Bringing a pet to Palau

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Palau is a rabies-free island nation in the western Pacific. Every dog entering the country needs a valid rabies vaccination, an ISO microchip, and a veterinary health certificate; the Division of Agriculture and Fisheries may require advance permission and inspection on arrival. There is no long-stay quarantine station, so the practical barrier is paperwork and timing rather than weeks in a kennel. Incomplete documents can mean the animal is held at the owner's expense or refused entry. Rules are broadly similar regardless of origin country, though animals from rabies-affected regions may face extra scrutiny or a titer test at the discretion of the importing authority.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Government-appointed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS VS Form 7001 for US-origin pets, or the equivalent EU/UK export certificate) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Palau itself does not publish a breed ban, but airlines serving Palau (United Airlines via Guam, and any carrier routing through Asia) restrict brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Boston terriers, especially in summer. Check the operating carrier's live-animal policy before booking; a snub-nosed dog may be refused at check-in even with correct Palau paperwork.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine name, batch, date, and valid-until date
International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip number recorded on the health certificate
Proof of origin (flight itinerary or export endorsement)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–60, rabies vaccine ~$20–40, health certificate ~$100–250, airline pet fee ~$150–400 depending on carrier and route. Palau does not publish a fixed import fee; confirm current charges with the Bureau of Agriculture and your airline.

Even from a rabies-free origin, Palau expects the rabies vaccine to be at least 21 days old at arrival. Puppies under 12 weeks cannot meet this and should not be booked.

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

Government-appointed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (USDA APHIS VS Form 7001, DEFRA export certificate, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (current, at least 21 days old)
International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip number recorded on the health certificate
Airline-issued live animal acceptance form

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–60, rabies vaccine ~$20–40, health certificate ~$100–250, FAVN titer test ~$150–300 if requested, airline pet fee ~$150–400. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture.

US-origin pets typically fly via Guam (United) or Honolulu; Guam's own rabies-free rules apply to transit, so keep the animal airside or pre-clear with Guam Customs if you overnight there.

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

Government-appointed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (USDA APHIS VS Form 7001 or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued in advance by the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Division of Agriculture and Fisheries
Rabies vaccination certificate (current, at least 21 days old)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip number recorded on the health certificate
Airline-issued live animal acceptance form

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–60, rabies vaccine ~$20–40, FAVN titer test ~$150–300, import permit fee varies (often $50–200), health certificate ~$100–250, airline pet fee ~$150–400. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture.

Pets from CDC high-risk dog-rabies countries face the most scrutiny. Apply for the Palau import permit at least 3 months before travel so the titer test and permit timelines can be met. If the titer is below 0.5 IU/ml, revaccinate and re-test — do not travel.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Start at least 3 months out. The rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at arrival, the health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival, and if you are coming from a high-risk rabies country you also need a FAVN titer test (allow 4–6 weeks for lab turnaround) plus a Palau import permit. Booking flights before the permit is issued is the most common mistake.

Not if you are arriving from a rabies-free or controlled-rabies country such as the US, EU, UK, Japan, or Australia — a current rabies vaccination is enough. If you are coming from a CDC high-risk dog-rabies country (Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East), Palau requires a FAVN titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and the result may need to be at least 90 days old before arrival. Confirm your specific case with the Bureau of Agriculture before you book.

Palau has no long-stay quarantine station, so there is no 30- or 180-day kennel period. However, if your paperwork is incomplete or the animal looks unwell on arrival, a government veterinarian can order examination or holding at the owner's expense, and entry can be refused. Treat the paperwork as the quarantine — get it right before you fly.

Palau does not publish a hard numeric cap, but the non-commercial allowance is small — in practice one to two personal pets per traveller. Bringing three or more dogs, or importing repeatedly for resale, moves you into commercial import territory and requires a separate permit and inspection arrangement with the Bureau of Agriculture. Ask before you book if you plan to bring more than two.

No. Palau does not exempt service animals or emotional-support animals from rabies vaccination, microchip, or health-certificate requirements. The dog still needs a valid rabies vaccine at least 21 days old, an ISO microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Airlines may also treat ESAs differently from trained service dogs — check the carrier's policy separately.

Palau's quarantine officers at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport can hold the animal, require a vet examination at your cost, or refuse entry and send the dog back on the next available flight — at your expense. There is no on-site kennel to board the dog while you fix documents, so a missing titer result or expired health certificate can derail the whole trip. Carry originals, not scans.

That depends entirely on the airline, not on Palau. United Airlines, the main carrier into Koror via Guam, generally allows small dogs in cabin on transpacific routes only if the combined weight of pet and carrier is under about 8 kg (varies by aircraft), and does not allow pets in cabin on some Guam–Palau legs. Larger dogs travel as checked baggage or cargo in an IATA-compliant crate. Confirm with the carrier at booking — Palau's import rules apply either way.

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

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

Not required

Documents checklist

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

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources.

For cats from rabies-free countries. Requirements: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine.

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

Not required

Documents checklist

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

For cats from low-risk rabies countries. Requirements: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine.

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

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn ≥30 days post-vaccination, travel ≥90 days after blood draw)
Import permit issued by the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. No quarantine fee applies if all requirements are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources.

For cats from high-risk rabies countries. Requirements: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, FAVN/RFFIT titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) with blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination and travel at least 90 days after the blood draw, import permit, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No quarantine if all requirements are met.

Frequently asked questions

Only if your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country. In that case, a FAVN or RFFIT test is required: blood must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml, and travel must occur at least 90 days after the blood draw. The test is valid for 2 years. Cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need a titer test.

Palau generally allows up to 5 cats or dogs per traveller as non-commercial pets. Bringing more than 5 may be treated as a commercial shipment, requiring additional permits and inspections. Confirm the current limit with the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources before travel.

No. Palau does not exempt emotional support or service cats from import requirements. All cats must meet the same conditions: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and, if from a high-risk rabies country, a FAVN/RFFIT titer test and an import permit.

A kitten must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccination and then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. The minimum age for entry is therefore 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). There is no separate minimum age in months.

No. Palau does not impose quarantine on cats that meet all entry requirements. If your cat arrives with a valid rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, when required, a titer test and import permit, it can enter directly. If documents are missing or invalid, the cat may be refused entry or held at the owner's expense.

You need: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (2) an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government or accredited veterinarian, (3) proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and (4) if your cat is from a high-risk rabies country, a FAVN/RFFIT titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) and an import permit from the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources. Carry original documents.

No. Palau has no breed-specific bans or restrictions for cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed if they meet the health and documentation requirements. Some airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, so check with your carrier.

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

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 origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and at 12 weeks of age or older
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by Palau Bureau of Agriculture
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100. A FAVN titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture.

Palau applies the same baseline requirements to all ferret origins; there is no formal tiered system. Rabies vaccination must be given at 12 weeks of age or older and at least 21 days before travel.

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 of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and at 12 weeks of age or older
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by Palau Bureau of Agriculture
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Palau does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for ferrets; all must meet the same conditions.

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 of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and at 12 weeks of age or older
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, completed at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Import permit issued by Palau Bureau of Agriculture
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries require a valid FAVN titer test in addition to the standard requirements. Palau may require additional quarantine or testing on arrival; confirm with the Bureau of Agriculture before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, with an import permit from the Palau Bureau of Agriculture, a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and proof of an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml completed at least 90 days before travel. There is no quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order.

Palau does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferrets. The Bureau of Agriculture generally treats imports of more than 5 animals as commercial, which triggers additional requirements such as a commercial import licence and stricter health checks. For 1-5 ferrets, the standard non-commercial rules apply. Confirm the current threshold with the Bureau of Agriculture.

No. Palau does not exempt emotional support or service animals from its import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, microchip, and permit rules. There is no separate category for assistance animals in Palau's veterinary import regulations.

Your ferret must be vaccinated against rabies at 12 weeks of age or older and at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. A rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required.

It depends on the origin country. Ferrets from countries considered high-risk for rabies (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe) require a FAVN titer test. The test must be done at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination, show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and be completed at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need this test.

The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Palau. It must be signed by a government veterinarian of the origin country and include details of the ferret's rabies vaccination and microchip.

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-100, and if required, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Palau Bureau of Agriculture.

Good to know

Palau's pet import rules are administered by the Bureau of Agriculture, Division of Agriculture and Fisheries (Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism). There is no published tiered fee schedule or online permit portal; approvals are handled case-by-case by email or through the Palau Animal Welfare Society. Airlines serving Palau (United via Guam, and previously China Airlines) apply their own carrier rules on top of Palau's, including brachycephalic breed restrictions and crates sized to IATA Live Animals Regulations. Because Palau is rabies-free, any dog that shows signs of illness on arrival may be examined by a government veterinarian at the owner's cost.

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