Bringing a pet to Dominica

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Dominica is a small island nation with a strict, rabies-conscious import regime for dogs and cats. There is no permanent quarantine station for pets, but entry is conditional on a valid rabies vaccination, an official veterinary health certificate, and an advance import permit from the Division of Agriculture. Rules vary by the rabies status of the origin country.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Dominica.

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 of the exporting country (or USDA/APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Dominica does not publish a breed-specific ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Dominica (e.g. American Eagle, Winair, LIAT) may refuse brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc.) or require additional health clearances due to heat and stress risk. Check with your carrier before booking.

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Dominica Division of Agriculture (apply 14–21 days in advance)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO microchip (or legible microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
Airline/ferry booking confirmation and customs declaration

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~US$30–60, rabies vaccination ~US$20–50, health certificate ~US$100–200, import permit fee ~US$25–75, plus airline pet fees (US$100–300+). Confirm current fees with the Dominica Division of Agriculture and your vet — prices change and are not guaranteed.

The import permit is mandatory for dogs from all origins. The permit is usually valid for a single entry within a stated window (often 30–60 days); check the issued permit for the exact validity.

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 of the exporting country (or USDA/APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Dominica Division of Agriculture (apply 14–21 days in advance)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO microchip (or legible microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
Airline/ferry booking confirmation and customs declaration

Rough budget

Low-risk origins (US, UK, most of Europe, Japan, Australia) follow the same core pathway as free origins: permit + rabies vaccination + health certificate. No titer test is routinely demanded for these origins, but the Division of Agriculture may request additional proof if the rabies vaccination history is unclear.

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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (or USDA/APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Dominica Division of Agriculture (apply 21–30 days in advance)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO microchip (or legible microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
Airline/ferry booking confirmation and customs declaration

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~US$30–60, rabies vaccination ~US$20–50, FAVN titer test ~US$150–300, health certificate ~US$100–200, import permit fee ~US$25–75, plus airline pet fees (US$100–300+). Confirm current fees with the Dominica Division of Agriculture and your vet — prices change and are not guaranteed.

High-risk origins face the strictest scrutiny. The titer test must be arranged well in advance (allow 6–8 weeks total from vaccination to travel). If the titer result is below 0.5 IU/ml, a booster vaccination and re-test are required, which can delay travel by several weeks. Dominica does not have a permanent quarantine facility, so animals that fail to meet requirements may be refused entry.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Dominica requires an import permit for all dogs, regardless of origin. Apply to the Division of Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture) at least 14–21 days before travel. The permit is usually valid for a single entry within 30–60 days. You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate as part of the application.

Dominica does not publish a specific numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement, but in practice the Division of Agriculture treats more than 3–5 dogs as a commercial import, which triggers additional requirements (business licence, import/export permits, and possibly quarantine). If you are travelling with more than two dogs, contact the Division of Agriculture in advance to confirm whether your shipment will be classified as commercial.

It depends on the origin country. Dogs from CDC high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Dogs from low-risk or free origins (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia) do not routinely need a titer test.

No. Dominica does not operate a permanent quarantine station for pets. If your dog arrives without the required permit, vaccination, or health certificate, it may be refused entry or held at the owner's expense in a local facility until the situation is resolved — but there is no standard 30- or 180-day quarantine. This is different from islands like Barbados or Jamaica, which do have quarantine facilities.

No. Dominica does not exempt emotional support animals, service dogs, or psychiatric service dogs from import requirements. All dogs must have a valid import permit, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. Airlines may allow emotional support animals in the cabin under their own policies, but that does not override Dominica's veterinary import rules. Plan for the same paperwork as any other dog.

Puppies must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival. In practice, because the rabies vaccine is usually given at 12 weeks and you must wait 21 days, the youngest a puppy can travel is about 15–16 weeks. For high-risk origins, add the titer test wait (30 days after vaccination), making the minimum age around 4–5 months.

Dominica's main airport is Douglas–Charles (DOM). American Airlines (via San Juan or Miami) and Winair (via St. Maarten) accept pets, but each has its own weight, crate, and breed restrictions. LIAT ceased operations in 2020. Many owners fly into Antigua or St. Maarten and then take a ferry or small charter to Dominica — if you do this, you must clear Dominica customs and veterinary inspection at the ferry terminal in Roseau. Always confirm pet policies directly with the airline at least 72 hours before travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Dominica.

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 national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip US$30–50, health certificate US$100–200. No titer test or import permit applies to this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture.

No rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine applies to cats from rabies-free territories. Cats must be at least 3 months old at import.

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 national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

No rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine applies to cats from low-risk origins. Cats must be at least 3 months old at import.

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 national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, blood sampled at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Import permit issued by the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip US$30–50, health certificate US$100–200, FAVN titer test US$100–250, import permit fee US$50–100. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries require a valid FAVN titer test and an import permit. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order. Cats must be at least 3 months old at import.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Dominica does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, up to 5 cats per traveller are generally treated as personal pets, but larger numbers may be considered commercial and require additional permits. Confirm with the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture before travel.

Yes. Dominica does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, including service animals, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit rules.

Only if the cat is arriving from a high-risk rabies country. For cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries, no titer test is required. The FAVN test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, with blood sampling at least 90 days before travel.

Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of import. This aligns with the minimum age for rabies vaccination.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Dominica. It must be endorsed by a government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian authorised by the origin country's national veterinary authority.

An import permit is required only for cats originating from high-risk rabies countries. Cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need an import permit. Apply for the permit through the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture well in advance.

No. Dominica does not impose quarantine on cats that meet all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test/permit if applicable). There is no quarantine station for pets on the island.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Dominica.

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Dominica Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel and not more than 12 months old
Proof of origin / owner declaration

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: import permit ~$25–50 USD, health certificate ~$50–150 USD, rabies vaccination ~$20–50 USD. No titre test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current fees with the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture and your local vet.

Dominica requires an import permit for all ferrets regardless of origin. Ferrets are not a standard pet category on many Caribbean islands; confirm acceptance with the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture before booking travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Dominica Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel and not more than 12 months old
Proof of origin / owner declaration

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. Dominica does not differentiate ferret imports by rabies-risk tier of origin beyond standard rabies vaccination proof.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Dominica Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel and not more than 12 months old
FAVN/RFFIT rabies antibody titre test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Proof of origin / owner declaration

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: import permit ~$25–50 USD, health certificate ~$50–150 USD, rabies vaccination ~$20–50 USD, FAVN/RFFIT titre test ~$100–250 USD. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current fees with the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture and your local vet.

High-risk-origin ferrets require a rabies antibody titre test in addition to vaccination. Allow at least 4 months from first vaccination to travel to accommodate the 30-day post-vaccination wait and the 90-day period after blood draw.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not a routine pet category in Dominica. You must obtain an import permit from the Dominica Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy before travel. Contact them at agriculture.gov.dm or +1 767 266 3800 to confirm current acceptance and any species-specific conditions.

Dominica does not publish a fixed numeric cap for non-commercial pet ferrets, but permits are typically issued for 1–3 animals per travelling owner. If you plan to bring more than 3, expect the application to be assessed under commercial import rules, which require additional veterinary and business documentation.

Only if your ferret is travelling from a CDC-flagged high-risk rabies country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The test must show ≥0.5 IU/ml by FAVN or RFFIT at an approved laboratory, with blood drawn at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free origins do not need a titre test — just a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

At least 30 days before arrival in Dominica. The vaccine must be given when the ferret is at least 12 weeks old, and the certificate must be valid at the time of travel. A 12-month rabies vaccine is standard; if your vet uses a 3-year vaccine, confirm Dominica accepts it — they generally follow the manufacturer's validity.

No. Dominica does not operate a quarantine facility for pet ferrets. If your import permit, health certificate, and rabies documentation are in order, your ferret can enter directly. If documentation is incomplete, the animal may be refused entry or held at your expense — there is no routine 30- or 90-day quarantine.

No. Dominica does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from veterinary import requirements. A service ferret still needs an import permit, health certificate, and rabies vaccination proof. Airlines may also refuse ferrets in the cabin regardless of service-animal status — check with your carrier separately.

Four documents: (1) Dominica import permit, (2) official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, (3) rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days prior, and (4) for high-risk origins, a FAVN/RFFIT titre result ≥0.5 IU/ml. Keep originals and copies — Roseau customs and the agriculture officer at Douglas-Charles or Canefield airport will check them on arrival.

Good to know

Dominica requires an import permit for dogs and cats from all origins; the permit is issued by the Division of Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy). Applications should be made at least 14–21 days before travel. Pets generally arrive via Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) or the ferry terminal at Roseau; cargo or accompanied baggage clearance is handled by Customs and the veterinary authority. There is no permanent government quarantine kennel — if an animal arrives without valid documents it may be refused entry or held at the owner's expense.

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 Dominica, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).