be worth bringing your pet. If you are doing a shorter contract, you may want to explore leaving your pet with trusted friends/family and fostering locally through a rescue while here.

The DLNR veterinary clinic opens only twice a month; the most recent one was on Wednesday. The number of clients is 15 to 30 per clinic day.

It is difficult and expensive to fly to Saipan and often a private charter is the only means with animal travel.

It may also be helpful to contact the Saipan Humane Society for guidance.

https://saipanhumanesociety.org

Address: Afula Ln, Afetna, Saipan 96950, Northern Mariana Islands

Phone: +1 670-838-7387

Dr. Ignacio T. dela Cruz (if available)

P. O. Box 500677

Saipan, MP 96950

email: cnmistatevet@gmail.com

Official contacts

Office of Animal Health & Industry

Division of Agriculture

DLNR

CNMI Government

POB 10007

Saipan, MP 96950

Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz (retired but retained as of ficer)

POB 500677

Saipan, MP 96950

Ph: 670-234-6169

Fax: 670-235-9001

Email: itdlcruz@vzpacifica.netitdlcruz@vzpacifica.net

cnmistatevet@gmail.com

Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz, who is also the only government veterinarian in the CNMI,

*Dept of Lands & Natural Resources – Animal Health & Industry, 670-234-6169Current 3-2024*

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 2025-03-25.

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: American Samoa · Australia · Cook Islands · all destinations