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If you plan to travel from Barbados with a pet, it is essential that you check the official import requirements of your destination country before making travel arrangements. 

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Every country has its own rules for pets entering from abroad, and these rules can change. You should also confirm the airline’s current pet transport policy directly with the airline before booking.

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Please rely only on:

• the official government guidance of the country you are traveling to

• the airline’s official pet travel policy

• the Barbados Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services for any export-related questions from Barbados

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Do not rely on older checklists, expat forums, traveler groups, or unofficial web pages when preparing to travel with your pet.

Requirements can change, and travelers should always follow the current official advice of the destination country, airline, and Barbados Veterinary Services.​​​​ 

​Destination Country Guidance 

Canada

• Official Canadian pet travel and import guidance:

  • https://inspection.canada.ca/en/importing-food-plants-animals/pets

  • https://inspection.canada.ca/en/travelling-pets-food-plants/travelling-pets

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United States

• Official U.S. pet import guidance:

  • https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import

• For dogs entering the United States, please also review current CDC guidance:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/family-travel/traveling-with-pets-and-service-animals.html

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United Kingdom

• Official GOV.UK guidance for bringing pets to Great Britain:

  • https://www.gov.uk/bringing-pet-animals-to-great-britain

  • https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/which-pet-travel-document

• UK Pet Travel Checklist drafted by a volunteer at Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary in Barbados 

  • A practical sample guide for travelers taking pets from Barbados to the UK

    • Found Here​​

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Airline Guidance

Please contact your airline directly before booking or traveling with your pet.

At a minimum, you should confirm:

• whether your pet may travel in cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo

• carrier size and breed restrictions

• embargoes related to heat, routing, or aircraft type

• check-in and documentation requirements

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Air Canada Guidelines: Found Here

American Airlines Guidelines Found Here 

Jet Blue Found Here 

British Airways Guidelines (cargo only): Found Here

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What You Will Generally Need

At a minimum, travelers should expect to need:

• confirmation of the destination country’s import requirements

• airline approval to travel with the pet (call the airline to add your pet to your airline ticket) 

• a local veterinary health certificate (any vet in Barbados offers this)

• any vaccinations, tests, microchipping, parasite treatment, or additional documents required by the destination country

• any Barbados export-related documentation required by Barbados' Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Services (i.e., export permit) 

  • To obtain the export permit and if you have questions about export procedures from Barbados, contact the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services a minimum of 7-10 days before travel.

              ☎ +1 (246) 535-0220 / +1 (246) 535-0221
              ✉ vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb​​​​​

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If you are considering ADOPTING A PET in Barbados, please review our Pet Adoption page for helpful information.