Bringing a pet to Honduras

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Honduras takes a paperwork-driven approach to dog imports: no routine quarantine for dogs arriving with a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a government-endorsed health certificate. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority. Honduras does not operate a rabies-status tier system like the EU or Japan, so the practical difference between a low-risk and a high-risk origin is mostly the level of scrutiny at the port of entry, not a different set of permits. SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad e Inocuidad Agroalimentaria) handles border checks; carry original documents, not photocopies.

Requirements for your pet

Honduras applies the same dog import rules regardless of where your pet is travelling from.

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian in the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA/apostille for the UK, or the equivalent competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Honduras does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Honduras (American, Avianca, Copa, United, Delta, Spirit) enforce their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, shih tzus, etc.) in cargo, especially in summer, and some refuse them in cabin on long-haul routes. Check the operating carrier's embargo list before booking, because the airline rule is what actually stops the dog at check-in.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine name, batch number, date of vaccination and validity (at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before arrival)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of owner identity and travel (passport or flight itinerary) to support non-commercial import
  • Airline pet booking confirmation and, for cabin travel, the carrier's own veterinary fitness form

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate and government endorsement typically USD 100–250, rabies vaccination USD 20–60, airline pet fee USD 100–300 depending on cabin vs cargo. Microchip is not required by Honduras but is standard in most origin countries. Confirm current prices with your vet and the airline.

No quarantine and no import permit for a single pet dog. The health certificate must be the original, signed and stamped by the endorsing government veterinarian; a plain clinic letterhead certificate is routinely refused at Toncontín and Roatán.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian in the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA/apostille for the UK, or the equivalent competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Honduras does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Honduras (American, Avianca, Copa, United, Delta, Spirit) enforce their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, shih tzus, etc.) in cargo, especially in summer, and some refuse them in cabin on long-haul routes. Check the operating carrier's embargo list before booking, because the airline rule is what actually stops the dog at check-in.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine name, batch number, date of vaccination and validity (at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before arrival)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of owner identity and travel (passport or flight itinerary) to support non-commercial import
  • Airline pet booking confirmation and, for cabin travel, the carrier's own veterinary fitness form

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate and government endorsement typically USD 100–250, rabies vaccination USD 20–60, airline pet fee USD 100–300 depending on cabin vs cargo. Microchip is not required by Honduras but is standard in most origin countries. Confirm current prices with your vet and the airline.

Same practical requirements as the free tier. Honduras does not require a rabies titer test for dogs from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan or Australia. Expect the SENASA officer to check that the rabies vaccine was given at least 21 days before arrival and is still within its 1- or 3-year validity.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian in the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA/apostille for the UK, or the equivalent competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Honduras does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Honduras (American, Avianca, Copa, United, Delta, Spirit) enforce their own restrictions on brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, shih tzus, etc.) in cargo, especially in summer, and some refuse them in cabin on long-haul routes. Check the operating carrier's embargo list before booking, because the airline rule is what actually stops the dog at check-in.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine name, batch number, date of vaccination and validity (at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before arrival)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of owner identity and travel (passport or flight itinerary) to support non-commercial import
  • Airline pet booking confirmation and, for cabin travel, the carrier's own veterinary fitness form
  • Optional but recommended: FAVN rabies titer test result and a letter from the origin country's veterinary authority confirming vaccination history

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate and government endorsement typically USD 100–250, rabies vaccination USD 20–60, FAVN titer test USD 100–250 if you choose to do one, airline pet fee USD 100–300. Confirm current prices with your vet and the airline.

No quarantine and no import permit are imposed on a single non-commercial pet dog from a high-risk origin, but this is the tier where SENASA is most likely to inspect the animal and question the vaccination record. Dogs arriving from countries with active canine rabies circulation may be held briefly at the port of entry while documents are verified. Carry the original rabies certificate, not a photo.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Honduras does not require a FAVN/OIE rabies titer test for dogs, regardless of whether you are coming from the US, the EU, or a CDC high-risk country such as Thailand or Nigeria. What is required is a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before arrival and still within its validity period (1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine used). If you are coming from a high-risk country, carrying a titer result as supporting evidence can help if the SENASA officer questions the vaccination record, but it is not a formal entry condition.
No. Honduras does not operate a routine quarantine for dogs arriving with a valid rabies vaccination certificate and an endorsed health certificate. There is no 7-day, 21-day or 30-day holding period. In practice, if documents are in order the dog is cleared at the port of entry; if the rabies certificate is missing or expired, the animal may be held at the airport while SENASA decides whether to admit it or return it to the origin country at the owner's expense.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Honduras and endorsed by the government veterinary authority in the origin country (USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA or an apostille for the UK, the equivalent competent authority elsewhere). A certificate issued 11 days or more before arrival is routinely refused. Book the vet appointment for 3–7 days before departure so there is time for the government endorsement to be stamped.
Honduras does not publish a hard numeric cap the way the EU does with its 5-pet non-commercial limit. In practice, SENASA treats a single traveller arriving with 1–2 pet dogs as a non-commercial import; bringing 3 or more dogs on one itinerary, or dogs that are clearly not the traveller's own pets, can trigger a commercial import review with additional permits and fees. If you are moving more than 2 dogs, contact SENASA in advance rather than assuming the non-commercial route applies.
No. Honduras does not exempt emotional-support animals or service dogs from the rabies vaccination and health certificate requirements. A service dog still needs a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before arrival and a government-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin without a pet fee, but that is an airline policy, not a waiver of SENASA's import conditions.
No. Honduras does not require an ISO 11784/11785 microchip as a condition of entry for dogs. Most origin countries (EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia) microchip pets as standard practice, and airlines often require it for identification, but SENASA does not check for a chip at the border. If your dog is already chipped, keep the chip number on the health certificate so the vaccination record and the animal can be matched if asked.
At Toncontín (TGU), San Pedro Sula (SAP) or Roatán (RTB), you present the original rabies vaccination certificate and the government-endorsed health certificate to the SENASA officer, usually after baggage claim. The officer checks the vaccination date (at least 21 days before arrival), the certificate issue date (within 10 days of arrival) and the endorsing stamp. If everything matches, the dog is cleared, typically in 15–30 minutes. If the certificate is missing, expired or not endorsed, the dog can be held at the airport or returned to the origin country at your cost — carry originals, not photocopies or phone photos.

Honduras applies the same cat import rules regardless of where your pet is travelling from.

Microchip
Not required
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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for Small Animals (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel; valid for at least 1 year)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, possible courier/endorsement fees ~$50-100. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fees apply for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA Honduras.

No microchip, import permit, or rabies titer test required for cats from countries with negligible rabies risk. Health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are mandatory. No quarantine on arrival.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Not required
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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for Small Animals (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel; valid for at least 1 year)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, possible courier/endorsement fees ~$50-100. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fees apply for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA Honduras.

Same requirements as for free-tier countries. No microchip, import permit, or titer test required. Health certificate and rabies vaccination are mandatory. No quarantine.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip
Not required
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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for Small Animals (issued within 10 days of travel)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel; valid for at least 1 year)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, possible courier/endorsement fees ~$50-100. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fees apply for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA Honduras.

Honduras does not impose additional requirements (microchip, titer test, permit, quarantine) for cats from high-risk rabies countries beyond the standard health certificate and rabies vaccination. Some airlines may have stricter rules for pets from high-risk countries; check with your carrier.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Honduras does not require a rabies titer test for cats from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No. Honduras does not mandate a microchip for cats. If your cat is microchipped, ISO 11784/11785 compliance is recommended for international travel but is not a condition of entry.
Honduras does not specify a strict limit in its official regulations. In practice, SENASA typically allows up to 2-3 pets per traveller without commercial import permits; larger numbers may be subject to commercial regulations. Confirm with SENASA Honduras before travelling with more than 2 pets.
No. Honduras does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, including service animals, must have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Airlines may have additional policies, but the country's import rules apply equally.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Honduras. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US).
No. Honduras does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with a valid health certificate and rabies vaccination. Quarantine days are 0 for all origin tiers.
Only rabies vaccination is required. It must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid for at least 1 year. Other vaccinations (e.g., feline distemper, calicivirus) are not required by Honduran authorities but are recommended for the cat's health.

Honduras applies the same ferret import rules regardless of where your pet is travelling from.

Microchip
Not required
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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for small mammals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before travel
  • Proof of origin (owner's declaration or pet passport, if available)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, courier/endorsement fees ~$50-150. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Honduran agricultural authority (SAG).

Honduras does not require a microchip, rabies titer test, or import permit for ferrets. A rabies vaccination is mandatory for ferrets over 3 months of age. The health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. No quarantine is imposed for ferrets from low-risk rabies countries. Ferrets are not covered under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, so an EU pet passport alone is not sufficient; a separate health certificate is required.

Microchip
Not required
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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for small mammals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before travel
  • Proof of origin (owner's declaration or pet passport, if available)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, courier/endorsement fees ~$50-150. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Honduran agricultural authority (SAG).

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Honduras does not require a microchip, rabies titer test, or import permit for ferrets from low-risk countries. A health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival is mandatory. No quarantine is imposed.

Microchip
Not required
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 origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • International Health Certificate for small mammals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and no more than 1 year before travel
  • Proof of origin (owner's declaration or pet passport, if available)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify locally. Health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, courier/endorsement fees ~$50-150. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Honduran agricultural authority (SAG).

Honduras does not impose additional requirements (titer test, permit, quarantine) for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries beyond the standard health certificate and rabies vaccination. Airlines may have stricter rules for pets from high-risk countries; confirm with the Honduran embassy or SAG before travel.

Frequently asked questions

No. Honduras does not mandate microchipping for ferrets. Identification is based on the health certificate and rabies vaccination record. Some airlines may require a microchip for international travel, so check with your carrier.
A current rabies vaccination is mandatory for all ferrets over 3 months of age. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid for no more than 1 year. Other vaccines (e.g., distemper) are not required by Honduras but may be recommended by your vet.
No. Honduras does not require a rabies titer test for ferrets, regardless of the origin country's rabies risk status. Only the standard rabies vaccination certificate is needed.
Honduras does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. However, if you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, they may be considered a commercial import, which triggers additional requirements such as an import permit and possibly quarantine. For personal pets, keep the number small (1-2) to avoid complications.
No. Honduras does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: a health certificate and valid rabies vaccination. Airlines may have separate policies for service animals in the cabin, but the country's import rules still apply.
The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival in Honduras. It must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation, and it should include the ferret's description, vaccination details, and a statement of good health.
No. Honduras does not impose quarantine on ferrets entering the country, provided they have a valid health certificate and rabies vaccination. However, if the animal shows signs of illness upon arrival, it may be subject to isolation or return at the owner's expense.

Good to know

Honduras does not publish a detailed public-facing pet-import portal equivalent to the EU Pet Travel Scheme or USDA APHIS. Requirements are set by SENASA under the Secretaría de Agricultura y Ganadería (SAG). Airlines flying into Tegucigalpa (Toncontín, TGU), San Pedro Sula (SAP) and Roatán (RTB) apply their own check-in rules on top of SENASA's. Confirm current requirements with SENASA or the Honduran consulate in your origin country before booking, because the certificate template and endorsement wording are the parts most often rejected.

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 Honduras, 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 Honduras's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.