usda aphis pet travel to cayman islands

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Traveling to the USA or Canada

What you need to know:

If you are traveling to the USA or Canada & ARE NOT RETURNING to the Cayman Islands:

Subject to making the relevant booking with your chosen airline……..

• You will need a ‘Health Certificate’ to be issued in order to travel.
• To get a Health Certificate you must bring your pet for a full physical examination.
• The Health Certificate will be faxed to the Department of Agriculture for approval and an export permit will be issued to you.
• You need to allow 3 working days in most cases for this process & must collect the official papers to travel yourself from the department of Agriculture in Lower Valley
• Once issued, the Health Certificate is valid for 14 days of travel. This means that:

You must travel outbound within the 14 day period .

If you are traveling to the USA or Canada & WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO RETURN to the Cayman Islands:

1.   Your pet first needs to be micro-chipped with an ISO microchip.

• Your pet then needs 2 vaccines against rabies given 30 days apart.  These are given ONLY at the department of agriculture – phone 947 3090 for an appointment.
• A minimum of 21 days later (it can be longer, but no earlier), your pet needs to take the rabies titer blood test.  It takes 14-21 days to get the results back.  You will need an appointment here for this blood test.
• If your pet passes the titer test, he or she will be eligible to travel to & from Cayman and Canada and the US immediately.
• We will need to see your rabies vaccine certificates & your rabies titer test results.

**In the event that you need to travel outbound before receiving the results of your pets rabies titer test, you may do so provided that:

• 1.     you understand that your pet cannot return to the Cayman Islands until you receive the successful rabies titer test results.
• 2.     you assume the risk that if in the event your pet FAILS the rabies titer test, he or she will have to remain in the USA/Canada whilst he or she is revaccinated for rabies and repeats the rabies titer test.  It will then be six months from the date the blood was tested before your pet can re-enter the Cayman Islands.

For Export only (not returning) or trips lasting longer than 14 days.

• A.   You must travel outbound within the 14 day period.

For Export/Import (returning within a 14 day period)

• B.   You can travel outbound & back in within the 14 day period on the same Health Certificate provided:

ü  We apply ‘Frontline Plus’ to your pet at the office visit – you may supply your own if you wish.

ü  We give your pet an oral de-wormer at the office visit – this will be dispensed by the veterinarian.

For trips lasting longer than 14 days

• C.   You can stay off island for longer than 14 days but you will be required to see a USDA vet in the states or Canada with your pet in order to get a Health Certificate issued to come back in.  You will need to submit the new Health Certificate to the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture for approval and to receive an import permit.  Please see the C.I.D.A for more details on how to do this.
• D.   ** Up to date C.I.D.A pet passport holders will not need to submit this second certificate to the department of agriculture but instead must carry it with them along with their pet passport for inspection at the airport.  When accompanied by the new Health Certificate, the passport IS your import permit.

Please note, this information is provided as a guideline only. 

We do not take any responsibility for your pets travel plans & require you to research your trip carefully and make all of the necessary arrangements yourself.

Traveling to the UK ?

First take a look at the UK pet importation website: www.defra.gov.uk & select ‘PETS’ travel scheme to review the information.

• Your pet first needs to be micro-chipped with an ISO chip.
• Your pet then needs 2 vaccines against rabies given 30 days apart.  These are given ONLY at the department of agriculture – phone 947 3090.
• A minimum of 21 days later, your pet needs to take the rabies titer blood test.  It takes 14-21 days to get the results back.  You will need an appointment here for this blood test.
• If your pet passes the titer test, he or she will be eligible to enter the UK under the PETS travel scheme

**bookings for pets wishing to travel into the UK on the British Airways direct flight are handled by the Cayman Airways Cargo department located near the airport fire station.  You should go in person between 8.30am – 12noon Mon-Fri and ask to speak to Leonardo. Pets can only travel on weekdays & arrangements for travel need to be made well in advance of making the booking for the intended travel date – do not leave it to the last minute!** As of August 1 st 2010 a one-way journey to London, Heathrow for a medium sized dog cost approximately $1400.00

Travel to the UK requires a health certificate to be issued no more than 48 hours and no less than 24 hours prior to departure for England.  You will also need to make an appointment at the department of agriculture the same day to have the documents endorsed.

At the visit with us you will need:

• o Proof of the date your pet was micro-chipped.
• o Original rabies vaccine certificates.
• o Original rabies titer test results.
• We are required to apply ‘Frontline Plus’ to your pet at the office visit – you may supply your own if you wish.
• We are also required to give your pet an oral de-wormer at the office visit – this will be dispensed by the veterinarian.

You will then carry the paperwork we issue you to your appointment at the department of agriculture to be endorsed by the government Veterinarian – you do not take your pet with you.

We do not take any responsibility for your pets travel plans & require you to research your trip carefully and make all of the necessary arrangements yourself.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

REGULATIONS FOR TAKING A PET DOG OR CAT TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Cayman Islands do not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:

To enter the Cayman Islands with a pet, you must obtain an Import Permit prior to entering the country.

Pets entering Cayman Islands must be microchipped with the ISO 11784/11785 15 digit pet microchip . Then your pet must be vaccinated for rabies and various other diseases and have a Blood Titer Test. If your pet’ microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner .

Shortly before travel, a USDA (or CFIA) accredited veterinarian must then complete the Cayman Islands Veterinary Certificate for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are traveling from another country, the Governmental Authority of your country should endorse your forms. A copy of the Rabies Certificate should also be included.

Just prior to entry, your pet will need a Ticks & Tapeworm Test.

Click Here for Pet Passport Forms for Cayman Islands

Failure to comply with these regulations will mean that your pet may be refused entry and the relevant authority in consultation with an authorized veterinarian can decide to return the pet home, or place the pet in quarantine at the expense of the owner or natural person responsible for pet, or as a last resort, without financial compensation, put the pet down where the return trip home or quarantine cannot be arranged.

All other pets (birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits) are not subject to the regulations in respect of the anti-rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements as to a limit on the number of animals and a certificate to accompany them in respect of other diseases. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

VETERINARY CERTIFICATE All countries have a unique veterinary certificates. This form differs from the International Veterinary Certificate issued by veterinarians in the United States. (APHIS 7001)

Find Veterinary Certificates for countries worldwide.

Cayman Islands requires an ISO pet microchip .

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• Travelling with Pets

Guide to travelling with pets to the Cayman Islands with entry requirements, helpful travel advice and airline guidelines.

• Importing Pets

All animals, no matter what size, must travel in a leak proof, International Air Transport Association specification carrier that allows the animal to move around unhindered.

All requisite entry documentation should be affixed to the carrier, and it is advised that you maintain extra copies of all of your paperwork and carry it on your flight with you.

Be prepared, as airport security agents will most likely request to look at your pet (outside of its carrier) and search its container and bedding. Sedating your pet is not advised, as this can stop them from being able to regulate their body temperature. No food should be put in their cages, only a water container which the airline will check prior to departure and at any transit point.

It is also best to use an absorbable type of lining for the carrier. You should familiarise your animal with the carrier before it travels so they associate it with a positive and comforting experience.

Certain airlines allow small dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin, but most airlines transport them as special cargo or checked baggage in a temperature-controlled and ventilated hold. If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible. If it is going in the hold, check in early so that it can go to the baggage area and be put somewhere quiet to relax.

To prepare your pet, the USDA recommends that your pet be offered food and water four hours before you check in. It’s advisable to take your dog for a walk before leaving for the airport and again before check in. Visit the IATA website for information on international pet travel – enter ‘Pets’ into the search box.

On arrival in Cayman, you will need to go to the ‘Goods to Declare’ counter and submit your paperwork for the animal. They will ask you to take the animal out of its carrier to inspect and check its microchip. All dogs staying in the Cayman Islands for longer than 30 days must be licensed with the DOA .

Animals on Airlines

Some airlines do not allow your animals in the passenger cabin and over the summer months many airlines will not take pets due to the high heat in the hold. You are required to take the most direct route possible and preferably an evening or morning flight.

You should avoid countries that are not deemed rabies-free to help make the whole process easier. Cayman Airways (Tel: (345) 949 2311) accepts domestic dogs, cats and birds. Maximum weight allowed including the container is 99lbs. They charge US$100 each way to all international destinations for a small pet travelling in the cabin, US$125 international and US$50 domestic, each way for larger pets travelling as checked baggage.

On British Airways the cost varies depending on the size of the animal. They no longer take pet bookings directly from the public and insist all bookings are made by specialist pet relocation agents. They recommend IAG World Cargo, who has decades of experience. Visit the travel assistance page on the British Airways website for more information.

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Traveling with Pets? - Read Our Pet Policy

Pets travelling on cayman airways.

Cayman Airways will accept domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and captive-caged birds for carriage subject to the conditions below. On the jet service a maximum of four pets are allowed in the cargo compartment per flight and a maximum of five pets are allowed in the passenger compartment per flight (one in business class and four in economy class). The pet must remain in a kennel (container) with the door closed at all times while on the aircraft.

Pet Travel Charges

Pets travelling in the cabin to and from international destinations are charged US$100.00 per pet each way. Pets travelling on jet services in the cabin on domestic flights are charged at US$25.00 per pet each way. Pets as check-in baggage to and from international destinations are charged US$125.00, and domestic is US$50.00. Payment will be accepted at the time of reserving the pet space through the Reservation Department or at check-in, debit and credit cards are both accepted.

One pet is permitted to be transported per kennel, except for 2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months may be allowed to travel in 1 kennel.  As long as they are small enough to fit into a single kennel with enough room to move around and are compatible. The charge will be as 1 pet.

Travel Container

The pet must be confined in a suitable leakproof container provided by the passenger. When the pet is in the cabin compartment on the jet service the container must not exceed the following dimensions: maximum length of 23 inches and maximum width of 13 inches (maximum linear dimension of the kennel in the hold is 120 inches, L X H X W). The pet must be accompanied by a valid health and rabies vaccination certificate, entry permits, and other documents required by the country of entry. The maximum weight for a pet allowed to travel is 99 lbs., this is the added weight of the pet plus the kennel.

Pets travelling on Cayman Airways Express

No more than two pets in total will be allowed on any flight operated by Cayman Airways Express, either both pets in the cabin in separate kennels if they are for the same owner &/or familiar and compatible with each other, otherwise one pet in the cabin and one pet in the baggage compartment per flight.  Space is limited and must be reserved by contacting Cayman Airways Reservation Department in advance for travel on the same flight as the passenger.

In the cabin: Pets must be small enough to fit and stay comfortably in the kennel (container) under the seat with the door closed at all times while on the aircraft. The dimensions under the seat are a maximum length of 14 inches and maximum width of 10 inches with a maximum weight of 22 lbs.  Soft-sided kennels are recommended.   

In the baggage compartment:

Pets must be small enough to fit and stay comfortable in the hard-sided kennel (container) and not exceed H-30 inches x W-23 inches with a maximum weight of 50 lbs.

Unaccompanied Pets

If a pet is travelling unaccompanied it must travel in the cargo compartment at the cargo rate.

Limitation of liability

Cayman Airways will not be responsible in the event of loss, delay, injury, sickness or death of any pet or animal accepted for transportation

PLEASE NOTE:

Passengers are responsible for researching and meeting all applicable requirements for travel documents for their pets prior to booking or checking in for flights. Cayman Airways reserves the right to deny boarding to any pet whose owner fails to reserve a space or fails to present the required travel documents upon check-in at any gateway, at the passenger’s expense.

For more information visit: www.aphis.usda.gov

Cayman Islands Entry Requirements for Pets

All pets entering the Cayman Islands must be accompanied by an import permit issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture. You must provide evidence that your dog or cat complies with all of their import requirements before they will issue an Import Permit. Application forms are available here .

Failure to meet these requirements exactly will result in your pet being refused entry into the Cayman Islands.  Your local veterinarian will be able to help you with the requirements. Ensure to contact the Department of Agriculture well in advance of your proposed trip to ensure you are able to meet all the requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Cayman Airways is not allowed, per the Cayman Islands Agriculture Department regulations, to transport any pets from any country in  Asia, Africa, or Central and South America to the Cayman Islands. This also includes in-transit.

Barbados Entry Requirements for Pets

Persons wishing to import a cat or dog into Barbados are asked to note the conditions for receiving a permit.  Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, explained that persons must acquire both an import permit and an export health certificate, in order to bring a cat or dog to Barbados. The import permit must be obtained from the Veterinary Services department, located in the pine, St. Michael. Once completed and approved, the permit is valid for six months from the date of issue. Application forms may be completed online.

Https://agriculture.gov.bb/apply/importanimals/

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. This form may be obtained by emailing [email protected] .

The rules governing the importation of cats and dogs into Barbados allow pets to enter the island from all countries. 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 the 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 information on conditions for the importation of a cat or dog into Barbados, persons may call the Veterinary Services department at 246-535-0220 or 246-535-0221 or email [email protected] .

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