Bringing a pet to Puerto Rico

Last reviewed November 4, 2026

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and applies U.S. federal pet-import rules (USDA APHIS Veterinary Services and CDC) rather than its own separate regime. Rabies vaccination, ISO microchip identification, and a health certificate are required for dogs. There is no quarantine for properly documented pets. Dogs originating from CDC-flagged high-risk rabies countries face additional CDC requirements, including a valid rabies titer test and possible denial of entry or quarantine at the owner's expense if documentation is incomplete.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Puerto Rico.

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
Licensed veterinarian (USDA-endorsed where applicable) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Puerto Rico has no breed-specific bans, but airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a licensed veterinarian.

No titer test or quarantine applies. The rabies vaccine must have been given at least 21 days before travel.

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
Licensed veterinarian (USDA-endorsed where applicable) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Puerto Rico has no breed-specific bans, but airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a licensed veterinarian.

Requirements match the free tier; no titer test or quarantine applies for dogs from low-risk rabies countries.

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
Dogs without a valid titer test may be denied entry or quarantined at the owner's expense until requirements are met.
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian (USDA-endorsed where applicable) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Puerto Rico has no breed-specific bans, but airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) due to respiratory risks. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • International health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • CDC dog import permit (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. No import permit fee applies unless a CDC permit is separately required. Confirm current prices with a licensed veterinarian.

CDC requires a rabies titer test for dogs from high-risk countries. Check CDC's current dog importation rules before travel.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

U.S. federal rules set no strict limit for personal pets, but bringing more than 5 dogs may be treated by USDA as a commercial import requiring additional permits and inspections. For 1-5 pets, standard pet-import rules apply.
Yes. U.S. federal rules applied in Puerto Rico do not exempt service or emotional support dogs from rabies vaccination, health certificate, or microchip requirements.
Yes. Dogs from CDC-flagged high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN rabies titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and sufficiently in advance of travel (allow at least 3 months). The result is valid for 1 year.
A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination and then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel, making the minimum age for entry 15 weeks.
No. An ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip is required for all dogs entering Puerto Rico; it must be implanted before travel.
The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of arrival and must be in English or Spanish, including the dog's rabies vaccination details.
No quarantine applies to dogs with complete and valid documentation. Dogs from high-risk countries without a valid titer test may be denied entry or quarantined at the owner's expense until requirements are met.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Puerto Rico.

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
USDA-accredited veterinarian (for pets from the US) or official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at 12 weeks of age or older and at least 21 days before travel; booster valid for 1 or 3 years
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

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

Puerto Rico applies US federal cat import rules. Cats from rabies-free jurisdictions (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) face the same minimal requirements as other origins: no quarantine, no titer test, no import permit.

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
USDA-accredited veterinarian (for pets from the US) or official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at 12 weeks of age or older and at least 21 days before travel; booster valid for 1 or 3 years
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

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

Cats from low-risk countries (e.g., most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia) need proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate; no quarantine, titer test, or import permit applies.

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
USDA-accredited veterinarian (for pets from the US) or official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at 12 weeks of age or older and at least 21 days before travel; booster valid for 1 or 3 years
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority
  • Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

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

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East) are not subject to additional requirements beyond those for low-risk origins: no quarantine, titer test, or import permit. CDC dog import rules do not apply to cats.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Puerto Rico does not require an import permit or a rabies antibody (FAVN) titer test for cats, regardless of the origin country's rabies risk. A valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate are required.
There is no specific cat limit under US federal rules. Bringing more than 5 cats may be treated as a commercial import and trigger additional USDA APHIS requirements. For personal pets, keep the number reasonable and declare all animals.
No. Puerto Rico does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import rules. All cats, including service animals, must meet the same rabies vaccination and health certificate requirements.
There is no minimum age for entry, but the cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination and the vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel. The practical minimum age is therefore 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days).
Yes, a microchip conforming to ISO 11784/11785 is required. If your cat does not have one, it should be implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination. Some airlines also require a microchip for travel.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival. It must be endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for pets from the US).
No. Puerto Rico does not impose quarantine on cats, regardless of the origin country's rabies status, as long as the rabies vaccination and health certificate requirements are met.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Puerto Rico.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian (for pets from the US) or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

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 USDA APHIS.

Puerto Rico is a US territory and ferrets are legal. No quarantine. Health certificate must be endorsed by a USDA-accredited vet if originating in the US, or by the government veterinary authority of the origin country.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
USDA-accredited veterinarian (for pets from the US) or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

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 USDA APHIS.

Low-risk origins follow the same requirements as rabies-free origins: no titer test, no import permit, no quarantine.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
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
USDA-accredited veterinarian (for pets from the US) or official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, drawn at least 90 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. No import permit or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and USDA APHIS.

High-risk origins require a valid FAVN titer test drawn at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is imposed.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Only ferrets from high-risk rabies countries need a FAVN titer test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk origins do not need a titer test.
No. Puerto Rico imposes 0 days of quarantine on ferrets from any origin, provided microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (for high-risk origins) titer test requirements are met.
There is no fixed ferret-specific limit. Shipments of 5 or more ferrets for non-commercial purposes may be treated as commercial and face additional requirements; 1-2 personal pets is typical.
No. Emotional support and service ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test rules. Airline cabin policies are separate from import rules.
A ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at rabies vaccination and vaccinated at least 30 days before travel, so the minimum age at entry is 16 weeks (about 4 months).
An international health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (US origin) or an official government veterinarian of the origin country, certifying the ferret is healthy and free of infectious diseases.
No. Puerto Rico has no breed-specific bans for ferrets; all domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are allowed regardless of color or breed.

Good to know

Puerto Rico applies U.S. federal regulations (USDA APHIS Veterinary Services and CDC); it has no separate territorial pet-import rules. Pets must enter through an official port of entry (San Juan or Ponce) and be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.

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