Pet import requirements for the Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands at a glance

The detail

If coming from a high risk rabies country with a foreign rabies vaccination the dogs must have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility. The United States Virgin Islands, of ficially the Virgin Islands of the United States, are a group of Caribbean islands and an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States.

Import requirements

Dogs must receive their first rabies vaccination on or after 12 weeks (84 days) of age or in accordance with manufacturer recommendations if licensed for use in older dogs (i.e., 16 weeks of age or older). Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.

For dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the 6 months before U.S. entry, vaccines administered before 12 weeks of age will not be accepted, regardless of manufacturer product licensing.

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*Please note: If you are bringing a dog to the U.S., starting on August 1, 2024, there are new steps you need to take. These steps depend on where your dog has been in the past 6 months. You will need to file for an import permit in advance of entry or return. *

In addition to having a receipt for a *CDC Dog Import Form*:

• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
• Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
• Health Certificates - A health certificate from your veterinarian is necessary, it should state that the animal has not been exposed to any communicable diseases, is healthy and when rabies shots are applicable to your pet that the shots are up to date. This certificate should be prepared within 10 days of travel. Rabies shots are considered up to date if they have been administered within 6 months prior to travel, and only for animals older than 12 weeks.
• Quarantine – It will depend on where the pet is coming from.
• Import form – yes

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(Birds, Ferrets, Sugar Gliders, Other Unusual Animals) - ALL animals require import permits, these in clude but are not limited to birds, ferrets and sugar gliders. You are required to submit an application ($25 fee) to the Department of Agriculture; the application must also be approved by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The process can take a week to two weeks. Contact the Department of Agriculture at (340)774-5182 for more in formation and to request the application forms. Due to public health and environmental concerns importing pet snakes into the territory is not allowed. This in cludes all types of snakes.

Follow new guidelines

Follow new guidelines

There are new requirements if coming from rabies free or low risk countries or high-risk rabies countries in the last 6 months. Also, there are different requirements for US vaccinated and foreign vaccinated pets. Your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months.

Click here for more in formation

Big dogs flying to St. Thomas - So how do you get a big dog to St. Thomas?

Amerijet flies directly from Miami. A layover is required in SJU (San Juan, Puerto Rico) before departing and arriving into the islands. There is no transit agent required in Puerto Rico since the pet will remain in Amerijet’s care.

Identification and microchip

Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.

Rabies and vaccinations

There are different requirements for US vaccinated and foreign vaccinated pets. Click here for in formation.

All dogs and cats upon entering the Virgin Islands shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) stating that the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies. All dogs and cats12 weeks of age and older shall have a current vaccination for rabies and the date of vaccination and manufacturer in formation must be in cluded on the CVI. Dogs require an import permit.

*Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip* formWho completes the form?

A veterinarian completes the form. The form must then be endorsed by an of ficial government veterinarian in the country where the dog is coming from (the exporting country). The veterinarian who completes the form and endorses the form can be the same. Each country maintains their own list of of ficial government veterinarians. Ask the dog’s veterinarian for in formation about of ficial government veterinarians authorized to endorse the form on behalf of the country’s government.

Where can I find the form?

The dog’s veterinarian can find the form and in structions by visiting From August 1 Onward: Documents for Veterinarians to Complete for Importing a Dog into the U.S.

The form must be endorsed by an of ficial government veterinarian before it can be used to bring a dog in the U.S.

How much does it cost?

Contact the dog’s veterinarian to request the costs.

When should the form be completed?

This form must be completed no more than 30 days before the dog travels to the U.S. The dog must meet specific requirements, like being microchipped and having a valid rabies vaccination, before the dog’s veterinarian can complete the form. If the dog is receiving its first rabies vaccine, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before the dog enters the U.S.

How long is the form valid for?

You can use this form only one time to enter the U.S. The form is valid for 30 days after it is signed by the dog’s veterinarian.

How do I show the form to of ficials?

The document must be signed by the dog’s veterinarian, either electronically or handwritten. The document then must be printed. The printed document must accompany the dog and be presented to the airline (if applicable) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival in the U.S.

All dogs and cats upon entering the Virgin Islands shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) stating that the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies. All dogs and cats 12 weeks of age and older shall have a current vaccination for rabies and the date of vaccination and manufacturer in formation must be in cluded on the CVI. Dogs do require an import permit.

Tests and treatments

Not Required for Cats and Dogs; however, if you are moving an exotic or farm animal (horses for example), there are required tests. Use the [listed source](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-in formation/import-live-animals/sa_state_require/ct_state_regulations_for_virgin_islands) to confirm tests required.

Not Required for Cats and Dogs. However, if coming from a country with screwworm you must be examined by a vet and pet treated if found pet is a carrier. You must adhere to CDC requirements.

Health certificate and permits

This certificate should be prepared within 10 days of travel.

All dogs and/or cats domestically entering the US Virgin Islands shall be accompanied by an of ficial health certificate from your local veterinarian stating that the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies.

All dogs and cats upon entering the Virgin Islands shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) stating that the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies. All dogs and cats 12 weeks of age and older shall have a current vaccination for rabies and the date of vaccination and manufacturer in formation must be in cluded on the CVI.

All dogs and/or cats in ternationally entering the US Virgin Islands are subject toFederal Import Regulations.

For more in formation, please click here.

No USDA endorsement required. All livestock, poultry, birds, and other animals must have, upon entering the Virgin Islands, an of ficial health certificate. An of ficial health certificate is a legible of ficial form completed and issued by a licensed accredited veterinarian of the State of origin or by a veterinarian employed by either the State of origin or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and which contains:

• The complete name and address of the consignor and the consignee, in cluding final destination if different from consignee's address
• An accurate description with complete identification of the animal(s) listed

• The date and results of any required test(s) conducted
• A complete description (in cluding dates of administration) of any vaccinations and/or treatment

• Designation of the purpose the animal is to be imported for (i.e., breeding, sale, etc.).
• Must state the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies.

Dogs are required to have an import permit. Please click here for more in formation. If dogs have been in a low risk area you must complete this - For dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the 6 months before U.S. entry, this is the only form that is needed. Click here for on line form

All other pets will require a submitted permit and Health Certificate stating that the birds are free from an in fectious or contagious disease and did not originate from a quarantined area for any in fectious or contagious disease of the species. All applications for a permit must be directed to the Office of the Director of Veterinary Services, VI Department of Agriculture, 10345 Grove Place, Kingshill. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00850, veterinaryservices@doa.vi.gov, and the following in formation must be made available:

• Name and address of consignor and consignee.
• Species and number of animals.

• Identification number of each animal (tattoo, microchip, ear tag)
• Point of origin.

• Proposed date of shipment.
• Destination and local address.

• Means of transportation.
• Reason for shipment and use of animals.

Payment must be received before permit is issued.

All permits shall be void 2 months after issuance.

Updated requirements as of August 1, 2024

• Health Certificates - A health certificate from your veterinarian is necessary, it should state that the animal has not been exposed to any communicable diseases, is healthy and when rabies shots are applicable to your pet that the shots are up to date. This certificate should be prepared within 10 days of travel. Rabies shots are considered up to date if they have been administered prior to travel, and only for animals older than 12 weeks.

• Quarantine - The Virgin Islands does not have any quarantine requirements. Pets traveling to the United States mainland from the Virgin Islands also will not require quarantine.

Import Permits (Birds, Ferrets, Sugar Gliders, Other Unusual Animals) - ALL animals require import permits, these in clude but are not limited to birds, ferrets and sugar gliders. You are required to submit an application ($25 fee) to the Department of Agriculture; the application must also be approved by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The process can take a week to two weeks. Contact the Department of Agriculture at (340)774-5182 for more in formation and to request the application forms. Due to public health and environmental concerns importing pet snakes into the territory is not allowed. This in cludes all types of snakes.

Quarantine

If coming from a high risk rabies country with a foreign rabies vaccination the dogs must have a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility. If you do not have a valid rabies serology titer, this must in clude a 28-day quarantine reservation. For more in formation

Restrictions and banned breeds

If you are bringing a dog to the U.S., starting on August 1, 2024, there are new steps you need to take. These steps depend on where your dog has been in the past 6 months. Click Here For More Information.

A dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months.

Snakes and Monkeys and other Species

No livestock, poultry, birds or other animals that are affected with or have been exposed to an in fectious, contagious, communicable disease, or ectoparasites or which originated in an area quarantined by a territory, State, or the Federal Government because of such disease or parasites shall be permitted to be in troduced into the Virgin Islands except with a permit issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture of the Virgin Islands.

Customs, agents, and airports

Customs Broker is not required, Consignee is able to clear. Agent is not need IF originating from the US.

Agent is not need IF orginating from the US, other wise an agent is required.

Airports:

• Cyril E. King Airport, (CITY) Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (IATA: STT, ICAO: TIST)
• Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, (CITY) Christiansted, St. Croix (IATA: STX, ICAO: TISX)

Ground:

• Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal - Red Hook, St. Thomas
• Red Hook Car Ferry - Red Hook, St. Thomas
• Cruz Bay Ferry Dock / Saint John Ferry Terminal - Cruz Bay, St. John
• Water Island Ferry - Crown Bay, St. Thomas
• St. John's Ferry Service - Service from Red Hook

Water Port:

• Charlotte Amalie – Blyden Ferry Terminal (St. Thomas)
• Entry Point: U.S. Customs & Border Protection – Charlotte Amalie (marine entry)
• City: St. Thomas, USVI
• Port Info: U.S. Customs contact report boat arrivals at +1-877-305-8774
• Cruz Bay CBP Terminal (St. John)

• Entry Point: U.S. Customs & Border Protection – Cruz Bay
• City: Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI
• Report Boat Arrivals: +1-877-305-8773
• Gallows Bay (St. Croix)

• Entry Point: U.S. Customs & Border Protection – Gallows Bay (note: port operations may be limited)
• City: Christiansted / St. Croix, USVI
• Report Boat Arrivals (USVI): +1-340-773-1011 / +1-340-773-1490

Airport Code: STT | Saint Thomas Island

Airport Code: STX | Saint Croix Island

There are also ferries connecting the islands or water taxi service.

There are no specific US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements for importing animals in the USVI or the US. We follow the regulations provided by CDC and USDA.

The documents required for the animal will be the same for the pet travelling with a passenger or traveling as cargo.

If the pet arrives with a passenger, the passenger must declare the animal upon clearing CBP and present all required CDC and/or USDA documents to the Officer. The documents will be verified and the passenger and pet are released. If the pet is arriving without a passenger, they are considered cargo and must be in cluded in the aircrafts manifest. If they are cargo, the airline must present the documents to the CBP of ficers in order to secure a release of the animal. Once CBP has the documents we will determine if they meet the entry requirements of the regulating agencies. Depending on the country of origin of the pet, CBP might charge a Merchandise Processing Fee because an in formal entry would have to be completed. The fee is about $9, but it will vary depending on the animals country of origin.

Not sure if the local USVI government charges anything, you’d have to check with them. The requirements for animals entering the USVI from foreign countries are the same as for those entering mainland U.S.

Export notes

It is a good idea to have an updated rabies vaccination certificate issued from the USA if planning to return. You must meet destination requirements of where you are traveling to.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

CITES requirements apply for in ternational exports and imports. You can always double check if a pet is a CITES pet by searching (via the listed resource) the scientific name of your pet’s breed.

CLICK HERE

[State Regulations - Virgin Islands](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-in formation/import-live-animals/sa_state_require/ct_state_regulations_for_virgin_islands)

Import form in formation:Who completes the form?

This form should be completed by the person importing (bringing) the dog into the United States (the importer, owner, or shipper). If you are completing the form on behalf of an importer who has difficulty completing this form, read the statements aloud to the importer and confirm they understand the in formation provided and agree to the Terms of Acceptance.

How much does it cost?

Free

How many dogs can be in cluded on one form?

Each dog must have its own form. If you are bringing more than one dog to the United States, you must complete a separate form for each dog.

When should the form be completed?

You can fill out the form on the day of travel. We recommend completing it a few days before travel. If anything changes, like date of travel or port of entry, you must submit a new form.

What in formation will I need to complete the form?Photo of dog

Please upload a recent picture (jpg, png, gif files only) of the dog, showing its face and body. Dogs under one year old should have their photograph taken within 15 days before travel to the U.S.

Microchip number

Make sure to enter the dog’s microchip number accurately into this form. You can typically find this number on a dog’s veterinary records.

How long is the form's receipt valid?

The receipt is valid for a single entry into the U.S. and is valid for entry only on the date of arrival listed on the receipt. The form can be submitted any time before travel, except for dogs less than one year of age whose photo should be taken within 15 days before travel to the U.S.

How do I show the form's receipt to of ficials?

*CDC Dog Import Form* receipt can be printed or shown on a phone screen to U.S. customs of ficials or airlines (if applicable).

If coming from a high risk or foreign rabies vaccination form - *Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip* formWho completes the form?

A veterinarian completes the form. The form must then be endorsed by an of ficial government veterinarian in the country where the dog is coming from (the exporting country). The veterinarian who completes the form and endorses the form can be the same. Each country maintains their own list of of ficial government veterinarians. Ask the dog’s veterinarian for in formation about of ficial government veterinarians authorized to endorse the form on behalf of the country’s government.

Where can I find the form?

The dog’s veterinarian can find the form and in structions by visiting From August 1 Onward: Documents for Veterinarians to Complete for Importing a Dog into the U.S.

The form must be endorsed by an of ficial government veterinarian before it can be used to bring a dog in the U.S.

How much does it cost?

Contact the dog’s veterinarian to request the costs.

When should the form be completed?

This form must be completed no more than 30 days before the dog travels to the U.S. The dog must meet specific requirements, like being microchipped and having a valid rabies vaccination, before the dog’s veterinarian can complete the form. If the dog is receiving its first rabies vaccine, the vaccine must be administered at least 28 days before the dog enters the U.S.

How long is the form valid for?

You can use this form only one time to enter the U.S. The form is valid for 30 days after it is signed by the dog’s veterinarian.

How do I show the form to of ficials?

The document must be signed by the dog’s veterinarian, either electronically or handwritten. The document then must be printed. The printed document must accompany the dog and be presented to the airline (if applicable) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival in the U.S.

It is a good idea to have an updated rabies vaccination certificate issued from the USA if planning to return. You must meet destination requirements of where you are traveling to.

Official contacts

Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture

Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture

10345 Grove Place

Kingshill, St. Croix, USVI 00850

General Veterinary Email: veterinaryservices@doa.vi.govDirector of Veterinary Services

David Wenger, DVM – Director (Animal Import/Export regulatory info)

Email: david.wenger@doa.vi.gov

340-778-0997 EXT 3309

Office Manager

Ayanna Simon

Email: ayanna.simon@doa.vi.gov

340-778-0997 EXT 3307

Main VIDA Office: (340) 642-7320

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 2026-01-15.

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.

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