Truth be told, we’ve never actually been to the Bahamas without our dog Lola. Over the many years we’ve spent sailing we’ve learned a lot about the requirements for dog importation into the Bahamas. So, we thought we’d compile it all right here for you.
Documents needed to Bring your Dog to the Bahamas:
Pet Import Permit
The first step in getting your dog ready to visit the Bahamas is filling out the Pet Import Permit. You can find the Pet Import Permit application here. If you’re wondering about the application process check out our guide: How to Apply for a Bahamian Pet Permit: 5 Easy Steps.
Microchip
The Bahamas now requires all imported dogs to be microchipped. Make sure to register your contact information with your pets chip.
Vaccines
Proof of the following vaccines are required for dogs entering the Bahamas.
- Rabies – Your dog’s rabies vaccine must be received at least 30 days prior to your entry into the Bahamas. The vaccine must also be in good standing status for at least two months after your arrival. The Rabies vaccines las fort 1 or 3 years. Confirm your dog’s vaccine status meets these perimeters before your trip.
- Leptospirosis – Not always given at yearly checkins. Make sure your pet is up to date.
- DAPP/DHPP – Which includes Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. If you bring your dog in for yearly visits to the vet they most likely have had their DAPP/DHPP vaccine as it is a standard for most dogs. Before you’re trip confirm the vaccine is up to date and not past due.
- Corona Virus – This is a new one. Click here for more information on canine corona virus.
Health Certificate
The final requirements when importing your dog into the Bahamas are an international Health Certificate and a IMP1B form signed by a licensed veterinarian. The IMP1B form typically comes in the mail attached to your pet import permit. If not, print it out, here, and bring it with you to your vet appointment. The health certificate should list all vaccines and declare that your dog is free of any internal or external parasites. The Health Certificate and IMP1B forms must be completed and signed within 48 hours of your arrival to the Bahamas. In our personal experience having the forms completed within 7 days of our expected arrival has worked perfectly. The customs agents are typically pretty relaxed and just do a quick skim of the paperwork then hand it back to you and BOOM you’re in!
Rules and Regulations:
Age Requirements
Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the Bahamas.
Fees
$10.00 per permit plus a 12% VAT processing fee. Making the total fee cost $11.20. Payment must be made by money order, no personal checks are accepted. Mail your payment with your Pet Permit application. Find More info. on how to apply for your pet import permit here.
Banned Breads
The following breeds, pure breed or mixed, are banned from entering into the Bahamas: Pitbulls, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, Staffordshire Terrier, and Dogo Argentino.
Tips from our Personal Experience:
- Start the process early. Printing paper work, getting signatures, vet visits etc. is time consuming stuff. The more time you allow your self to complete it the better.
- Print multiple copies of all your documents. I keep an envelop of the required documents in the bag I bring to land each day and one in the nav station on the boat so I always have it close by if needed.
- Download the Adobe Fill and Sign App for your phone. If you’re like me and don’t have access to a printer or fax and need to, for example, sign your Pet Import Permit – I use the Adobe Fill and Sign app. It allows me to electronically sign using my finger as well as complete a forms forms by checkmark or written response.
- Tell your vet that you plan to travel with your pup. My vet had a lot of great advice and answers to questions I had about traveling with Lola. She also reminded me I could call the office with questions any time. For more on the advice I received from my vet read this.
Well there you have it, a thorough list of the requirements necessary to bring your best friend to the Bahamas! Well, by boat that is. If you plan on taking a plane to the Bahamas the requirements may differ. If you have any questions about something we touched on above or anything else we’d love to talk with you in the comments below!
*I do my best to keep this post updated but requirements can change. For most up to date information please visit the Government of the Bahamas Website before your trip.*
By Kate Lilly, Wicked Salty