Planning to bring your furry family member along on your trip to beautiful Puerto Rico? You’re in luck—traveling to this U.S. territory from the mainland United States is simpler than traveling internationally, but there are still important health and documentation requirements to follow for both dogs and cats. Here’s a clear guide to help you prepare for a smooth, stress-free travel experience.
Do I Need a Permit to Bring My Pet to Puerto Rico?
No permit is required. Dogs and cats traveling to Puerto Rico from the mainland U.S. do not need a PRDA import permit for interstate movement. However, you must still comply with several entry requirements to ensure your pet’s health and safety.
Pet Entry Requirements for Puerto Rico
To enter Puerto Rico with your dog or cat, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
1. Official Health Certificate (CVI)
All dogs and cats must travel with a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This certificate must confirm:
- The pet is not coming from an area under rabies quarantine
- The pet shows no signs of communicable disease
- The inspection was completed within 30 days prior to travel
2. Rabies Vaccination
All dogs and cats over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine must have been administered within six months of travel, and you must carry a certificate of rabies vaccination that includes:
- Pet’s name and identifying information
- Vaccine type and date
- Veterinarian’s name and signature
3. External Parasite Treatment
Pets must be treated for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, within 72 hours of entering Puerto Rico. This treatment must be documented in the health certificate by the veterinarian.
4. Pet Identification
An official form of individual identification is required. Your pet must have either:
- A microchip, or
- A collar with a metallic ID tag
Identification helps ensure a safe recovery should your pet become lost during travel.
Additional Travel Tips
- Confirm all requirements with your airline in advance, including in-cabin versus cargo rules, approved carrier sizes, and applicable pet fees.
- Book your vet appointment at least a week ahead of your departure to ensure time for paperwork and treatments.
- Keep both digital and physical copies of all pet documents during your journey.
- Use FlyWithMyPet.com’s Find-a-Vet tool to locate a veterinarian near you who can issue health certificates for travel.
Prepare for Takeoff
With the right planning and documentation, bringing your pet to Puerto Rico is a manageable and rewarding experience. Whether you’re heading to San Juan, Vieques, or a cozy beach town, your dog or cat can come along and enjoy the adventure.