Importation of Dogs and Cats to Jamaica

Effective 14th September 2017, the regulations governing the importation of dogs and cats into Jamaica have been amended. The Animals Diseases (Importation) Control (Amendment), 2017 now allow for the importation of dogs and cats from countries other than the United Kingdom, based on stipulated guidelines.
The new Regulations require that all dogs and cats entering Jamaica MUST be permanently identified with a microchip (ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to standard 11785) in addition to being vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccination with three(30 years validity are acceptable.

Every person wishing to import any dog or cat into Jamaica must first apply for and obtain a Veterinary Import Permit from the Veterinary Services Division in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fosheries at:

Hope Gardens

Kingston 6

JAMAICA

Telephone: (876) 927-0594; (876) 977-2489-92

Facsimile: (876) 977-0885

Email: vsd@micaf.gov.jm or vsdpermits@gmail.com.

Dogs and cats arriving at the port without a valid Veterinary Import Permit will be denied entry into the island.

All dogs and cats entering Jamaica must be accompanied by an Official Health Certificate issued by the Official Veterinary Department of the exporting country. In the event that this Official Health Certificate is issued by an accredited veterinarian, the certificate must be endorsed by the Official Veterinary Department of the exporting country. The health certificate must be in English.
As far as practicable, dogs and cats intended to be landed in Jamaica must arrive during normal working hours, i.e. between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. This is to facilitate requisite Customs and Veterinary Clearance followed by quarantine where applicable.

Dogs and cats can only be imported from countries listed in Category 1 of Regulation 10

Must not be under quarantine restrictions at the time of export to Jamaica

Must not be pregnant nor be suckling young at the time of export

A person shall not import any of the following dog breed into Jamaica: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier
A person shall not import a hybrid dog or cat, that is to say, offsprings of domestic dogs or cats crossed with other species into Jamaica.

Fees

Applicants are required to pay a fee of Five Thousand Jamaican Dollars (J$5,000.00) or its foreign currency equivalent, for a veterinary import permit payable online (via debit or credit card).