Importing Pets To The Bahamas

Navigating To The Tropics: A Comprehensive Guide On Bringing Your Pet To The Bahamas 

Embarking on a tropical adventure to The Bahamas with your beloved pet? I have first-hand experience bringing my pets to the Bahamas from the UK so I know a little thing or two about this process and I hope yours will go as smoothly as mine did. It's an exciting journey, but one that requires careful planning. In this comprehensive blog, we'll unravel the steps, regulations, and essential tips for bringing your pet to The Bahamas from overseas. Let's ensure your furry friend enjoys the sun, sand, and sea stress-free! 

Understanding Bahamas Pet Import Regulations

• Your pet must be at least 6 months old to be able to travel. (Although you can travel with pets younger. As long as the country they currently reside in is the place of birth).

• Your pet must have a microchip number that meets the ISO 11784/11785 standards, if your pet is not chipped, it will need it implanted before any vaccinations. (Microchips might not be checked during this process to come into The Bahamas but they will definitely need one if returning to the country they came from).

• Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies no sooner than 1 month prior, and no later than 10 months before travel.

You can find all the supporting info and application forms for pet permits on the official Bahamas Government page.

1. Up-To-Date Vaccinations:

Your pet must be up-to-date on essential vaccinations: 

• Parvo

• Distemper

• Adenovirus

• Hepatitis 

• Leptospirosis

• Rabies 

• & The new Coronavirus vaccine. 

Ensure vaccinations are administered well in advance, especially the rabies vaccine. Plan your travel arrangements around your pet's vaccine schedule, and give your vet plenty of time to help you plan the dates of the vaccinations to comply with Bahamas regulations.

Find a licensed vet who has experience or is familiar with the pet import/export process, some may charge you extra for unnecessary procedures so it's important you explore your options before you commit to the vaccination process with your chosen clinic. Your vet should be able to help you plan your vaccine appointments and provide you with the documentation that will be useful to show to staff at the airport etc. My local vet provided us with a vaccination booklet so we knew exactly when we needed to bring our pups in for their next vaccine.

Necessary Paperwork and Documentation

1. Import Permit:

You would need to apply for an import permit at least 2-4 weeks before travel. For the most recent import form click here.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to apply for this permit online. Payment must be made by cash or international money order, either in person or by mail. If you happen to be making a trip to the Bahamas before your pet's arrival you may be able to successfully submit the form in time but if not you still have a few options. I wouldn't recommend mailing any money to the Bahamas, instead, if you have friends on the island you could ask them to submit the paperwork for you. If you're working with a realtor you can also ask them to submit it for you. Im sure they will be happy to help! They may even have experience doing it for other clients.

There are also online pet services from the Bahamas that make the permit process hassle-free for you. My friend Wellington can guide you about pet permits on his website Bahamas Pet Permit.com

2. Health Certificate:

Once the import permit is approved, you will then be sent a health certificate that will need to be filled out by your vet. (preferably the vet that did the vaccinations). This certificate must be filled out 48 hours before your pet departs from your country. The certificate should confirm your pet's good health and compliance with Bahamas import regulations. Once you arrive at customs you will need to present them your pets health certificate and their import permit.

Pet-Friendly Travel Tips

1. Choosing Your Pet-Friendly Airline:

Opt for the airlines with the best pet-friendly policies and accommodations. Research their specific requirements for pet travel to The Bahamas, including carrier dimensions and in-cabin options. Your chosen airline will guide you through the process of getting your furbaby on the flight. You can find more information about suitable companies on our pet-friendly airlines blog.

2. Comfortable Travel Arrangements:

Ensure your pet's travel arrangements are comfortable and stress-free. Familiarize your pet with the travel carrier beforehand, and consider a direct flight to minimize travel time. My pups had never travelled anywhere outside of the UK and as they are older dogs I was worried about how such a journey would affect them mentally or physically. I chose a pet airline that worked with vets so it assured me that they knew what was the best for my babies. Another issue I had was my pups not being crate-trained. 

If your pets are not crate-trained and are about to go on a plane consider transitioning them to use a crate as soon as you can. You don't have to buy a new crate, I purchased a pre-owned carrier for only $6 and it worked like a charm. I left the crate open for most of the days and gave them treats when I saw them using it.  If you reward them and gently guide them into the crate they will naturally go in there to rest I did this for about a month before their big flights and I was even able to re-sell the crate when I was done with it!

Arrival and Post-Travel Care

1. Customs Clearance:

If your pet has arrived in the Bahamas by cargo ask the airport staff where the customs clearance for cargo animals is located. It will probably be away from the airport you arrived in. In Nassau there are two customs clearance locations near the airport so make sure you're directed to the right one if there are multiple locations. Once you arrive at the right place you will be asked to provide the import permit and health certificate then you will have to pay a customs fee. They will tell you the fee is based on the 'value' of your pet. So it's up to you to negotiate with the staff what the cost will be.

2. Local Veterinary Services:

Have contact information readily available in case of unforeseen circumstances for any post-travel health checks or emergency care. Many excellent vets in New Providence can assist you with all your veterinary needs.  You can find your local clinic on the Bahamas Local website.

Conclusion:

 Bringing your pet to The Bahamas is an adventure filled with sun-soaked possibilities. By adhering to regulations, planning diligently, and prioritizing your pet's comfort, you're setting the stage for a memorable and stress-free island experience.

Comment below if you have any questions about the import process and I hope you found this information useful!