Bringing a pet to Antigua and Barbuda

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Antigua and Barbuda is a rabies-free island nation that requires all imported dogs to meet the same core entry rules, regardless of the origin country's rabies status. The Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture is the competent authority. There is no rabies titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine for properly documented dogs. Owners should begin planning at least 30 days before travel to allow for microchipping, rabies vaccination timing, and health certificate issuance.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Antigua and Barbuda.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHA-endorsed private veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing date, vaccine brand, and batch number; valid for at least 1 year
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, or microchip number recorded on the health certificate

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fees apply. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division.

No quarantine, no titer test, no import permit. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. Travel with a copy of all documentation.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHA-endorsed private veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing date, vaccine brand, and batch number; valid for at least 1 year
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, or microchip number recorded on the health certificate

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No additional measures for low-risk countries. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHA-endorsed private veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing date, vaccine brand, and batch number; valid for at least 1 year
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, or microchip number recorded on the health certificate

Rough budget

Antigua and Barbuda does not impose additional requirements on high-risk origin countries. The same documentation as for free and low-risk origins applies. No titer test, no quarantine, no import permit.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Antigua and Barbuda does not require a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) for any origin country. A current rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.

No. There is no quarantine requirement for dogs with valid documentation. Dogs are cleared at the port of entry after inspection of the health certificate and vaccination record.

Antigua and Barbuda does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial dog movement. In practice, a single traveller bringing more than 3-5 dogs may be questioned about commercial intent. Contact the Veterinary and Livestock Division in advance if you plan to bring multiple dogs.

No. Antigua and Barbuda does not exempt service dogs or emotional support animals from the standard import requirements. All dogs must have an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. There is no separate service-animal lane or waiver.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. It must be endorsed by a government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, APHA in the UK) and include the dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and a statement of good health.

No. Antigua and Barbuda does not require an import permit for dogs. You only need the rabies vaccination certificate, the health certificate, and proof of microchip.

Antigua and Barbuda does not publish a breed ban list for dogs. However, airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs) for travel to the Caribbean, especially in cargo. Check with your airline before booking.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Antigua and Barbuda.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and valid at time of travel
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division.

For cats from rabies-free origins. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine required. The cat must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival, and accompanied by a health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and valid at time of travel
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

For cats from low-risk rabies countries. Requirements match the free tier: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival, and a health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine required.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and valid at time of travel
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before arrival
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division.

For cats from high-risk rabies countries. Requires an import permit, a FAVN/RFFIT titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml sampled at least 30 days after vaccination, and a 3-month wait after blood sampling before arrival. No quarantine on arrival if all conditions are met.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Antigua and Barbuda generally allows up to 2 pet cats per person for non-commercial import. Bringing more than 2 cats may require a commercial import permit and additional requirements. Confirm with the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division before travel.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East) need a FAVN/RFFIT titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, with a 3-month wait after blood sampling before arrival. Cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a titer test.

No quarantine is required for cats that meet all entry requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival, health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival, and a titer test plus import permit if from a high-risk country. Cats that do not meet the requirements may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.

You need a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and valid at time of travel, a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival, and proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip. If your cat is from a high-risk rabies country, you also need an import permit and a FAVN/RFFIT titer test result showing at least 0.5 IU/ml. All documents should be original and in English.

No. Antigua and Barbuda does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before arrival, health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival, and titer test plus import permit if from a high-risk country. Airlines may have separate policies.

Your cat must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival, and the vaccine must be current at time of travel. If your cat is from a high-risk country, the FAVN/RFFIT titer test must be sampled at least 30 days after vaccination, and you must wait at least 3 months after blood sampling before entering Antigua and Barbuda.

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250 (if required), import permit ~$50-150 (if required). No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with your veterinarian and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Antigua and Barbuda.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division.

Ferrets are classified as 'other animals' rather than dogs or cats, so an import permit from the Veterinary and Livestock Division is required. Rabies vaccination is required even though ferrets are not a primary rabies reservoir. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Requirements match the free tier. Ferrets from low-risk rabies countries still need an import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. No quarantine is imposed if paperwork is complete.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN rabies titer test in addition to the standard requirements. The import permit application must include the titer test result. Antigua and Barbuda may impose quarantine on a case-by-case basis if documentation is incomplete.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not classified as dogs or cats. They require an import permit from the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division, a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order.

Antigua and Barbuda does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but non-commercial pet movement is generally limited to 2-3 animals per traveller. Bringing more may trigger commercial import regulations. Contact the Veterinary and Livestock Division for confirmation.

No. Antigua and Barbuda does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same import conditions: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Service animals may be allowed in the cabin on some airlines, but import rules remain the same.

Ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. A rabies vaccination certificate is required. For high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test is also required, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

Yes, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip is required. The microchip number must be recorded on the health certificate and import permit application.

Processing time for an import permit from the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary and Livestock Division is typically 5-10 business days. Apply well in advance of travel, as permits are valid for a limited period (usually 30-60 days).

If a ferret arrives without the required import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, or microchip, it may be denied entry, quarantined at the owner's expense, or returned to the origin country. Antigua and Barbuda enforces these rules strictly to prevent rabies introduction.

Good to know

Antigua and Barbuda does not differentiate between rabies-free, low-risk, and high-risk origin countries for dog imports. All dogs require the same documentation. Dogs arriving without valid documentation may be refused entry or held at the owner's expense. There is no official quarantine facility for pets on the island.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Antigua and Barbuda, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).