Travel from the US mainland and Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel. If you are arriving from another country or Caribbean island your pet is considered traveling internationally.
For dog and cat domestic travel requirements, click on link below:
To bring dogs or cats to the USVI directly from the US mainland or Puerto Rico, you will need to have a health inspection performed and health certificate written up by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of arrival in the USVI. The health certificate needs to be an APHIS 7001 form or an official state ICVI. Specific corporation or business health certificates will not be accepted, and your veterinarian’s accreditation number (either Category I or Category II) needs to be indicated on the health certificate.
Your pet’s current rabies vaccination status also needs to be indicated on the health certificate, including the date of vaccination, product used, and lot number. We accept the 3 year rabies vaccination as long as the vaccine product label indicates such.
The health certificate then needs to be emailed to the office at veterinaryservices@doa.vi.gov prior to arrival. The domestic US health certificate (7001) is valid for 10 days of arrival.
No import permit is necessary as this is considered interstate travel.
USVI highly recommends dogs be current on Leptospirosis vaccines, as well as dogs and cats taking flea/tick/heartworm preventative.
*IMPORTANT IF ISLAND HOPPING IN THE CARIBBEAN WITH A PET*
Travel from ANY country or territory other than the US mainland and Puerto Rico is considered international travel.
1. Where do I find this import permit for my pet? Please contact Dr. David Wenger at david.wenger@doa.vi.gov and he will email you the information.
2. How long is the permit valid for? Permit is valid for 30 days, but the health certificate is valid for only 10 days and must be done before we issue a permit.
3. How far in advance can an import permit be issued? USVI requires the health certificate to be finalized before we issue a permit. This is in contrast to other Caribbean territories and countries, but is in line with other US states. The reasoning is that we will not issue a permit for importation of an animal that isn’t healthy or hasn’t had any required testing done.
4. Is there a fee for the import permit? Yes, the fee is $25.00 USD.
5. What if my pet is not a dog or cat? Other questions? For all other species’ importation requirements (domestic or international), contact Dr. David Wenger at: david.wenger@doa.vi.gov.
Please check with your airline or other vessel of transportation before initiating travel to the US Virgin Islands with a pet.
US Domestic Health certificates are only valid for a maximum of 30 days, depending on the state. We recommend checking with your state/territory of return because, depending on the length of your stay, you may need to arrange a visit with a local (USVI) veterinarian to issue documents required for your return trip.