BRINGING A DOG ON ISLAND

i think you will also have to get that from an island vet for your return trip??

For a visit? Do you have a place to stay that allows dogs?

As long as the health certificate is issued within 10 days of travel, and you are returning to the states within that 10-day window, you won't have to get another one here.

The health certificate should suffice, but carry a copy of your rabies certificate just in case any questions your documents. (In three trips with an animal to/from the USVI so far, no one except Customs has ever even asked to see my paperwork.)

The Health certificate is good for 30Day's from date of issue! No need to get a new certificate within that period for travel back to the States.

Thank you for the info!

To get the dog here is just that simple. One other issue might be the airline. Some have restrictions on how many are allowed on board. Also, please check to see what the re-entry qualifications are. Things are usually a lot tougher getting in the US mainland than getting them out.

Lizard, I didn't know that -- thank you! Good info to have. I was always told by airline reps that it had to be issued 10 days prior to the date of travel; never thought about the length of its validity.

You also need to be sure that the rabies shots were in the last 6 months, even though they are good for a year in the states, they require it to be 6 months or less. You can also call the Dept of Agriculture in STT for more info, the number is on this site. Just call early and don't expect a quick response.

hey!

i just recent moved to STX and brought my dog.

All I needed:
-make sure the shots are within 6 months
-get the Health Certificate within 10 days of travel.

keep an eye out for ticks and fleas when staying down here. Also, make sure your dog is on heartworm meds because there are lots of mosquitos!

yes, as simple as that!

safe travels,

e

Rabies shots are considered up to date if they have been administered within the last year. There is no 6 month rule.:D

Although it does state on this website that they are good for one year, when I contacted the Department of agriculture before bringing my 3 dogs and 1 cat to St John, I was told and it states on their site that they must be within the last 6 months. To be fair though, no one really checked...so maybe it's just for St John, because it is a national park.

For the Record the Department of Agriculture does not inspect or control the Dog/cat entrance or exit in the VI. Also the same US Virgin Island Law applies to all four islands. National Parks are controlled and policed by Federal Rangers.

Some vets give 3 year rabies vaccines--two of my dogs have these and they have never had trouble entering/leaving the VI with valid health certificates.