Dogs
- Rabies
- DHPP / DAPPDistemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus and parainfluenza.
- LeptospirosisMay be given separately or as part of a combination vaccine.
Application guide
Your pet’s permit
Your pet’s permit
for The Bahamas.
Check your pet’s eligibility, prepare the health documents and submit your application. Start at least 4 weeks before your trip to allow time for veterinary appointments and government endorsement.
Before you start
- Your pet’s vaccine record
- A recent photo of your pet
We’ll email a secure payment link after reviewing your documents.
Open application formOpens Google Forms in a new tab.Permit fees
Check your pet’s eligibility
Requirements for dogs and cats
To bring your dog or cat into The Bahamas, please ensure the following requirements are met:
At least 6 months old
On the date of travel.
Microchipped
Use an approved chip. For US departures, the USDA certificate requires an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Free from parasites
The animal must be declared free from external and internal parasites.
Required vaccinations
Cats
- Rabies
- FVRCPFeline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
- FeLVFeline leukemia.
- Feline pneumonitis / ChlamydiaCheck that this is covered in your cat’s vaccination record.
Rabies vaccine timing: a 1-year vaccine must be given at least 1 month and no more than 10 months before arrival. A 3-year vaccine must be given at least 1 month and no more than 34 months before arrival.
US departures: follow the current USDA certificate for your pet. The dog certificate requires non-rabies vaccines at least 10 days before export; the cat certificate specifies a 1–10 month rabies vaccination window.
Official requirements: BAHFSA · USDA certificates for US departures.
Prohibited breeds
The following pure breed dogs and cats, and their mixes, are not allowed entry in The Bahamas.
Dogs
- Pitbull
- Presa Canario
- Cane Corso
- American Bully
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
Cats
- Savannah Cat
- Bengal Cat
- Chausie
Unsure about your pet’s eligibility? Get in touch before you apply
How to apply
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01
Complete the online form
Enter your pet and travel details, and upload the vaccination record and photo listed above.
Open application form Opens Google Forms in a new tab. -
02
We check your documents and email a payment link
Once your records are confirmed, we’ll send a secure payment link. Processing begins after payment, with complete documents and up-to-date vaccinations.
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03
Prepare your pet’s health certificate
Book your appointment early. The veterinary certificate must be completed within 10 days before arrival in The Bahamas.
Your departure country may require an official veterinarian or government endorsement, through authorities such as the CFIA in Canada, APHA in the UK or the DDPP in France. Follow the export process for your country.
From January 1, 2027: US departures
The export health certificate must be electronically signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and electronically endorsed by USDA APHIS.
Use the current USDA dog certificate or USDA cat certificate. Your vet can complete and submit it through VEHCS.
Government endorsement can take a few days to a few weeks depending on your country. Our recommendation is to start at least 4 weeks before your trip, even when choosing Expedited permit processing.
Traveling before January 1, 2027? The current veterinarian form (PDF · 26 KB) still applies. Check any additional export requirements with your vet.
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04
We email you your permit
Your permit arrives within 2 business days of payment with Standard, or the same day with Expedited for applications submitted before 12 PM Bahamas time. These processing times cover your import permit; government endorsement of your health certificate is a separate process.
Travel with these three documents
- Your import permit
- Your pet’s health certificate, with government endorsement where required
- Your pet’s vaccination records
You may be asked to show all three at airline check-in and on arrival. Print your permit if possible. If you cannot, show it on your phone; the customs officer may need to photograph or print it, which can delay your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate permit for each pet?
No. Your permit is issued for your trip, not per pet. One permit will cover all pets traveling with you on the same journey.
How long is my permit valid, and can my travel dates change?
Your permit is valid for six months from your intended arrival date. You can adjust your travel dates within that period; if your trip is postponed beyond it, email MJ.
Can I apply for my permit before booking my flights?
Yes. As long as you know your intended arrival date, you can apply in advance to secure your permit and reduce last-minute stress.
Is there a passport or multiple-entry permit for pets?
No. Each permit is valid for one entry only, so you’ll need a new permit every time you enter The Bahamas with your pet. If you’d like to apply for multiple permits at the same time, contact us—we can process them in bulk, and we offer a discount when you order more than five at once.
Do service dogs also need an import permit?
Yes. All dogs, including certified service animals, require an import permit to enter The Bahamas.
Still have a question? We’re happy to help