Shipping Pets

Currently, there is no veterinary care available for pets on post. There are no license requirements for house pets. Vaccinations must be up to date (within six months of arrival). For questions about moving with your pet(s), contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture webpage: USDA APHIS | Taking a pet from one U.S. State/Territory to another U.S. State/Territory (Interstate).

Pet travel and Quarantine

All animals coming into Puerto Rico (PR) must have a health certificate and a current rabies vaccination completed by a veterinarian, which certifies that the animal is free from infectious and contagious diseases; and an active microchip that was implanted on the day of or prior to rabies vaccination. Both the rabies certificate and the health certificate must be signed in blue ink by your veterinarian.

The Commonwealth of Puerto has established animal importation rules that are like those of the U.S. In general, these rules are designed to prevent the accidental introduction of animal diseases that have been eradicated from CONUS. Pets moving to Puerto Rico must comply with regulations from both the USDA as well as those of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. You can find further information on the USDA APHIS website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state; for pets moving to CONUS from PR and USVI: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traveling-with-ag-products/puerto-rico-usvi  

If your pet is traveling from outside of the United States (OCONUS), it is required to have a Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (PRDA) import permit, a health certificate, and an up-to-date rabies vaccination as proof that the animal did not originate from a rabies quarantined area. Additional information can be found on the USDA APHIS website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel

To prevent the spread of avian diseases to birds in Puerto Rico, exotic bird regulations are stricter than that of dogs and cats. All birds brought to Puerto Rico must have an import permit issued by the PRDA State Animal Health Officer, and an official health certificate stating that the bird is free of symptoms associated with psittacosis, Chlamydia psittacine, Avian Influenza, and Newcastle disease (requires testing), and did not originate from an area under quarantine from these diseases.

Birds that were not originally obtained in the U.S. are required to undergo a 30-day quarantine at a USDA animal import facility. The nearest facility to Puerto Rico is in Miami, Florida. Pet birds accompanied by proof of U.S. origination (includes health certificate and leg band) can enter Puerto Rico without quarantine.

Other animals such as reptiles, rabbits, and small rodents will need a current health certificate and import permits to enter Puerto Rico from outside of the United States.

Any animal traveling from outside of the United States that enters Puerto Rico that is found to be diseased will be returned to the point of origin or euthanized.

Boarding

Early planning is very important to ensure a space for your pets at a local kennel. Reservations should be made at least one month in advance. Deposits will be required to hold reservation. All kennels listed below meet standards. The U.S. Army Veterinary Services cannot take responsibility for animals while boarded.

• Wildane Kennels, 787-717-2558
• De Varona, 787-338-0040
• PetSmart, 787-774-1370

The Holiday Inn Express El Caney Lodge in Fort Buchanan, has two deluxe pet-friendly rooms with $75 deposit (not refundable for the first seven (7) nights)  Call to make reservations at 787-792-7977.  

Dangerous Dog Laws

A law passed in Puerto Rico in 2018, now allows the possession of pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers and all breed crosses. So far there is no ordinance against them on post. According to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, all exotic pets such as snakes, birds, reptiles, etc., must have pre-approval before coming into the Island. Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture webpage: USDA APHIS | Taking a pet from one U.S. State/Territory to another U.S. State/Territory (Interstate), for more information.

Please note that all pets arriving at the airport will be collected by the cargo area of the traveling airline.