Everything You Need to Know About Bringing a Pet to the USA
Importing your Dog or Cat to the United StatesPet Relocation to Puerto Rico: Import Rules for Dogs & Cats
What to Know About Bringing Dogs and Cats to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Pet Import Rules and Requirements
Puerto Rico Pet Import Rules and Requirements
As a US Commonwealth, Puerto Rico follows the same import rules as other US states (except for Hawaii), and traveling here from within the US is considered a domestic or across-country move.
Pet transport to Puerto Rico involves obtaining a health certificate for your pet, stating they are healthy and fit to fly. Additionally, proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccine is required for dogs and recommended for cats.
As with all pet travel, allowing plenty of time for crate training before the move is recommended so your pet will feel as comfortable as possible in their airline-approved travel crate.
Read on for more information about bringing dogs and cats to Puerto Rico, and for help with your move, feel free to contact PetRelocation for assistance.
Regulations for Importing Pets to Puerto Rico
Attention: This information will be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before you travel, contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.
This is not considered an international shipment for dogs and cats traveling to or from Puerto Rico to or from any part of the Continental US. Pets will only need regular domestic health certificates and proof of current vaccinations (if any). We do recommend the International Health Certificate Format, but it is not technically required.
International Health Certificate
Within 10 days of departure, your vet must issue a Health Certificate as required by all airlines. This certificate states that your pet is healthy and fit to fly.
Rabies Vaccination and Certificate
In general, it is required that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs who were born or have lived for at least 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies.
Dogs and cats from areas not free of rabies must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate. If a vaccination has not been performed, or if the certificate is not valid, the pet may be admitted if they are confined immediately upon arrival at a place of the owner’s choosing.
The dog must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the final destination but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. Pets must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated.
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