Bahamas & Pet Import Requirements:
All pets must travel in a kennel. Cats and tiny dogs can travel in an approved satchel or sherpa carrier for $20 each way. Small to largish dogs can travel in a kennel up to 40 inches wide X 24 inches deep X 24 inches tall. Stowed kennels must be rigid plastic or metal. Larger rigid kennels require four seats to be pulled from the aircraft, and the charge will be equal to the current fare for four seats each way. Please call 754-200-0005 to reserve the space for your pets as soon as possible to ensure that we can accommodate your pet.
Import Permits
Cats and Dogs
An Import Permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry (Nassau) for all animals being brought into the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Applications for such permits (along with a $10 processing fee) must be made in writing to the Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, P.O. Box N-3028, Nassau, The Bahamas. This policy can be confusing for first time travelers who wish to bring their pet, please call our office for any questions. For the U.S.A. and Canada, the following are the main provisions of the Import Permit as it applies to dogs and cats:
- Dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must be accompanied by a Rabies Vaccination Certificate not less than 21 days old and not more than 9 months old issued by a Licensed Veterinarian. They must also be accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate issued by a licensed Veterinarian within 24 hours of embankment.
- If under the age of 4 months, the dog or cat must be accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate, in duplicate, issued by a Licensed Veterinarian. The dog or cat, along with 1 copy of the Veterinary Health Certificate, must be presented within 24 hours of arrival in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to a Licensed Veterinarian for examination. The duplicate copy of the certificate will be left with the Customs Officer on arrival. The permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Please contact us for more information on this matter.
Other Animals
Regulations for all other types of animals and relating to countries not mentioned above may be obtained from the Director of Agriculture. Applications need to state the kind of animal, breed, sex, age, and country of embankment.Permanent Entry Licenses
Customs Duty for permanent entry of all animals from outside the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (dogs, cats, cattle, and horses) is $10.00 plus 0.5% of the value of the animal. Yearly fees for dog licenses in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the other Family Islands are as follows: male or spayed female: $1.43, female $4.29. Animals not meeting these requirements will not be allowed to enter the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Air-Fare for Animals: The following rates are one way fares that applies to dogs only. The charge for cats is the same as for dogs.Up to 10 pounds: $25.00 11-30 pounds: $50.00 31-49 pounds: $75.00 50 pounds and over: $125.00 All dogs traveling on the Albury’s Ferry from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town must be in a kennel. Importation of Goods into the United States: It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they are not bringing back anything illegal. You may check with the office for a copy of the US Customs Manual, or visit their website.