Pet travel from the United States to Antigua and Barbuda

Last Modified: March 26, 2024
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Welcome! This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet.

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Before You Start the Process

Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

With help from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, you can learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.

Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

  • The type of pet traveling
  • The destination country
  • If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
  • The date of departure from the United States
  • Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
  • Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read These Resources

Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

To apply for an import permit, please contact the Veterinary & Livestock Division in Antigua & Barbuda by fax (268-460-1759) or email (vld@ab.gov.ag). Send them the following information: 

  • Valid Certification of Rabies Vaccination
    • Rabies vaccine must have been administered within 1 year of importation
  • Certification of Microchipping
  • Results within accepted levels of the Rabies FAVN (Antibody Titer) tested at an OIE approved Laboratory.
  • The list for other approved labs can be located at the DEFRA website.
  • Medical and Vaccination History
    • Please include results for Ehrlichia and Lyme’s Disease Testing
    • For cats, please include testing results, vaccinations and any relevant history regarding FIP, FeLV, FIV

Once this is done and after reviewing the dogs/cats medical and vaccination history an import license can be issued. Only pets with a duly issued import license will be accepted into Antigua and Barbuda.

Within seven (7) days of exportation, the animal must be treated for internal and external parasites with an approved product(s). The products should be noted on the official health certificate.

Dogs of the “pitbull” breed or mixes of this breed are not allowed to land on Antigua and Barbuda. Any dog, which physically resembles this breed, must be accompanied by certification from a recognized kennel club, which verifies that the dog is not of this breed (pitbull).

Please note that failure to comply with any of the requirements may result in refusal of entry of the pet into Antigua & Barbuda or confiscation of the pet.

The health certificate must:

  • State that the dog/cat is in good health and free from the symptoms of communicable disease.
  • Contain the date of treatment and product name for both the internal and external parasite treatments, which were performed within 7 days of export.
  • Be issued within 7 days prior to arrival into Antigua & Barbuda by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
  • Be endorsed (countersigned) by an APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office.

For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of Destination Contact Information

World Organisation for Animal Health: Members

U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Important Travel Considerations

If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:

If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries.

Considerations for airline travel:

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.

View additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates.


Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?

View the Requirements

ALERT: Read the CDC Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States From Countries Classified as High Risk for Dog Rabies.

 

Information for Accredited Veterinarians

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For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsement REQUIRED

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Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

USDA-accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for electronic signature through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).