• Import permits are not emergencies and sufficient time must be given for the processing of documents

• The requirements may change from time to time depending on the disease status of the exporting country.

• Restrictions may be imposed on imports as is necessary to protect animal and human health; as such the Ministry should always be contacted in advance to obtain information on products that may be imported and from which countries can they be imported

• Import permits are required before importation takes place. Import permits will not be issued at the point of entry.

• Failure to obtain import permits from the Ministry before importation takes place will result in confiscation and destruction of products under the Revised Laws of Dominica chapter 61:02.

• Where animal products are being sent by family member overseas, application for the import permit is required. Family members should obtain permits beforehand or the necessary information regarding importation, must be sought before importation takes place, and have it sent to them by fax or email, or have it in their possession when goods are to be cleared.

• Permits cost at present $EC 10.00 per specie/ type of animal product, and can be obtained from the Veterinary and Livestock Development Unit from 8:00AM-4:00PM Mondays- Fridays.

• The Ministry Reserves the right to change the fees when necessary

Animal Health Guidelines for the importation of Dogs into the Commonwealth of Dominica

• The animal must be examined by a Licensed and an accredited Veterinarian in the country, and a certificate issued indicating the Animal Health Status of the animal.

• The animal must be free from internal and external parasites and treated with an appropriate

• The animal must be tested , and treated for Heartworms

• The health records indicating the Immunization Status of the animal must be provided with a current DHLPP+ C Immunization Record or any other endemic diseases of importance.

• Dogs coming from Rabies endemic Countries must be immunized with an approved Rabies Vaccine by an official veterinarian stating type, serial number, date of expiration and date of administration, at least 30 days and not more than one(1) year prior to exportation of animal.

• A blood sample must be taken from the dog and sent to a reputable Rabies Reference Laboratory to perform the RNATT/FAVN, and the result must be sent directly to the Veterinary Services at the above address prior to issuing an import permit. The test result must show a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ mL

• The test must be done not less than one (1) month after vaccination with Approved Rabies Vaccine. Please note that the test takes not 3-4 weeks or longer before a result can be obtained. Please be guided by this information in relation to your travel plans

• An Import permit will be issued once the requirements are met, and sent to the importer by fax or email.

Animal Health Guidelines for the importation of Cats into The Commonwealth of Dominica

• The animal must be examined by a Licensed and an Accredited Veterinarian in the country and a certificate issued indicating the Animal Health Status of the animal must be provided.

• The animal must be free from internal and external parasites

• The health records indicating the Immunization Status of the animal must be provided for the endemic diseases of importance Immunization Record or any other endemic diseases of importance.

• Cats coming from Rabies endemic Countries must be immunized with an approved Rabies Vaccine by an official veterinarian stating serial number, date of expiration etc…at least 30 days and not more than one(1) year prior to exportation of the animal.

• A blood sample must be taken from the cat and sent to a reputable Rabies Reference Laboratory, to perform the RNATT/FAVN, and the result must be sent directly to the Veterinary Services and the result must be sent directly to the Veterinary Services at the above address prior to issuing an import permit. The test result must show a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/mL.

• The test must be done not less than one (1) month after vaccination with Approved Rabies Vaccine. Please note that the test takes not 3-4 weeks or longer before a result can be obtained. Please be guided by this information in relation to your travel plans

• An Import permit will be issued once the requirements are met, and sent to the importer by fax or email.