Whether you’re traveling to Puerto Rico on vacation or are a moving family, Puerto Rico now has new import regulations for dogs (and cats). If you do not follow the rules, your dog will be returned to the mainland United States at your expense.
What are the new rules for bringing a dog to Puerto Rico?
Under the updated regulations, pet owners must work with an accredited veterinarian in the United States to conduct a thorough examination of their pets and issue interstate health certificates.
Not just any veterinary office can issue a certificate. Walter M. Woolf, founding veterinarian of Air Animal Pet Movers, notes, “Not all veterinarians are USDA-accredited. Setting up a pet vet appointment can be difficult without guidance from your pet’s regular veterinarian or experienced pet carrier.”
Steps to Enter Puerto Rico with Your Dog
Before your trip, you need to take specific steps—within exact time—to allow your dog (or cat) entry into Puerto Rico. Including:
- Microchip the pet for identification.
- Ensure rabies vaccination no more than 6 months prior to entry. This rabies certificate must be accompanied by the pet.
- Make an appointment with an accredited US veterinarian for an interstate health certificate. The appointment must take place no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Puerto Rico. USDA endorsement is not required.
- Make sure the pet has received one treatment for external parasites no more than 72 hours before entry. Veterinarians must document the treatment on the health certificate.
- Dogs should be given the following vaccines: DA2PPL/DAPPL (diarrhea, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis). Cats should be vaccinated against FVRCP (feline rhinitis, calcivirus, and leukopenia).
- different regulations applies to birds, exotic pets and all pets from other countries.
If you are moving to Puerto Rico, you will want to find a local veterinarian. “Pet parents should always check in with their new local veterinarian to keep their pet rabies up-to-date. Veterinarians often send reminders when vaccinations are due. If there is another move in the future, they will be ready,” Woolf added.
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