All animals and birds being brought into Barbados must have an Import permit. The permit is accompanied by health conditions which the source country must meet. These conditions are subject to change at short notice as the country’s disease status changes.

An animal landed in contravention of the provisions of the Animals (Diseases and Importation Control) Regulations may be seized by the Veterinary Officer and be detained, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as he shall direct.  
- Animals (Diseases and Importation Control) Regulations, 1961, 7.(3)

Please see important information related to  Service/Assistance Dogs and Animals entering Seaports.

Contact Veterinary Services for specific conditions for the following and other species not listed prior to making an application for importation:

• Horses
• Farm animals – Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, Goats
• Turtles and Terrapins
• Rabbits and Pocket Pets (Guinea pigs, hamsters)
• Caged/Captive Birds
• Exotics

Prerequisites

1. Contact the  Natural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and Drainage for additional information if you are considering importing exotic animals (certain species of birds and reptiles). The list of exotic animals is available from Natural Heritage.
2. Find out the conditions for import for the specific type of animal into Barbados. Certain veterinary health conditions have to be satisfied in order for animals to be allowed entry into Barbados. These conditions are subject to change based on the animal disease status of the exporting country.
   Dogs and Cats (Please Note: All documents are in PDF format)
   
   • Category 1*: Australia and New Zealand , Republic of Ireland , United Kingdom (*Dogs and cats may be imported directly from these countries)
   • Category 2 : Approved CARICOM Countries – Conditions
   Under the Animals (Diseases and Importation Control) Regulations 1961, Cap. 253, dogs and cats cannot be imported directly into Barbados from countries other than those listed in Categories 1 and 2.
   • Category 3 : Non-Approved Countries - Conditions
   • Category 4
     
3. All conditions attached to an import permit must be adhered to regardless of country of origin.
4. Importation conditions depend on the category of the country of origin from which the animal is being imported.
5. Fees are payable for Landing Certificates of ALL animals. They are due at the time of examination at the port of entry.
6. Customs duties are levied on all non-livestock animals imported into Barbados. In order to facilitate the process, owners/importers must employ the services of a customs broker. Failure to do so will result in significant delays in receiving the animal.
7. If your pet is only visiting and will be returning to its country of origin, customs duties may be   refundable at the time of departure. Contact your customs broker for further information.

Helpful Tip:
When travelling to the Caribbean, it may be best to prepare and maintain your pet for travel according to the UK Pet Travel Scheme. This may make travel between islands easier.

Information on entering the United Kingdom through the Pet Travel Scheme may be sourced at the UK's DEFRA website on the 'Travelling with Pets' page.

Steps

1. Once the animal meets the conditions for import into Barbados, download and complete an  application form to import animals.  Application forms are also available from the Veterinary Services, The Pine, St Michael, Barbados between the hours of 8.30am and 3.00pm Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays).
2. Submit the application form along with a BDS$25.00 application fee to the Veterinary Services Department. It may be submitted in person to the Veterinary Services office or see contact information to submit by mail, fax or email (scanned copy).
3. Payment may be made in cash (Barbados currency) at the Veterinary Services office.
4. CLIENTS OUTSIDE BARBADOS: Payment may be made  by one of the following monetary instruments, made payable to: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture:   
   • A Certified Bank Draft
   • An International Postal Money Order
   
   The bank draft or money order must be in United States currency for the amount of US$15.00 (to cover all additional bank processing charges). Personal cheques cannot be accepted.  We regret that we are unable to facilitate credit card payments at this time.
   
5. At least three (3) working days notice in advance of the animal’s expected arrival date should be given to Veterinary Services along with airline, flight number and time of arrival.   Also provide:
   • Import permit number
   • Name, local address and contact information of owner/agent
   • Name and contact information of the customs broker
6.  Contact Veterinary Services as soon as possible if there are any changes in the above.
7. Airline passengers who have accompanied their pets must clear Customs and Immigration before making their way to the  Animal Reception Centre to receive their pets.
8. A landing certificate is issued when the pet is cleared for entry into Barbados. Fees vary according to the type of animal:
   • dog or cat - BDS $60.00 per animal
   • caged birds - BDS $10.00 per bird
   • rabbits and pocket pets - BDS $ 20.00 per animal

Outcome

1. Upon receipt of the application and fee, a permit will be prepared and forwarded to you either by mail, fax or email. There is no waiting period for applications made in person at the Veterinary Services office. Animal import permits are valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issue.
2. When the animal arrives in Barbados, the animal will be taken directly from to airline to the Animal Reception Centre where it will be inspected by a Veterinary Officer. Provided the terms of the import permit have been satisfied, the Veterinary inspection fee has been paid and the animal is found to be in good health, the landing certificate fee will be issued. (Directions To ARC).
3. Overtime charges will apply if your pet arrives outside of standard government working hours (Monday to Friday 8:15am to 4:30pm), weekends and public holidays.