General entrance requirements for guests travelling with pets

Currently Cats and dogs may enter Canada if they are accompanied by a rabies vaccination. A complete list of animal acceptance requirements for dogs, cats and other pet types (species) can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection agency website.

Effective September 28, 2022 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be implementing new measures to reduce the risk of introducing dog rabies into Canada. Commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies will no longer be permitted entry into Canada. Commercial dogs can include, but are not limited to dogs for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition, research, and other purposes.

Due to these restrictive entrance requirements, for any ticket issued on or after October 12, 2022, WestJet will not accept dogs on flights to Canada (with the exception of dogs as service animals and pets that originated from Canada) from the following countries:

• Honduras
• Belize
  
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic
  

For more information and a list of high risk countries for dog rabies, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

The requirements for the entry of pet cats and dogs into the United States (excluding Hawaii) are:

• Most dogs travelling to the U.S. may require a valid rabies certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian that indicates that the dog has had their rabies vaccination.
• A health certificate or Certificate of veterinary inspection (OCV) may also be required for entry into some U.S. states.
   

Complete information on vaccinations and importing dogs, cats and other pet types (species) to the United States can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (CDC). Specific state requirements for dogs and cats can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection website.

The CDC requires an import permit for all dogs  who are arriving from countries NOT at high risk for rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk rabies country during the previous 6 months. This change is effective July 14, 2021 and extended as of May 29, 2022. A list of these countries can be found on the CDC website. Please be aware of the following:

• Applicable to all dogs (e.g. Service dogs, dogs in the cabin and dogs in kennels in the baggage compartment)
• If a dog has been in or transited through a country considered high risk for rabies in the past 6 months, an import permit is required, and the dog is required to enter the U.S. at a CDC-approved U.S. arrival airport
• Travel for 1-2 foreign-vaccinated dogs, 6 months of age or older, from a high-risk country, CDC may issue a CDC Dog Import Permit in advance of the dogs’ arrival that will allow entry for the dogs through any of the 18 CDC approved U.S. arrival airports. The list of arrival airports can be found on the CDC website
• Import permits can take up to 30 business days to be processed by the CDC, a how-to guide can be found on the CDC website
• Dogs not meeting CDC’s entry requirements will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense.

Due to restrictive entrance requirements, we do not accept pets on flights with the exception of dogs as service animals. Complete requirements for entry can be found on the State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division website.

Service Animals can arrive at any time into Honolulu if Rabies Quarantine Branch is notified at least 7 days in advance of departure.

If you are traveling to Kona (Hawaii), Kahului (Maui) or Lihue (Kauai) Airport (instead of Honolulu), you must apply for a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit from the Department of Agriculture for service animals. The permit must be presented at check in with WestJet and also to the inspector upon arrival in Hawaii. Permits may take approximately 2 months to process and receive prior to your departure date. Please contact the Animal Quarantine Veterinary Dispensary for more details at (808) 483-7151 or by email at rabiesfree@hawaii.gov.

Entry requirements for pet cats and dogs are very restrictive. An import permit, rabies inoculation, health certificate, micro/identification chip, rabies antibody testing, medical and vaccination history, treatment for parasites, and notification of date and time of arrival must be completed before travel. Complete information regarding entry, as well as a list of prohibited animal breeds and other pet types (species), can be found by contacting the Antigua Veterinary and Livestock Division at 1-268-460- 1759, or by email.

For additional reference, you may refer to the Antigua and Barbuda government website.

To enter Aruba a dog or cat must have a veterinary health certificate. A rabies inoculation certificate and a micro/identification chip are also required for entry. Specific information regarding entry, including restrictions on country of origin and residence, and other pet types (species) are available by contacting the Veterinary Service in Aruba at 011-297-585-0400 or by email.

For added reference, please visit VisitAruba.com.

Cats and dogs are required to have an import permit completed before travel. The permit is available from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry (Nassau). A vaccination certificate and a veterinary health certificate must also be provided. Complete information on additional requirements for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the Department of Agriculture at 242-325-7502 or by email.

For added reference, you may also refer to the Government of Bahamas website.

Due to the strict requirements on the transportation of live animals mandated by the local government, we do not accept pets on flights to Barbados.

Cats and dogs are required to have a valid import permit and must meet the conditions of importation. A Veterinary health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival and a rabies vaccination certificate are required.

More information can be found by visiting: http://baha.org.bz/departments/animal-health/entry-requirements/ or contacting the Animal Health Department:

Email: animalhealth@baha.org.bz

Phone: (501) 824-4872

Cats and dogs are required to have an import permit completed before travel. The permit is available from the Department of Environmental Protection. A vaccination certificate and a veterinary health certificate, an identity microchip, and a rabies vaccination history must also be provided. Full details of all requirements for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the authorities at 441-236-4201 or by email.

For added reference, please visit the Government of Bermuda Environmental Protection website.

Entry requirements for pet cats and dogs entering Bonaire are restrictive. A rabies inoculation must be received at least one month prior to arrival. The Bonaire veterinary health certificate must be completed along with a health certificate issued from your veterinarian within 14 days of arrival and micro/identification chip are required for entry. 

For any additional information or questions regarding animal entry into Bonaire, please contact one of the Veterinarians below: 

• Dienenasiel Bonaire +599 717-4989 
• Flamingo Island Veterinary Center +599 717-3338
  
  

For additional reference, you may refer to infobonaire.com

Entry requirements for pet cats and dogs are very restrictive. An import permit or Cayman Islands pet passport are required in addition to a rabies inoculation, health certificate, micro/identification chip and certificate, a rabies antibody test, tick and tapeworm treatment. All requirements must be completed before travel. Complete information regarding entry, and a list of prohibited pet breeds and pet types (species), can be found by contacting the Veterinary Services - Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture at 345-947-3090 or by email.

Bringing your animal is subject to strict enforcement. All cats and dogs travelling to Costa Rica accompanied by their owners must have a completed Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) bilingual English/Spanish International Health Certificate for Cats and Dogs. The document must include the animal's vaccination history.

The International Heath Certificate must be completed by a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Canada and then presented to a CFIA official to be endorsed and stamped. The clinical examination for the certificate must be conducted within 2 weeks prior to departure to Costa Rica.

For added reference and vaccination information, please visit the Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada website

Cats and dogs are required to have a veterinary health certificate and vaccination certificate. We recommend that you ensure your accommodation allows pets on their premises as many hotels do not. Complete information regarding entry for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by calling the Cuban Tourist Board at 416-362-0700.

Cats and dogs are required to have an official international health certificate, rabies vaccination, identification microchip, and parasite treatment before entry. Complete information regarding entry for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the authorities at 5999-461-4000 or by email.

Cats and dogs are required to have a veterinary health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate. We recommended that you have the documents translated into Spanish and legalized by a Dominican embassy. Complete information regarding entry on cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the Embassy of the Dominican Republic at 613-569-9893 or the General Directorate of Livestock at 809-535-9689.

Cats and Dogs originating outside the EU are subject to EU regulations and require a health certificate. The health certificate must be filled out by a veterinarian prior to travel. The certificate is available from the CFIA website. Animals originating from an EU country may use a pet passport in lieu of a health certificate. Documents can be subject to inspection at any part of the journey and incomplete documentation can result in an animal being denied travel or entry into France.

Puppies and kittens under 15 weeks old arriving from outside of the EU are prohibited into France due to vaccination requirements.

Restricted dog breeds classified as Category 1 are American Staffordshire Terrier (without a pedigree), Pitbull (without pedigree), Tosa (without a pedigree) or Mastiff (Boerbulls).

If you wish to travel with a Category 2 dog type, consult with the French Embassy regarding importing the following dog breeds with a pedigree, and classified as guard dogs: American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull or Tosa (with pedigree) or Rottweillers, or look like a Rottweiller and/or Rottweiller-type dogs (with or with a pedigree).

Birds travelling into France must meet all requirements found on the travelling to the EU with pets page.

Complete information on additional requirements for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the French Ministry of Agriculture.

Cats and Dogs must be presented with a certificate of vaccination or vaccination card and the current International Health Certificate issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to the quarantine inspector on arrival.

The Certificate must have the full name of the veterinarian, signature and stamp with the date of issue.

The International Health Certificate issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency must be authenticated through the Consular Section of the Embassy of Honduras in Ottawa, Canada.

The vaccination card must state the age and species of the animal, the dates of the immunizations, showing the type and brand of the product used, this will be recorded average of the product sticker on said vaccination card.

Vaccinate and deworm within 30 days prior to the date of shipment (internal and external parasites).

Vaccines must be:

Dog

• Distemper
• Canine hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirosis
• Rabies (only animals older than 3 months)
• For influenza

Cats

• Feline panleukopenia
• Calicivirosis
• Rhinotracheitis
• Feline leukemia
• Rabies (only animals older than 3 months)

For additional information refer to following link or contact the Honduras Embassy.

https://embajadahondurasencanada.hn/Requisitos-para-Mascotas

All pets departing Honduras require the following documents to be submitted to the Agriculture Office prior to departure:

• Exit Permit for pet/s
• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Record of Vaccine or Passport Copy

Please contact a local veterinary clinic in Honduras who can assist with the exit permit paperwork.

Due to the strict requirements on the transportation of live animals mandated by the local government, we do not accept pets on flights to Ireland with the exception of service dogs. Please visit our service dogs page for more information.

Cats and Dogs originating outside the EU are subject to EU regulations and require a health certificate. The health certificate must be filled out by a veterinarian prior to travel. The certificate is available from the CFIA website. Animals originating from an EU country may use a pet passport in lieu of a health certificate. Documents can be subject to inspection at any part of the journey and incomplete documentation can result in an animal being denied travel or entry into Italy.

Complete information on additional requirements for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the Italian Ministry of Health. 

Due to the strict requirements on the transportation of live animals mandated by the local government, we do not accept pets on flights to Jamaica.

Entry requirements for pet cats and dogs and service animals in cabin are very restrictive. An import permit is required in addition to rabies inoculation, health certificate, micro/identification chip and certificate, and a rabies antibody test.

All requirements must be completed 180 days prior to arrival and the date of arrival must be within the expiry period of the rabies vaccine administered. Complete information regarding entry, procedures after import, along with advance notification forms can be found here.

Updated: November 5, 2021

Cat(s) or dog(s) entering Mexico are required to have a vaccination certificate or card displaying the rabies vaccination date and application.

You must have a declaration/documentation that your cat(s) or dog(s) have been dewormed - internally and externally – within the past six (6) months, and that your cat(s) or dog(s) are ectoparasite-free.

If your animal does not meet the above requirements, you will be responsible for contacting and paying a local veterinarian to treat your animal and issue a new health certificate. WestJet will not provide compensation and cannot assist with meeting these requirements.

Complete information for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found on the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) website or by contacting the Government of Mexico by email.

Rabbits are no longer permitted to enter Mexico.

Cats and Dogs originating outside the EU are subject to EU regulations and require a health certificate. The health certificate must be filled out by a veterinarian prior to travel. The certificate is available from the CFIA website. Animals originating from an EU country may use a pet passport in lieu of a health certificate. Documents can be subject to inspection at any part of the journey and incomplete documentation can result in an animal being denied travel or entry into the Netherlands.

Complete information on additional requirements for cats, dogs, and other pet types (species) can be found by contacting the Government of the Netherlands.

Cats and dogs are required to have a veterinary health certificate, a rabies vaccination certificate and identification tags. Complete information on all entry requirements for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by calling Veterinary Services at 787-796-1650.

Cats and Dogs originating outside the EU are subject to EU regulations.

The following information applies for the entry of pet animals from the US and Canada into Spain:

1. The entry of dogs and cats under three months of age is not allowed. An animal will be considered vaccinated against rabies 21 days after the first vaccination.
2. Identification - Pet animals shall be identified by the implantation of a transponder (microchip) which must comply with ISO Standard 11784, apply HDX or FDX-B technology and be capable of being read by a reading device compatible with ISO Standard 11785. When the transponder does not comply with these requirements, the owner or the authorized person must provide the means necessary for the reading of the transponder upon arrival to the European Union. The pet can also be identified by a tattoo if it is clearly readable and was applied before 3 July 2011.
3. The pet animals will enter the European Union accompanied by an identification document in the format of a European Passport (in the case of a pet animal coming back to the EU) or a Health Certificate and Declaration of the owner or the authorized person. The Health Certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the documentation and identity checks are conducted at point of arrival in Spain.
4. A maximum number of pet animals may not exceed five unless the following conditions are met - the non-commercial movement of pet animals is for the purpose of participating in competitions, exhibitions, or sporting events (or in training for such events); and
   • The owner or the authorized person submits written evidence; and
   • The pet animals are more than six months old.
5. Spain defines the following breeds of dogs as potentially dangerous and has established specific laws for importing and owning these breeds of dogs: a) Pit Bull Terrier. b) Staffordshire Bull Terrier. c) American Staffodshire Terrier. d) Rottweiler. e) Dogo Argentino. f) Fila Brasileiro. g) Tosa Inu. h) Akita Inu.

For additional information refer to following links in Spanish or contact the Spanish Consulate.
https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2002/03/27/pdfs/A12290-12292.pdf
https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1999/12/24/pdfs/A45306-45310.pdf

Additional information on the Spanish requirements for importing cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found using the following link.

Entry requirements for cats and dogs are very restrictive. An import permit, rabies inoculation, health certificate, micro/identification chip, rabies antibody test, tick, tapeworm and parasite treatment, common disease vaccinations, heartworm test and notification of flight, date and time of arrival need to be completed before travel. Complete information regarding entry, as well as a list of prohibited animal breeds and other pet types (species) can be found by calling the Veterinary and Livestock Services Division at 758-454-3470 or 758-454-6254 or by fax at 758-454-5932.

Cats and dogs are required to have a veterinary health certificate, a rabies vaccination certificate and an import permit. Complete information regarding entry for cats, dogs and other pet types (species) can be found by calling the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at  0590-87-57-21.

Entry requirements for pet cats and dogs are very restrictive. An import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, a micro/identity chip, rabies antibody test, parasite treatment, notification of date and time of arrival and any additional tests requested need to be completed before travel. Complete information regarding entry, as well as a list of prohibited animal breeds and pet types (species)  can be found by calling the Animal Production and Health Division at 868-625-5997 or 868-625-1473 or by email.

For added reference, please visit the Ministry of Food Production Trinidad and Tobago website.

Updated: November 5, 2021 

Entry requirements for cats and dogs into Turks and Caicos are very restrictive.  

Animal Health Services requires the following: 

• Import permit or pet passport 
• Rabies vaccination  
• Antibody test 
• International health certificate 
• Micro/identity chip or tattoo 
• Vaccinations for common diseases including: 
• Lyme disease (for dogs) 
• Tick and tapeworm parasite treatment 
• Verification that the pet has been spayed or neutered
   

Further, Animal Health Services must be notified before travel of the airline name, scheduled flight date, flight number, time of arrival and the port of entry. Complete information regarding entry for cats and dogs, as well as a list of prohibited animal breeds and pet types (species), can be found by calling Animal Health Services at 649-946-5801 or by email. 

It is the guest’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of all import conditions prior to arrival in Turks and Caicos. Guests are subject to fines or penalties for non-compliance with the law. 

For added reference, access to forms and documentation you may also refer to the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands website.

Due to the strict requirements on the transportation of live animals mandated by the local government, we do not accept pets on flights to the United Kingdom with the exception of service dogs. Please visit our service dogs page for more information.