GENERAL INFORMATION

A Veterinary Export Health Certificate for live animals, issued by the Veterinary Services Division is required for the export of dogs and cats from Jamaica, depending on the country of destination.

1. Exporters are required to complete an application for Export Health Certificate , for the export of ALL dogs and cats, no later than 10 days before travel in order to make a mandatory appointment for inspection with the government veterinary officer. Appointments are scheduled no earlier than 48hrs prior to departure and no later than 24 hrs prior to departure. It is NOT recommended to schedule appointments on the same day of travel. Applications can be submitted in person to The Permit Office, Veterinary Services Division (VSD) 193 Old Hope Road, or scanned and emailed to the following: Email: vsdpermits@moa.gov.jm
2. All animals for export must be present for inspection 48hrs before departure accompanied by supporting veterinary medical records from a private veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Jamaica.
3. Dogs or cats found non-compliant will NOT be issued with a veterinary export health certificate.
4. The cost for an Export Health Certificate is J$2,000.00 per animal. This can be paid at the VSD cashier by cash, debit or credit card.
5. All dogs and cats for export must remain isolated from other animals following the inspection by the government veterinarian during the 48 hours prior to departure.
6. For animals departing from Montego Bay, applicants are required to submit via fax or email details of flight information to include date, airline information and estimated time of departure.
7. Applicants are advised to check with their airline of choice in relation to the airlines specific protocol for pet travel including airline (IATA) live animal transport container requirements.

GENERAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXPORT OF DOGS AND CATS

1. All cats and dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites with an approved anti-parasitic product within 10 days of export.
2. The vaccination regime is dependent on the requirements of the country of destination.

Applicants may however consider having dogs vaccinated against common illness such as Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis.

• For the Export of Dogs and Cats to the USA and Canada
  1. Currently the USA does not issue an import permit for the entry of dogs and cats. Dogs and cats currently do not require rabies vaccination for entry. Dogs and cats are not required to have an association with a pet travel scheme for entry.
  2. As at November 15 2023 dogs and cats travelling to Canada from Jamaica requires rabies vaccination. Dogs and cats must be 3 months of age or older. Dogs and cats should be first microchipped prior to vaccination for rabies. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does not stipulate a minimum time before travel having received the pre-travel rabies vaccine.
  3. All dogs and cats for export must be examined by a private veterinarian within 10 days of the scheduled appointment with the government veterinary officer at The Permit Office. The private veterinarian is expected to prepare a medical report attesting to the health of the animal. This report along with vaccination and deworming records must accompany the dog or cat for export.
• For the Export of Dogs and Cats to Other Countries
  1. Other importing countries may issue an Import permit or have other import requirements for dogs and cats inclusive of rabies vaccination and or requirements associated with a pet travel scheme. These import requirements must be submitted to The Permit Office, VSD along with the completed Application for Export Health Certificate. Import requirements must be in the English language or translated into English where necessary. Applicants are advised to discuss import requirements of importing countries with the government veterinary officer (VSD) who will provide clarity where needed. Exporters should be made aware that failure to comply with the import requirements of importing countries can result in animals being rejected at the port of entry.
     • Rabies vaccination is required by many rabies-free countries, regions or islands in order for dogs and cats to qualify for a reduced quarantine period prior to entry. Some regions include the European Union, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, some Latin and Central American countries and some Caribbean countries (including The Cayman Islands, Barbados and Trinidad). Rabies vaccines are only administered to dogs or cats which require it to enter the country of export as a part of that countries legislative requirement. The rabies vaccines are only available at the Veterinary Services Division (VSD), MOAF under a special import regime. Dogs and cats are NOT routinely vaccinated for rabies in Jamaica. Please contact the Permit Office for information on how to acquire the rabies vaccine for export.

  2. All dogs and cats for export must be examined by a private veterinarian within 10 days of the scheduled appointment with the government veterinary officer at The Permit Office, VSD. The private veterinarian is expected to prepare a medical report attesting to the health of the animal. This report along with vaccination and deworming records must accompany the dog or cat for export.
  3. Some importing countries, inclusive of EU Member States may require additional documents or forms to be completed by the owner and the private veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority (government veterinary officer).