Bringing a pet to Antigua and Barbuda

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Antigua and Barbuda has strict, origin-dependent import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets. There is no standard quarantine for pets from low-risk countries if all paperwork and health checks are in order, but animals from higher-risk origins may face mandatory quarantine or additional testing. Expect to budget for veterinary certificates, rabies titer tests, and possible isolation periods.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate (proof of implantation before rabies vaccine)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine administered after microchip and at least 21 days before arrival
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian
  • Proof of age (e.g., veterinary record or birth certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services.

No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine required. Rules are identical for all origin tiers.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate (proof of implantation before rabies vaccine)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine administered after microchip and at least 21 days before arrival
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian
  • Proof of age (e.g., veterinary record or birth certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services.

No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine required. Rules are identical for all origin tiers.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate (proof of implantation before rabies vaccine)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine administered after microchip and at least 21 days before arrival
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian
  • Proof of age (e.g., veterinary record or birth certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services.

No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine required. Rules are identical for all origin tiers.

Frequently asked questions

No. Antigua and Barbuda does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any country. A valid rabies vaccination and a 21-day waiting period after the vaccine are sufficient.
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is given. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before your arrival date. There is no maximum time limit as long as the vaccine is current (typically 1-3 year vaccines are accepted if given after microchipping).
No. There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs arriving in Antigua and Barbuda, regardless of the country of origin. Your dog can go straight home after arrival if all paperwork is in order.
Antigua and Barbuda does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet movement, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services before travel if you plan to bring more than 2 dogs.
No. Emotional support dogs and service dogs are not exempt from any of the standard import requirements. They must still be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a valid health certificate. No special waivers are available.
Your dog will likely be denied entry or placed in quarantine until an ISO-compliant microchip can be implanted and the rabies vaccine re-administered with a 21-day wait. To avoid this, ensure your dog has an ISO 11784/11785 microchip before travel.
No. The minimum age for entry is 12 weeks (3 months). Puppies younger than that cannot be imported, even if they have a microchip and rabies vaccine.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip implantation)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services.

No quarantine for cats from rabies-free origins. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip implantation)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services.

No quarantine for cats from low-risk origins. Ensure rabies vaccine is administered at least 21 days before travel.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at an approved facility in Antigua and Barbuda. Costs and availability must be arranged prior to travel. Contact the Veterinary Services Division for current facility details.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip implantation)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fees vary, quarantine costs ~$15–30 per day. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services.

Cats from high-risk origins face stricter requirements including FAVN test, import permit, and 30-day quarantine. Start the process at least 3 months before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Antigua and Barbuda does not specify a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats, but bringing more than 2 cats may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Veterinary Services Division if you plan to bring more than 2.
No. Emotional support and service cats are not exempt from any import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine rules as any other cat.
No. The US is classified as low-risk, so a FAVN titer test is not required. Only cats from high-risk origins need the test.
Antigua and Barbuda requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If the vaccine was given more than 12 months before travel, a booster shot is needed at least 21 days before departure. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip is implanted.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy and the cat's size (usually under 8 kg including carrier). Antigua and Barbuda does not ban cabin travel for cats, but check with your airline for specific rules.
No minimum age is specified by Antigua and Barbuda, but the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and a 21-day wait applies after vaccination. So the earliest a cat can enter is around 15 weeks old.
You must bring your own ISO-compatible scanner. Antigua and Barbuda officials may not have a scanner for non-ISO chips. It is strongly recommended to have an ISO chip implanted before travel.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, date of vaccination, and validity period)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with date of implantation and location)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Veterinary export certificate from the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — confirm with local vet and Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50.

No quarantine for ferrets from rabies-free origins. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination. No import permit required.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, date of vaccination, and validity period)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with date of implantation and location)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Veterinary export certificate from the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — confirm with local vet and Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50.

No quarantine for ferrets from low-risk origins. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination. No import permit required.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory 30-day quarantine at a government-approved facility in Antigua and Barbuda. Owner pays all costs. Pre-arrival approval required.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine brand, batch number, date of vaccination, and validity period)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with date of implantation and location)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, from an OIE-approved laboratory)
  • Import permit from Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services
  • Veterinary export certificate from the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — confirm with local vet and Antigua and Barbuda Veterinary Services: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine costs ~$500-1500 for 30 days.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries face stricter rules: mandatory FAVN titer test, import permit, and 30-day quarantine. Minimum age 4 months due to titer test timing. No exceptions for service animals.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Antigua and Barbuda generally allows up to 5 pets per non-commercial traveller without triggering commercial import rules. For 6 or more ferrets, you must follow commercial import procedures, which require a separate permit and may involve additional fees and inspections.
No. Antigua and Barbuda does not recognize emotional support animals as exempt from standard pet import rules. Your ferret must meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) titer test and quarantine requirements regardless of its role.
If your ferret's rabies vaccine expires during your stay, you must have it revaccinated by a local veterinarian in Antigua and Barbuda before departure. The new vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel if you are returning to a country that requires a waiting period. Keep the updated certificate.
No. Antigua and Barbuda does not impose breed-specific restrictions on ferrets. All domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are treated the same under import regulations. However, hybrid or wild ferrets may be subject to additional wildlife import rules.
That depends on the airline's policy, not Antigua and Barbuda's import rules. Many airlines allow small ferrets in the cabin if they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Check with your airline at least 48 hours before departure. The country itself does not ban cabin travel for ferrets.
You must apply to the Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Antigua and Barbuda, at least 30 days before travel. Submit a completed application form, copy of the ferret's microchip certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and FAVN titer test result. The permit fee is approximately $50-100. Email [email protected] for the current form and fee.
No. Antigua and Barbuda does not set a maximum weight limit for ferrets. However, airlines may have their own weight restrictions for cabin or cargo travel. Check with your airline for their specific limits.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) before any rabies vaccination. Import permits are required for all three species and must be obtained from the Veterinary and Livestock Division before travel.

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).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Antigua and Barbuda's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.