Bringing a pet to Philippines

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

The Philippines requires all dogs to have an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination, a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's government, and a BAI import permit (SPSIC) obtained before travel. Quarantine is not routine for properly documented pets, but animals arriving without valid paperwork or from high-risk rabies areas can be held at the owner's expense. Requirements vary by the origin country's rabies status.

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 veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

The Philippines does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g., Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific) restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers from traveling in cargo due to respiratory risks, especially in hot weather. Always check with the airline before booking.

Documents checklist

BAI import permit (SPSIC) obtained before travel
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Photocopy of owner's passport and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, BAI import permit fee ~PHP 500-1,000 (approx. $10-20), plus possible courier and processing fees. FAVN titer test not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the BAI.

Even from rabies-free countries, the BAI requires an import permit and a health certificate. The pet must be at least 3 months old at import. No quarantine if documents are complete. The permit application should be started at least 2-3 weeks before travel to allow processing.

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

BAI import permit (SPSIC) obtained before travel
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Photocopy of owner's passport and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Same requirements as free tier. The BAI may request additional documentation if the origin country has had recent rabies outbreaks, but for most low-risk countries (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia), the standard permit and health certificate suffice. No quarantine if paperwork is in order.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

BAI import permit (SPSIC) obtained before travel
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 1 year old)
Rabies titer test (FAVN/RFFIT) result from an approved laboratory, showing ≥0.5 IU/ml
International health certificate endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Photocopy of owner's passport and flight itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, BAI import permit fee ~PHP 500-1,000 (approx. $10-20), plus possible courier and processing fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the BAI.

Pets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. If the titer test is not done or the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the pet may be quarantined upon arrival at the owner's expense until a satisfactory titer is demonstrated, or deported. The BAI may also require additional treatments (e.g., internal/external parasite treatment) depending on the origin. Check with the BAI for the current list of high-risk countries.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

Frequently asked questions

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) generally allows up to 5 dogs per passenger for non-commercial (personal) import. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is considered commercial and requires additional documentation, including a business permit and possibly a different permit process. Always confirm the current limit with the BAI before travel.

It depends on the origin country. If your dog is coming from a country classified as high-risk for dog rabies (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and within 12 months before travel. For low-risk or rabies-free countries (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required.

No quarantine is required if your dog has a valid BAI import permit, a current rabies vaccination, a health certificate endorsed by the government vet, and (if applicable) a passing titer test. If any document is missing or invalid, the pet may be quarantined at the owner's expense at the NAIA quarantine facility until requirements are met, or it may be deported.

The BAI import permit (SPSIC) is typically processed within 3-7 working days if all documents are complete. Apply online through the BAI Pet Travel Portal or the Trade Regulatory Government Portal (TRGP). The permit is valid for 60 days from issuance, so time your application to be within that window before your travel date.

No. The Philippines does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a BAI import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the BAI rules apply to all dogs entering the country.

If your dog arrives without a valid BAI import permit, it will be held at the airport quarantine facility at your expense. You will need to apply for the permit retroactively, which may take several days, and you will be charged daily boarding fees (approximately PHP 500-1,000 per day). In some cases, the dog may be deported back to the origin country at your cost.

Yes. The BAI requires that all dogs be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number must be recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate and the health certificate. If your dog does not have a microchip, it should be implanted before the rabies vaccination, or at the same time, so the vaccination can be linked to the chip.

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 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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin government authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, plus possible airline fees. No import permit or titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

For cats from countries recognized by the Philippines as rabies-free (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, UK), no quarantine is required upon arrival if all documentation is complete. Verify current rabies-free country list with BAI before travel.

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 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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin government authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, plus possible airline fees. No titer test or quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and BAI.

An import permit from BAI is required before travel for cats from countries not recognized as rabies-free. Quarantine is not required if all documents are complete, but BAI may impose quarantine if there are discrepancies.

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 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

30 days

Quarantine at a BAI-accredited facility at the owner's expense. The 30-day quarantine may be reduced if the cat has a valid FAVN test result and all other requirements are met, but final decision rests with BAI.

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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin government authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result from an OIE-approved laboratory (at least 0.5 IU/ml, test done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, quarantine ~$500-1000 (30 days), plus possible airline fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and BAI.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must undergo a 30-day quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, unless they meet specific conditions for reduction. Quarantine is at the owner's expense. BAI strictly enforces these rules.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

Frequently asked questions

The Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) generally allows up to 5 pets per traveller for non-commercial purposes. If you exceed this number, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and compliance with commercial import regulations. Confirm with BAI before travel.

No. The Philippines does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and permit requirements. Airlines may have additional policies, but government regulations apply equally.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from rabies-free countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Japan) do not need a titer test. Cats from low-risk countries (e.g., US, UK) also do not need a titer test. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia) must have a FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at an OIE-approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.

Cats from rabies-free and low-risk countries are not required to undergo quarantine if all documentation is complete. Cats from high-risk countries must undergo a 30-day quarantine at a BAI-accredited facility at the owner's expense. The quarantine period may be reduced if the cat has a valid FAVN test result and meets other conditions, but the final decision is at the discretion of BAI.

You will need: a Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin government authority; a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel; proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip; an import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for pets from non-rabies-free countries; and for high-risk countries, a FAVN rabies titer test result. Check with BAI for the most current requirements.

Start at least 3-4 months before travel. This allows time for rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), FAVN titer test if required (at least 3 months before travel for high-risk countries), obtaining the import permit (which can take several weeks), and scheduling the health certificate within 10 days of arrival. For high-risk countries, the timeline is longer due to the titer test and quarantine.

No. The Philippines requires all cats to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your cat does not have one, it must be implanted before rabies vaccination and before any titer test. The microchip number must be recorded on all documents.

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 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
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or official statement of origin)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Ferrets are classified as 'other pets' under Philippine import rules and require a BAI import permit even from rabies-free origins. Rabies vaccination is required regardless of origin. BAI may inspect the animal upon arrival.

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 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
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or official statement of origin)

Rough budget

Same requirements as the free tier. Check with the airline for ferret transport policies, as many airlines do not accept ferrets in cabin or cargo.

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 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
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an accredited laboratory (test done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Import permit from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Microchip certificate or documentation showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or official statement of origin)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$50-100, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a passing FAVN/RFFIT titer test. BAI may impose quarantine at the port of entry if documentation is incomplete or if the animal shows signs of illness. Ferrets are always processed as 'other pets' requiring an import permit. Check with the airline for transport policies.

Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are classified as 'other pets' and require a BAI import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No quarantine is required if all documents are complete, but BAI may inspect the animal upon arrival.

The Philippines does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial ferret imports, but BAI generally treats up to 5 pets as non-commercial. More than 5 may be considered a commercial shipment, requiring additional permits. Confirm with BAI before travelling with multiple ferrets.

No. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same import requirements: import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate. Airlines may have separate policies, but the country's import rules apply equally.

A rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required only for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. The test must be done at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No titer test is required for ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free countries.

The BAI import permit typically takes 5-10 working days to process once a complete application is submitted. Apply at least 30 days before travel to allow for delays. The permit is usually valid for 60 days, so time your application accordingly.

Many airlines do not accept ferrets in cabin or cargo. Check with each airline individually. Some airlines that have historically allowed ferrets in cargo include Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, but policies change frequently. Confirm with the airline at least 2 weeks before travel.

If your ferret arrives without the required import permit, health certificate, or rabies vaccination proof, it may be quarantined at the port of entry at your expense, denied entry and returned to the origin country, or in some cases euthanized. Ensure all documents are complete and verified by BAI before travel.

Good to know

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) under the Department of Agriculture is the competent authority. All imports require an SPSIC applied for online via the BAI Pet Travel Portal or the Trade Regulatory Government Portal (TRGP). The permit is typically valid for 60 days from issuance. A licensed veterinarian must issue the health certificate within 10 days of departure, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). On arrival at NAIA (Manila), Mactan-Cebu, or Clark, the pet is inspected by a BAI quarantine officer; if documents are complete, the pet is released the same day. If the pet arrives without a permit or with an invalid health certificate, it may be quarantined at the owner's expense until requirements are met, or returned/deported. The Philippines does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for pets from most countries, but the BAI may impose additional requirements for pets from countries with inadequate rabies control. Verify current fees and forms on the BAI website.

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).