How to Bring a Dog to the Bahamas [2024]

dog running
Timothy Smith

Traveling with pets is always an adventure, especially when you fly internationally. Whether you’re planning a trip to The Bahamas to scope out land for sale, tour the brilliant schools in the area, or just visit the beaches, you might be wondering how you can bring your dog to The Bahamas.

But before you can set sail on this adventure, there are a few things you should know about bringing pets to The Bahamas. You and your furry friend will need to obtain the proper certificates, vaccinations, and permits for your dog to meet the necessary requirements

The team at Better Homes and Gardens MCR understands how important it is to stay close to your pet, whether you’re traveling or considering moving to a new place. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know to bring your dog to The Bahamas. 

 

Can You Bring a Dog to The Bahamas? 

Yes, you can bring your dog to The Bahamas, as long as you provide the necessary information and documentation. The application process is rigorous and involves several steps and veterinary support. You must also submit a Bahamas health certificate for your dog four weeks before your travel date. 

 

Requirements to Bring a Dog to The Bahamas

Although the requirements to bring your dog to The Bahamas sound complicated, it’s a very simple process. Here’s everything you need to travel with your dog to these Caribbean islands: 

Microchip 

All imported dogs must be microchipped. Many experts suggest getting your dog microchipped before they get their rabies shot. 

Vaccines 

The recent addition to the list of requirements for The Bahamas is a vaccination against rabies. While rabies vaccinations are required for every pet, The Bahamas only allows dogs with rabies shots less than 30 days old to enter the country. With that timeframe in mind, it’s best to plan in advance to ensure your pet is up-to-date with their vaccinations before traveling. 

You will also need to provide a certificate proving your dog is vaccinated for:

  • Distemper
  • Hepatitis
  • Leptospirosis
  • Parvovirus

Dog Permit

The Department of Agriculture requires every dog traveling to The Bahamas to have an import permit. The application for the import permit is extremely easy to fill out and only requires basic information about you and your dog. 

Veterinary Health Certificate  

The last thing you’ll need to secure before you can enter The Bahamas with your dog is an international health certificate and a signed IMP1B form from a licensed veterinarian. 

 

How to Bring a Dog to The Bahamas

dog at the beach

Source

Now that you know the basic requirements you and your dog need to meet if you want to bring them to The Bahamas, here is a more in-depth look at the process. 

1. Fill Out the Entry Application 

Visitors can find the entry application and import permit on The Bahamas government website. Keep in mind that your dog must be at least six months old to travel to The Bahamas and cannot be on the banned breed list. 

Ensure that you include a photo of your pet and proof of vaccination with your import permit application. Once you have filled out the application for the permit, mail it to:

Director

Department of Agriculture

Darville‘s Business Complex

Gladstone and Munnings  Roads

P.O. Box N3028

The application will be processed and returned within two business days of receiving it.

The Department of Agriculture does have a faxing option for an extra processing fee, but this process usually takes longer than mailing the proper documents. Recently, an online processing option has become available. This online service charges $90 per pet and $35 for each additional permit, but you get to skip the wait. If you are a commercial trader, you must present a valid business license. 

2. Pay the Relevant Fees

Applicants must pay a small processing fee of $10.00 plus 12% VAT ($11.20 in total) for dogs. Although the USD and BSD are the same value, the processing fee can only be sent as an international money order, not through cash or checks. 

3. Receive Dog Permit 

Once your pet is approved, the completed application will be mailed, faxed, or potentially emailed back to you. Do not lose these certificates, as you may be asked to present them several times throughout your trip.

4. Complete Veterinarian Form

The Department of Agriculture will send an AGR/VS/1A form for a licensed veterinarian to complete at least 24 hours before your flight. If you do not receive your form with the import permit, you can print it out and bring it to your next vet appointment. 

Your dog’s health certificate will list all the necessary vaccines required by The Bahamas. The form is only valid for 30 days, but the IMP1B should be signed within 48 hours of your arrival to The Bahamas. 

5. Present Documents at the Port of Entry 

Once you land on your luxurious Bahamian island, you must submit your dog permit and a completed veterinarian form to the Agricultural Offers and Customs Officer at the port of entry or departure for your dog to enter The Bahamas. 

Because so many Bahamian citizens and tourists bring their pets with them to The Bahamas, the airports are well-equipped for these situations. If you are bringing your pets to The Bahamas, make sure you’re flying into Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau or Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. These are the two airports with a customs duty at the Port of Entry.

Most airlines require pet owners to keep their pets in an approved carrier and might charge a fee. If you have a service dog, you might want to reference The Bahamas law or your airport’s policy.

 

More on Bringing a Dog to The Bahamas

dogs on the boat

Source

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to obtain all the requirements, vaccinations, and other import permits you need to have when you bring a dog to The Bahamas.

Are there any dog breeds not allowed to enter The Bahamas?

There is a short list of banned dog breeds, to keep The Bahamas safe. The banned breeds include: 

  • Pitbull
  • Presa Canario
  • Cane Corso
  • American Bulldog
  • Staffordshire Terrier
  • Dogo Argentino

Any mixes or purebreds of these breeds are banned from The Bahamas. 

Does my dog need to be vaccinated before entering The Bahamas?

Yes, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies no less than one month and no more than 10 months before entering The Bahamas.

To gain a Bahamas health certificate, your dog must also be vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. Your dog also has to be treated for internal and external parasites. 

Is there a quarantine period for dogs upon arrival in The Bahamas?

No, The Bahamas does not require your pets to quarantine for any amount of time upon arriving or leaving the islands. 

 

Enjoy Life in The Bahamas with Your Dog

As a reflection of the easy-going island lifestyle throughout The Bahamas, most stores, restaurants, and other Bahamian establishments are extremely pet friendly. When you’re traveling with your pet, make sure to keep The Bahamas’ beaches clean. If you’re looking to buy or build a home in the Bahamas, bringing your pet along with you is a great way to get them used to the island!

Better Homes & Gardens MCR understands that your pet is an extremely important member of your family. That’s why all of their properties have stunning views, big yards, and endless places to make memories with your pet. From easy access to world-class education for your kids, to sprawling acres, filled with natural flora and fauna, MCR Bahamas invites you – and your furry friend – to enjoy life in paradise. 

If you and your pup are ready to call The Bahamas your home, contact MCR Bahamas today and explore all the paw-ssibilities!

How to Bring a Dog to the Bahamas [2024]

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