usda pet travel to puerto rico

Taking Your Dog to Puerto Rico? Learn the New Rules!

By: Author Paris Permenter

Share with fellow dog lovers!

Whether you are traveling to Puerto Rico on vacation or as a family move, Puerto Rico now has new importation rules for dogs (and cats). If you fail to follow the rules, your dog will be returned to the US mainland at your expense.

What Are the New Rules for Bringing a Dog to Puerto Rico?

According to the updated regulations, pet owners are required to coordinate with a veterinarian accredited in the United States to conduct a thorough examination of their pets and issue an interstate health certificate.

Not just any veterinary office will be able to issue the certificate. Walter M. Woolf, founding veterinarian of Air Animal Pet Movers , notes, “Not all veterinarians hold USDA accreditation. Setting up a veterinary appointment for a pet can be tough without guidance from the pet’s regular veterinarian or an experienced pet shipper.”

Steps for Entering Puerto Rico with Your Dog

Before your trip, you’ll need to take specific steps–in the correct time period–to allow entry of your dog (or cat) into Puerto Rico . These include:

• Microchip the pet for identification.
• Ensure the rabies vaccination was administered no more than 6 months before entry. This rabies certificate must accompany the pet.
• Book an appointment with an accredited United States veterinarian to obtain the interstate health certificate. The appointment must take place no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico. USDA endorsement is not required.
• Ensure the pet has received an external parasite treatment no more than 72 hours before entry . The veterinarian must record the treatment on the health certificate.
• Dogs should receive the following vaccinations: DA2PPL/DAPPL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis). Cats should receive FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccinations.
• Different regulations apply for birds, exotic pets and all pets from other countries.

If you are moving to Puerto Rico, you’ll want to locate a local veterinarian. “Pet parents should always register with a local veterinarian in their new locale to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Veterinarians typically send reminder notices when vaccinations are due. If another move is in their future, they will be ready,” Woolf added.

Related Posts

Bringing a Dog Home from Mexico

How to Bring a Dog into Texas

• Recent Posts

• Who are the Top Pet Influencers and Should Your Dog Join In the Fun? - April 10, 2024
• Should Dogs Sleep on the Bed? - April 9, 2024
• 10 Spring Cleaning Tasks for Dog Homes - April 9, 2024

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Navigating Pet Travel? Let APHIS Help.

When planning an international trip, we often want to bring the whole family – including our pets .  But, did you know taking Fido or Fluffy can be a complex, multistep process that requires advance planning and preparation?  To help make this process go smoothly, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a few simple steps to follow – and a comprehensive website to walk you through the process.

First. Advance preparation is key.  Each country has different animal health requirements that travelers must meet so it’s important to start the process early. Our website covers the requirements for more than 130 countries.  Check the APHIS Pet Travel Website for your destination country’s entry requirements. 

Second.  You will need a health certificate.  Almost all countries require a USDA-accredited veterinarian to issue (complete, sign, and date) an international health certificate within a certain number of days prior to your departure to confirm the health of your pet.  So, as soon as you know where you will be traveling with your pet, contact a local USDA accredited veterinarian to assist you with the process.  With 68,000 private, accredited veterinarians nationwide, it’s likely your vet might be one or can refer you to one. Accredited veterinarians work cooperatively with APHIS to protect U.S. animal health and can certify that your pet is healthy and able to travel.

Third.  Getting the health certificate endorsed.  After the health certificate is issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian, it will typically need to be endorsed (signed and “stamped”) by your local APHIS office .  This can be done by mail or, in some cases, in person.  APHIS Service Centers are set up to process your health certificate as quickly as possible – but keep in mind, we process many certificates each year so be sure to leave plenty of time for us to complete this process.  Endorsement fees for pet health certificates starts at $38, but will cost more if the destination country requires Federal review of test results.  Check the APHIS website here for additional information on endorsement fees. 

Lastly, don’t forget to check with your airline carrier to see if they have additional requirements to transport your pet.  Make sure you know how to collect your pet at the port of entry upon arrival in your destination country.  It’s also important to remember that various U.S agencies regulate the entry of your pet back into the United States – plan ahead and check those requirements on the website before you go.

We know navigating various country requirements for international pet travel can be challenging, and that’s why we’re here to help.  If you have any questions about the process at any step along the way, please contact the APHIS Customer Service Call Center at 844-820-2234 or your local APHIS Service Center for more information.

Bon Voyage , Fido and Fluffy!

Puerto Rico

Stamp your pet's paws passport - leave a review, 1 reviews on “puerto rico”.

I have traveled to Puerto Rico several times with my small dogs that flew in the cabin with me and we recently relocated here. From the mainland United States, an interstate health certificate is required for travel. I have only flown with my pets on JetBlue and it has always been a very smooth and easy process. Puerto Rico is very dog friendly! The weather is beautiful and tropical and is wonderful for outdoor activities with your dog. I wanted to share all the details of what makes Puerto Rico great, so read my guest post on this blog https://petsaroundtheworld.org/dog-friendly-puerto-rico/ Here are some great dog friendly places to visit: Old San Juan the Paseo del Morro, Condado dog park, Ocean Park Beach in Condado, the trails in El Yunque are pet friendly. There are some historical buildings at these sites where only service dogs are allowed. Angelito Trail and Mount Britton tower trail are good places to hike.

Outside of the San Juan area, there are some great places to visit. The town of Guanica is located on the south coast of the island and offers many great beaches and areas to hike. Playa Manglillo and Playa La Jungla is another great beach. La Parguera is nearby and is a cute little town that has a great biobay during the new moon. Cabo Rojo offers great beaches. In Rincón, Playa Doña Lala is my favorite beach.

If you want to go to one of the smaller islands, Vieques or Culebra I’ve taken dogs to both islands and it has been easy.

Puerto Rico does have a large population of stray dogs and cats. In general, they are friendly and often timid and will usually stay away from you unless you acknowledge them.

I also participated in flight angels to bring rescue dogs and cats from PR to the mainland US. https://flightangels.org/

Puerto Rico is absolutely beautiful and offers so many wonderful places to see and experience with your dog! Enjoy the island!

Leave a Review Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Entry Requirements

Is puerto rico a good place to travel or relocate to with dogs and/or cats, here are reviews and details to help you see if this country is a good place to travel with your pets..

A Pets Around the World reader who lives in PR wrote a  dog-friendly guide so you could have the best experience possible. 

The official  document describing the regulations for bringing a pet into Puerto Rico

Official government website on importing dogs to the US

Official government website on cats coming to the US

Notice of Temporary Suspension of pets from High Rabies Countries Extended Until July 2023

Puerto Rico Pets Allowed: Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from the Mainland United States

This is considered to be an inter-state transfer

Medical Requirements : 

Dogs and cats over four months must be current on rabies vaccines

Documentation Required and how to get it :

If you are flying into Puerto Rico with your pet in the cabin, you will need an official interstate health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in the U.S. state of origin, and it will be valid for 30 days from the inspection date.

Shipping Pets to Puerto Rico

If you are shipping your pet, you will need additional documents showing the rabies vaccination and microchip.

Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from a Non-High Rabies Country

If you are coming from outside the mainland US, the same regulations apply for entering any of the US states

If you’re bringing cats or dogs from a country with low rabies risk, the process is pretty easy, and this info will help you get started.

• The CDC doesn’t ask for a rabies vaccine record, but the state where you’re landing might need it.
• Your dog should appear healthy.
• If you’re coming from a country with screwworms, a vet must check your dog within 5 days before leaving and give the okay or provide treatment.

  Documentation Required and how to get it : 

• Your dog must be at least 6 months old.
• Give a statement showing where you’ve traveled in the past 6 months (be sure you didn’t visit any high-rabies countries).
• You can arrive at any airport in the US.

Dogs – Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from a High Rabies Country

List of Countries Considered High Rabies

If you’re bringing dogs from a country with a high risk of rabies , or if you’ve been to one in the past 6 months, things get a bit trickier. We’ve included lots of links above to official government sites so you can find the most accurate and current details. Make sure to start planning at least 2 months before you travel .

The San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico is one of the allowed 18 airports  with a CDC quarantine

Medical Requirements from a High-rabies Country

Have your pet take a rabies titer test (blood test) at an approved lab . The blood sample needs to be taken 30 days after the vaccine. The results are good for 1 year. When you get to the US, your dog has to stay at home until a US vet gives them a new rabies shot. You have 10 days to do this.

If you’re coming from a country with screwworms , a vet must check your dog within 5 days before leaving and give the okay or provide treatment.

Foot and Mouth Disease

If you’re coming from a country with foot and mouth disease (FMD) , your dog needs to be clean and given a bath once you reach your destination. Keep them away from farm animals for 5 days.

Documentation Required to import your pet to Puerto Rico and how to get it :

• CDC Import Permit : Apply at least 40 business days (8 weeks) before arriving.
• A vet must fill out a CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record in the country where the vaccination took place. Foreign pet passports won’t be accepted.
• Once you have the permit, it’s valid from 14 days before your planned US arrival until 90 days after.
• Book a reservation at a CDC-approved facility in San Juan for your pet’s exam.
• Take 2 pictures of your dog’s teeth to show they’re over 6 months old. Include a copy of your passport’s first page.

Note: If using a pet import service, you need to give them permission to apply for the permit on your behalf.

States have their own rules. Click here to choose your state and learn about any extra regulations.

Cats – Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from a High Rabies Country

Medical requirements for cats:.

The CDC suggests rabies vaccines for cats, but they’re not required

The state you’re traveling to might need vaccinations.

Documentation Required for Cats and How to Get It:

You will need the USDA approved Health certificate

Additional Considerations

Microchip requirements :.

ISO-compatible microchips are required for dogs

Quarantine Requirements (if any):

NA if regulations are followed from within the US or other non-high rabies countries

Dogs coming from high-rabies countries  without  the CDC import permit or rabies vaccine may get quarantined for up to 28 days.

Breed Restrictions :

There is conflicting information. It appears the ban on certain breeds was lifted.

Number of pet restrictions : 

From a high-rabies country, each person is allowed to bring in a maximum of 2 dogs for one trip during the temporary suspension

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US ?

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into eu countries, are you flying to puerto rico.

Read  Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read  Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

[convertkit_form form=”4912765″]

Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.

Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.

Pet 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

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.

Request Support

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.

Pet Travel Stories

Driving with a dog to the united states from canada, from our blog.

How to Ship a Cat From Australia to the United States

5 Ways to Make the Most of a Pet Relief Area

Moving with Pets to the Philippines

UNDERSTANDING PET CARGO TRAVEL: SAFETY, PROCESS, AND AIRLINES

Is This a Puppy Scam?

Cat Travel to Germany

Cat Travel from Germany to the United States

Is There a Quarantine for Dogs Traveling to Germany?

Getting Paws to Paradise

Health Certificates

Each country has different regulations regarding the health certificate. Here are a few links to help you find the regulation requirements in your country.

• United States
• European Union
• United Kingdom

FAQ: What does acceptance of digital endorsement mean? 

ANSWER: USDA Accredited Veterinarians can submit export health certificates and supporting documents electronically to USDA through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). USDA can also return documents electronically for any corrections or edits. This benefits both owners and veterinarians by avoiding long drives or overnight shipping of documents to USDA for endorsement. USE DIGITAL ENDORSEMENT If the destination country accepts digital USDA endorsement, the Accredited Veterinarian can print the endorsed health certificate from their office as soon as it is endorsed.

Important – When the 7001 Form is recommended we suggest having this completed within 10 days of travel unless otherwise noted.

Anguilla (Anguilla is a British overseas territory since 1980)

• An original Health Certificate issued by a vet in country of origin stating that animal should be free of any infectious or contagious diseases and should not be in contact with any animal suffering from the same for the past sixty (60) days.
• The health certificate bears the original ink signature and embossed seal. The 7001 Health Certificate can be used. For example from the US – APHIS recommends your pet travel with a health certificate (e.g.  APHIS Form 7001 ) issued by your veterinarian. Although it may not be required, it is highly suggested that the health certificate be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS.

Antigua and Barbuda

The health certificate must   state that the dog/cat is in good health and free from the symptoms of communicable diseases. For example in the US, the certificate must be issued within seven (7) days prior to arrival into Antigua & Barbuda by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. After issuance, the health certificate will need to be endorsed (counter-signed) by an  APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office . Please refer to your country’s governmental export authority.

Aruba  (Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

Aruba’s Health Certificate  and  Digital Endorsement Accepted The health certificate bears digital signature/seal.

Health Certificates for dogs/cats to the Bahamas do not require APHIS endorsement. They may be signed by a licensed U.S. veterinarian. Use 7001 form.

All dogs and cats entering Barbados must be accompanied by an Official Export Health Certificate endorsed (signed and stamped) by the Official Veterinary Services of the country of origin. Within seven (7) days of travel, the pets must undergo a veterinary examination and be issued with an Official Veterinary Export Health Certificate.

The Official Health Certificate must be endorsed (signed and stamped) by an  Official   G ov ernment/Federal Veterinarian . This may not be the same veterinarian who carries out the procedures and/or fills out the health certificate. The Official Veterinarian should see the import permit before issuing the Export Health Certificate.

The export health certificate is valid for a period of 10 days from the date of endorsement by the Official Veterinarian. In the case of animals traveling by sea, validity can be extended for the period of the voyage

R esidency : Cats and dogs from Category 1 countries must demonstrate that they have spent at least three (3) months continuously either in the country of export or in other Category 1 countries immediately prior to entry. This three (3) month period may be partly in the country of export and partly in another Category 1 country. If the latter is the case, the certifying veterinarian must be able to verify this prior to signing the certificate. All animals that do not fall into Category 1, including pets that have not been in a Category 1 country for more than 3 months and animals arriving by sea must satisfy the conditions for Category 2.

Digital Endorsement NOT Accepted The health certificate bears the original ink signature and embossed seal

Barbados Health Certificate

British Virgin Islands  (BVI is a British overseas territory )

BVI Health Certificate 

• Virgin Gorda
• Jost Van Dyke

Caribbean Netherlands  also known as the BES islands are the three special municipalities of the Netherlands

Bonaire Veterinary Health Certificate

Sint Eustatius

Cayman Islands  (Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory since 1962)

The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian. USDA endorsement is NOT required. Please take a copy of the import conditions to the veterinarian who will be preparing your pet.

Health Certificate

Also within 14 days of the scheduled date of travel, your dog or cat must be examined and issued with a Veterinary Health Certificate  . The health certificate must be completed and signed by a licensed accredited veterinarian of the exporting country. The Cayman Islands does not require endorsement of the dog and cat health certificates by an official government veterinarian and will accept health certificates completed by a licensed accredited veterinarian.

Cayman Islands Health Certificate 

Curaçao  (Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

An Official International Health Certificate is required to travel with your dog or cat to Curacao.

The Health Certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian; endorsed by an official government (USDA) veterinarian; and is valid for no more than 2 (two) weeks.

Curacao Health Certificate

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Health Certificate

Digital Endorsement Accepted The health certificate bears digital signature/seal

Grenada requires an International Health Certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS. The health certificate  must be  issued by your veterinarian no earlier than 3 weeks prior to your scheduled arrival in Grenada. Note: obtaining a health certificate too close to the date of scheduled arrival in Grenada may not allow adequate processing time for your import permit application in Step 3.

This certificate may be generated and submitted to APHIS for endorsement by your veterinarian online using VEHCS.

Grenada Health Certificate 

Guadeloupe  (France overseas territory since 1946)

Please follow France’s guidelines. Selecting the appropriate option below will give you access to the required health certificate with pre-lined out statements to indicate the pet’s rabies vaccination status and type of travel. If the line outs do not print, the USDA Accredited Veterinarian must manually add the line outs and initial them in pen.

Owner traveling on the same plane as the pet(s)

Designated person* traveling on the same plane as the pet(s)

APHIS recommends your pet travel with a health certificate (e.g.  APHIS Form 7001 ) issued by your veterinarian. Although it may not be required, it is highly suggested that the health certificate be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS. Digital endorsement NOT accepted.

Jamaica’s Health Certificate 

Martinique  (France overseas territory since 1946)

Montserrat  (Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory established since 1632)

• A licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must complete an International Health Certificate issued  within 72 hours prior to entry .

Puerto Rico  (Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States since 1898)

All dogs and cats entering Puerto Rico shall be accompanied by an official interstate health certificate, stating that the animal did not originate from an area quarantined for rabies.

Saint Barthélemy  (Saint Barthélemy is an overseas collectivity of France since 2007)

Saint Kitts and Nevis

A health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian  and endorsed by USDA APHIS within 30 days of the date of arrival.

Parasite Treatment and Health Certificate Your pet must be treated for internal and external parasites by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 72 hours of travel.

The accredited veterinarian will then need to issue a health certificate within 72 hours of arrival into St. Kitts and Nevis. This certificate does not need to be endorsed by USDA APHIS.

NOTE: Rabies titer results must be noted on the APHIS endorsed health certificate

St. Kitts and Nevis Health Certificate

Saint Lucia

Saint Martin  (France overseas territory) +  Sint Maarten  (Sint Maarten is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)

St. Martin Health Certificate

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

SVG Health Certificate

Trinidad and Tobago

• An  International health certificate  meeting the import permit requirements must be issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA within (7) days of arrival to Trinidad and Tobago.​

Turks and Caicos Islands  (British Overseas Territory)

T + C Health Certificate

United States Virgin Islands  USVI is a territory of the United States.

Please have a health certificate from your country of export endorsed and issued within 5 days of travel. In addition

Dogs traveling to the U.S. from  countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist , may enter the U.S. if they meet the following requirements:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and
• The dog is either free from screwworm  OR  was found to be infested with screwworm, was held in quarantine, and was treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.
• Saint Croix
• Saint Thomas

Unleashing New Regulations: A Pet Owner's Guide to Traveling to Puerto Rico

In travel news for May 31st, 2023 we talk about the update pet protocol for those visiting Puerto Rico with their pets.

Traveling with your beloved furry companions is about to change for those venturing to Puerto Rico from mainland United States. Recently, Puerto Rican authorities introduced fresh pet import rules for cats and dogs, making it essential for pet owners to understand these changes in their travel plans.

Under the revised import rules, pets arriving in Puerto Rico must now undergo a health examination from a U.S.-accredited veterinarian, who will then issue an interstate health certificate. This is a new measure in ensuring the health and safety of animals making the journey across the Caribbean . However, it's essential to understand that not all veterinarians have USDA accreditation, which can pose challenges when scheduling an appointment for the required certificate.

These hurdles highlight the importance of seeking advice from a trusted vet or a professional pet transportation service. Their expertise will guide pet owners through this process, ensuring your furry friends meet the necessary health standards for their upcoming travels.

Additionally, pet owners are urged to have their cats and dogs microchipped for identification and to maintain updated vaccinations, further affirming the commitment to the wellbeing of pets in transit.

Failure to meet these updated regulations will unfortunately result in pet owners bearing the costs to send their pets back to the mainland. These new rules took effect from May 1 and are part of Puerto Rico's efforts to manage and protect the health of both resident and visiting animals.

Meanwhile, it is important to note that there are unique regulations for birds, exotic pets, and animals arriving from countries outside the United States. As such, owners of these creatures will need to take extra steps in planning their trip to Puerto Rico .

Once settled in Puerto Rico , pet owners are encouraged to register with a local veterinarian to keep their pets' health in check, particularly regarding their rabies vaccinations. Local veterinarians typically send reminders when vaccinations are due, helping you stay on top of your pets' health needs. Moreover, maintaining an up-to-date vaccination record will ease the process if future travels arise.

Puerto Rico's new pet regulations come as the island continues to experience an influx of visitors. Discover Puerto Rico reported that the island surpassed pre-pandemic visitor arrivals last year, marking it one of six Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) members to achieve such a milestone. This visitor surge is anticipated to continue into 2023, making it all the more vital for prospective pet-travelers to familiarize themselves with these revised regulations.

These updated guidelines are not just about pet travel; they symbolize Puerto Rico's dedication to ensuring the health and safety of all creatures crossing its borders. As such, travelers can look forward to an island committed to the wellbeing of its visitors—both human and animal alike. So pack your bags, secure your pet's health certificate, and prepare for an unforgettable journey to Puerto Rico!

• Puerto Rico
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Ponce, Puerto Rico
• Traveling With a Pet

Releated Travel News

Avalon alegria enhances douro river cruise options.

Explore Mongolia with Viking's New River Cruise Extension

Luxury River Cruise by Abercrombie & Kent in the Amazon

Canary Islands Protest Surge Amid Overtourism Crisis

April's Europe Strikes: Impact on Travel Explained

Disney Updates DAS for Guests with Disabilities

Related Travel Blogs

Top 5 caribbean islands for foodies: culinary hotspots.

Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Islands: Top 5 Picks

Explore Top 5 Stunning Beaches in the Caribbean

Master Group Travel Planning: Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Journey

Navigate Group Travel with Ease: Best All-Inclusive Vacation Tips

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Group Cruise: Tips & Tricks

We use cookies to enhance your experience, for analytics and to show you offers tailored to your interests on our site and third party sites. We may share your information with our advertising and analytic partners. Find out more about cookies by reading our Privacy Policy. By clicking “Accept,” you agree to our use of cookies and similar technologies.

Move Your Pet Puerto Rico

Leave the details to us.

Let Air Animal Pet Movers ® deal with the details transporting your dog or cat to and from the United States to Puerto Rico.

Steps for entry:

• Microchip the pet for identification.
• Assure rabies vaccination not more than 6 months before entry. This rabies certificate must accompany the pet.
• Book your appointment with an accredited United States veterinarian for an interstate health certificate. Appointment must be no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico. USDA endorsement is not required .
• Assure external parasite treatment no more than 72 hours before entry. Veterinarian must record the treatment on the health certificate.
• The recommended vaccinations are: DA2PPL/DAPPL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis) for dogs and FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and panleukopenia) for cats.
• Please note different regulations apply for birds, exotic pets and all pets from other countries.

After you move:

Please register with a local veterinarian to keep your pet's rabies vaccination up to date. Veterinarians typically send reminder notices when vaccinations are due.

Also consider having your U.S. veterinarian run a complete blood count, a differential and chem panel on your dog or cat before moving. Take the report with you to share with your new veterinarian. If another move is in your future, you and your pet will be ready.

Air Animal Pet Movers ® and our Caribbean pet move specialists know the drill, know the routine, and are experienced. Pet moving made easy ® . That's our focus, our passion and our promise.

(239) 344-8959

Client Portal

• How it Works
• Cat Transport
• Corporate Pet Relocation
• Dog Transport
• International Pet Transport
• Military Pet Relocation
• US Domestic Pet Transport
• US Pet Imports
• Pet Protection Plan

Testimonials

• Why Choose Starwood?
• Country Pet Travel Guides
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Travel Kennel Calculator
• State of Pet Travel Annual Report
• Destinations

San Juan, Puerto Rico Pet Transport

Need to move your pet to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)? Allow our skilled pet shipping team to assist you, whether it's for domestic or international pet transportation. Count on our experienced professionals to guarantee the safe arrival of your beloved pet.

Our San Juan pet shipping services include:

• Door to door transport, both international and domestic
• Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport
• USDA endorsement of all relevant documents where required
• Airline approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
• Customs clearance and delivery to your home
• Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian or kennel/boarding facility – available in the San Juan area as well as throughout the surrounding areas
• Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels  to or from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) .

Dedicated, experienced drivers and top-notch pet boarding services is what you can expect from our San Juan team!

The requirements for moving your pet to San Juan, Puerto Rico can be found here . 

Airport Information

The  Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport does not have much information for passengers with pets, but if you would like to learn more about the airport, then please  click here.  

Receive a Free Quote

300+ Reviews

"After getting our family back (2 Goldens) from NY to London Gatwick I have to congratulate you and your global team for achieving what is no small achievement. Your service in managing the paperwork, the customs clearance, selecting the best airline and route and hand holding the vets through this timely but critical process was, I am sure the only reason everything went through without delay or undue stress. Thanks to you and to all of your team. You are a service benchmark."

"The people you used at each step were wonderful. The girl who picked him up in Houston was wonderful. The man who delivered him here in Dubai – equally great. I know this is something you and your team do on a regular basis – but obviously this isn’t something we do – and to have our little dog with us here in our new home in Dubai makes our apartment here, our home! Of course, I shall recommend you to anyone wishing to fly a pet – and when it’s time for us to fly home, I’ll be in touch."

"I would like to thank you for the wonderful service transporting our four legged kids. It was not just transporting, your updates, the photos and most of all for that moment of happiness when they arrived. Priceless!"

"Thanks to Starwood Animal Transport, our first experience moving our dog internationally was a very successful one! The communication throughout the entire process was prompt, clear and comforting. Kudos to Ross, Sherry and Nick for providing great customer service.I do believe that in the end, our dog had better care and travel arrangements than we did. I highly recommend Starwood and will certainly use them again in the future."

"Samantha is doing quite well. We were very pleased with your service. She is a very important member of our family and we were very stressed about her being on such a long flight. Thanks to all the personal assistance you gave me to prepare her, everything turned out better than we could have expected. If we should ever need to fly out pet again, I can’t imagine using any other service. I would highly recommend Starwood Animal Transport to everyone!"

"Thank you very much for your help in getting Cricket here. We are so happy to have him here and he is settling in. Of course the journey was long but he is now back to being his usual self. You really did make the entire process very smooth and easy and we never had to worry about anything. Thanks a lot!"

"Greg and I wanted to thank you very much for all your work to get Pepper safely back to Australia.I know that we bombarded you guys with a lot of anxious emails at one of your busiest times of the year. We wanted to put on the record that we sincerely thank you for all your guidance and patience with us, and especially for taking on Pepper’s move at a time when we were having trouble getting traction with another service provider – you got us back on track, and very quickly."

"All went very well and my parents and aunt were impressed with the care and organization of the people they met on each end. Thanks so much! Gigi is settling in and has no issues with her crate after the trip."

"Blake and Raven had a wonderful journey. I don't think the trip phased them in the least. They are happily settled and enjoying life in Georgia. Kenny did a wonderful job taking care of them both. He was very conscience and caring, and made sure they were fine before leaving. I will definitely recommend your business to anyone needing to relocate their pet family."

"A very BIG thank you to you all! The trio arrived safe and sound this morning around 2am and they were absolutely fine. They seem to have settled well into their new home as if nothing ever happened. I so appreciate all the hard work, care and professionalism that made this relocation happen. 'Starwood' is on my top list of favourites and shall make sure everyone that is ever wanting to relocate pets shall know about you all!"

Pet Travel Tips

Puppy and kitten scams, the best airline-approved travel carriers for cats and dogs, heartworm disease in dogs and cats.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Puerto Rico Implements New Pet Entry Rules

Air Animal Pet Movers is reminding pet parents with travel plans to/from Puerto Rico that as of May 1, Puerto Rico has implemented several significant changes to its pet import rules. Pet parents should carefully review the new rules because they apply to all dogs and cats. Pet parents will be charged to return dogs and cats to the US that have not met regulations.

Under the new rules, pet owners must arrange for a US accredited veterinarian to examine their pets and issue an interstate health certificate. According to Walter M. Woolf, founding veterinarian of Air Animal Pet Movers, “Not all veterinarians hold USDA accreditation. Setting up a veterinary appointment for a pet can be tough without guidance from the pet’s regular veterinarian or an experienced pet shipper.”

Air Animal Pet Movers has updated its  Puerto Rico Resource page  on airanimal.com to assist pet parents. Air Animal Pet Movers specializes in dealing with the details of transporting dogs or cats between the United States and Puerto Rico.

Steps for entry: 1. Microchip the pet for identification. 2. Ensure the rabies vaccination was administered no more than 6 months before entry. This rabies certificate must accompany the pet. 3. Book an appointment with an accredited United States veterinarian to obtain the interstate health certificate. The appointment must take place no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico. USDA endorsement is not required. 4. Ensure the pet has received an external parasite treatment no more than 72 hours before entry. The veterinarian must record the treatment on the health certificate. 5. Dogs should receive the following vaccinations: DA2PPL/DAPPL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis). Cats should receive FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calcivirus and panleukopenia) vaccinations. 6. Different regulations  apply for birds, exotic pets and all pets from other countries.

“Pet parents should always register with a local veterinarian in their new locale to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Veterinarians typically send reminder notices when vaccinations are due. If another move is in their future, they will be ready,” Woolf added.

For more information on Air Animal Pet Movers, visit Air Animal .

Subscribe to Pet Insight

Pet supply company featured on several lists of fastest growing companies.

Bird-In-Hand Pet Structures, a pet supply company located in Willow Street, has been featured on several prestigious lists including the 4th annual Inc Magazine’s 2024 Regional list of the fastest growing […]

Green Boy Expands Business into Plant-based Pet Food Market

Green Boy has opened a new plant-based pet food division, expanding its international footprint to supply premium plant-based pet food ingredients to pet food producers globally. The focus will be […]

Royal Canin Unveils Expansion to Gastrointestinal Portfolio, Announces Five New Diets

ROYAL CANIN US, a division of Mars, Incorporated and leader in pet health nutrition, has expanded its Veterinary Gastrointestinal (GI) portfolio. Gastrointestinal issues are the third and fourth most common […]

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? What to know before your trip

D o you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? Planning a trip to Puerto Rico often raises questions about travel documentation. As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico enjoys a unique status that affects the travel requirements needed to enter the area. So, do you need a passport for Puerto Rico? Let’s dive into the details to provide clarity on this matter.

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? The bottom line

No, you do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico as a United States citizen. Puerto Rico is part of a group of U.S. territories that does not require travelers to present a passport at the border. However, if you are not a United States citizen, different entry requirements may apply, and it is always a good idea to double-check the details of your specific situation.

Can I travel to Puerto Rico with just my driver’s license?

The short answer is yes. U.S. citizens can travel to Puerto Rico using only a government-issued photo ID , such as a driver’s license or state ID card. However, starting on May 7, 2025, if you do not have a passport, you will need a REAL ID to fly domestically in the United States , which includes the territory of Puerto Rico. Without the ID, you can still use a passport.

What documents do I need to go to Puerto Rico?

As long as you are a U.S. citizen, a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, suffices for travel to Puerto Rico. However, make sure you double-check your ID’s expiration date before your trip to ensure that it remains valid throughout your stay in Puerto Rico. 

What islands can you go to with just a passport?

While Puerto Rico may not require a passport, other destinations in the Caribbean do. So, if you plan on traveling to multiple different destinations, make sure you research entry requirements for other islands in the region. 

Many Caribbean nations and territories, such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport upon entry. However, other U.S. territories like American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not require travelers to hold a valid passport.

Is Puerto Rico a domestic flight?

Yes, flying to Puerto Rico from the mainland United States is considered a domestic flight. Since Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, flights are treated similarly to domestic flights within the contiguous U.S. This means that you will undergo security screening but won’t encounter customs and immigration procedures when arriving in Puerto Rico.

Book your trip to Puerto Rico today

Traveling to Puerto Rico is quite straightforward when it comes to documentation. A valid government-issued ID is all you need to explore this exciting Caribbean destination. However, it is never a bad idea to bring along a backup form of identification , and a passport is a perfect choice!

The post Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? What to know before your trip appeared first on The Manual .