Animal Health Guidelines to obtain an Import Permit for the Importation of Pets into The Commonwealth of Dominica

The issuance of an import permit is dependent on the following:

The importation of Dogs

* The animal must be examined by a Licensed Veterinarian or Government Veterinarian in the country of origin , and accompanied by a certificate indicating the Animal’s Health Status.

* The animal must be free from internal and external parasites

* The animal must be tested , and treated for Heartworms and any other parasite of animal health importance

* Provision of health records indicating the Immunization Status of the animal with a current (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para Influenza, Corona Virus) (DHLPP+ C) Immunization Record or any other endemic diseases of importance.

* Dogs coming from Rabies endemic Countries must be immunized with an approved Rabies Vaccine by an official veterinarian stating type, serial number, date of expiration and date of administration, at least 30 days and not more than one(1) year prior to exportation of animal.

* A blood sample must be taken from the dog and sent to a reputable Rabies Reference Laboratory, and the result must be sent directly to the Veterinary Services at the above address prior to issuing an import permit. The test result must show a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ mL.

RNATT- Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titration Test

FAVN- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization

The importation of Cats

* The animal must be examined by a Licensed Veterinarian in the country, and a certificate issued indicating the health status of the animal.

* The animal must be free from internal and external parasites

* Provision of health records indicating the Immunization Status of the animal with a current (Feline Distemper, Rhino-traqueitis (FVR), Calici-Virus (FCV), Feline pan Leukopenia (FPl), Pnuemonitis-chlamydia (PPN), Leukemia (FeLV), and Rabies ) Immunization Record or any other endemic diseases of importance.

* The Immunization Record indicating the Immunization Status of the animal must be provided for the endemic diseases of importance.

* Cats coming from Rabies endemic Countries must be immunized with an approved Rabies Vaccine by an official veterinarian stating serial number, date of expiration etc at least 30 days and not more than one(1) year prior to exportation of the animal.

* A blood sample must be taken from the cat and sent to a reputable Rabies Reference Laboratory, and the result must be sent directly to the Veterinary Services at the above address prior to issuing an import permit. The test result must show a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Please note that this test take 4-6 weeks.

RNATT- Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titration Test

FAVN- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization

An Import permit may be issued once these requirements are satisfied, and sent to the importer by fax or email. Upon receipt of the Import Permit please notify the Livestock Development Unit (LDU) of the Port of arrival, date and time of arrival, at least two (2) weeks in advance. Please note that an Import Permit is not an Emergency. Processing and Import Permit fees may apply.

For more information contact the Division of Agriculture, Veterinary Unit @Tel. 4482401 ext. 3827/3824/767 266 3824/3827, Fax 767 448 8632, email: agrivet4@hotmail.com or forestvet@cwdom.dm

Livestock Development Unit
Botanic Gardens
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies