Bringing a pet to Philippines

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Philippines has strict, origin-dependent import rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Pets from rabies-free or controlled areas face fewer hurdles, while those from high-risk countries require rabies vaccination, titer testing, and a 30-day quarantine at a government facility. Expect paperwork-heavy processing and potential delays at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Requirements for your pet

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

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

Breed restrictions

Philippines bans the import of Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier) and any dog with predominant Pit Bull lineage. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may be restricted by airlines due to breathing issues; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for rabies-free origin countries.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

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

Breed restrictions

Philippines bans the import of Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier) and any dog with predominant Pit Bull lineage. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may be restricted by airlines due to breathing issues; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for low-risk origin countries.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

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

Breed restrictions

Philippines bans the import of Pit Bull Terriers (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier) and any dog with predominant Pit Bull lineage. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may be restricted by airlines due to breathing issues; check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. If a titer test is requested, add ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for high-risk origin countries, though some airlines or the Bureau of Animal Industry may request a rabies titer test at their discretion.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

Frequently asked questions

The Philippines does not set a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules and require an import permit. Check with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for the current limit.
No, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is not required for any origin country under standard rules. However, if your dog arrives from a high-risk rabies country, the BAI may request one at their discretion — confirm with your local BAI office before travel.
No, there is no mandatory quarantine for dogs entering Philippines if all documentation is in order. Dogs may be inspected upon arrival and held if paperwork is incomplete or if they show signs of illness.
No, emotional support and service dogs are not exempt from standard import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules as any other pet. Airlines may have their own policies for service animals in cabin.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Philippines. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
Yes, the Philippines bans the import of Pit Bull Terriers and any dog with predominant Pit Bull lineage. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers) may be restricted by airlines due to health risks during air travel.
No, an import permit is not required for non-commercial pet dogs entering Philippines. However, if you are bringing more than 2-3 dogs or for commercial purposes, an import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry may be necessary.

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

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

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, and date of vaccination)
  • International health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

No import permit needed for cats from rabies-free origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

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

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, and date of vaccination)
  • International health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

No import permit needed for cats from low-risk origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

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
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine type, and date of vaccination)
  • International health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent, issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • FAVN titer test result (rabies antibody titre ≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
  • Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must obtain an import permit from the BAI before travel. The FAVN test is mandatory. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

Frequently asked questions

The Philippines does not set a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 cats may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) if you plan to bring more than 2 cats.
Yes, as long as the vaccine is labeled as a 3-year vaccine and the cat is vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip is implanted.
Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Check with your specific airline. The cat must be at least 8 weeks old and healthy. Some airlines restrict cabin pets to one per passenger.
No. The Philippines does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats must meet microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) FAVN test and import permit rules.
The cat may be denied entry, quarantined at your expense, or returned to origin. Only ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips are accepted. If your cat has a different chip, you must bring your own scanner or have the vet implant an ISO chip before travel.
There is no official minimum age, but the cat must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccine (required). Most airlines require kittens to be at least 8 weeks old for travel. Check with your airline.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. It must be endorsed by the competent veterinary authority in the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

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

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, dates of vaccination and validity)
  • Health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent, issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by competent authority of origin country)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before rabies vaccination)
  • Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Ferret import rules follow general pet import guidelines from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). No specific ferret-only restrictions beyond standard requirements. Microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

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, dates of vaccination and validity)
  • Health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent, issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by competent authority of origin country)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before rabies vaccination)
  • Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Same as free tier. No additional requirements for low-risk origins. Ensure health certificate is endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

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, dates of vaccination and validity)
  • Health certificate (Bureau of Animal Industry form or equivalent, issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by competent authority of origin country)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, implanted before rabies vaccination)
  • Airline health certificate (if required by carrier)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Philippines does not impose stricter requirements (titer test, quarantine, or import permit) for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. The same rules apply regardless of origin tier. However, airlines may have their own restrictions for high-risk origins; check with the carrier.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

Frequently asked questions

No. The Philippines does not require a rabies titer test for ferrets from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel) and a microchip are sufficient.
No quarantine is required for ferrets arriving from any country, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) is in order. Pets may be inspected upon arrival, but there is no mandatory quarantine period.
The Philippines does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet movement. However, bringing more than 2-3 ferrets may trigger commercial import rules, requiring an import permit and additional fees. Check with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) if you plan to bring more than 2.
No. The Philippines does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import rules. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements, regardless of their role.
Most airlines do not allow ferrets in the cabin; they typically travel as checked baggage or cargo in an airline-approved kennel. Confirm with your specific airline, as policies vary. Ferrets are not classified as small dogs or cats for cabin travel.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK) and include a statement that the ferret is free from infectious diseases.
Yes, the microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit). If your ferret's microchip is not ISO-compliant, you must bring your own scanner or have the chip re-implanted with an ISO chip before travel. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.

Good to know

All pets must be at least 3 months old and accompanied by an import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry. Microchipping (ISO 11784/11785) is mandatory before rabies vaccination. Quarantine is not optional for high-risk origins; book a quarantine slot well in advance.

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