Bring your Pets to the Bahamas
Over the past several years we have traveled with our pets to Elbow Cay. We are just crazy like that and we have a hard time leaving our pets behind when we travel. The first time we were very concerned about all of the “requirements and paperwork”. Now that we are multi-timers we have learned the ins and outs of making the process go smoothly. In particular we have had a problem with finding a Vet that carries the Coronavirus Vaccine. This is one of the vaccines that is required by the Bahamas. We have been fortunate in always finding a local vet that will order the vaccine for us.
These are the basics (for vacationing with your pet)
- $10.00 Fee per pet Payment must be via International Money Order (Go to Post Office)
- $5.00 Fee if you need the form faxed back to you.
- The animal must be 6 months of age or older!
- They have very specific time-lines on when rabies vaccinations must occur. (Download the form Below)
- Late Filing issue! If you get in a bind (like filing your application late) the Nassau Office is typically very accommodating in getting you the permit forms via Fax prior to receiving your payment. Typically you call and explain your plight. Next with their approval (staff from the Dept of Agriculture) you fax in your application and they will fax back your permits. Then you will have to Fedex your application paperwork with payment. Please, please do not do anything to betray this trust, like get your permits and not send your money. They have been very good to me on one occasion and I am a big advocate of how they handled that situation.
I had planned on writing my own post about this topic but it seems best to use the Bahamas.com information that is inserted below.
Below is information from the Website Bahamas.com detailing the requirements involved when traveling to the Bahamas with your pets.
Pet Importation Documentation
Pets
Importation of Pets
You may bring your pet into The Islands Of The Bahamas, but you need to make preparations before your departure. An import permit is required from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (Nassau) for all animals being brought into any island. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Applications for such permits, stating the kind of animal, breed, age, sex and country of embarkation (along with a $10 processing fee), must be made in writing. There is no fee for service dogs, e.g. seeing-eye dogs.
Customs Duty for permanent entry of all animals from outside the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (dogs, cats, cattle and horses) is $10 plus 1/2% of the value of the animal. Yearly fees for dog licenses in New Providence, Grand Bahama and The Out Islands are: male or spayed female, $2; un-spayed female, $6.
The Bahamas Humane Society is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tel: (242) 325-6742. Emergency after-hours Tel: (242) 323-5138.
Veterinary Clinics in The Bahamas
THE ABACOS
Caribbean Veterinary Health and Healing Centre
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 351-2103 or (242) 531-3467
Island Veterinary Clinic
P.O. Box General Delivery
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 367-0062
Fax: (242) 367-5450
THE EXUMAS
Exuma Veterinary Clinic
Great Exuma Island, Exuma
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 336-2806/8
Email: hdyoung@batelnet.bs
GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
Caribbean Veterinary Health and Healing Centre
P.O. Box F-44204
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 351-2103
Fax: (242) 351-7438
Freeport Animal Clinic
P.O. Box F-40724
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 352-6521
Fax: (242) 352-5658
NASSAU [NEW PROVIDENCE]
Animal Clinic
Wulff Road & East St.
P.O. Box GT-2094
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 328-5635
Fax: (242) 328-5635
Email: dawnw@coralwave.com
Bahamas Humane Society
Chippingham
P.O. Box N-242
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 323-5138 or (242) 325-6742
Fax: (242) 356-2659
Central Animal Hospital
No. 8 Tenwich St.
P.O. Box N-682
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 325-1288
Fax: (242) 326-2521
Email: potcakes59@hotmail.com
Eastern Veterinary Clinic
No. 9 Marathon Rd.
P.O. Box SS-6296
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 393-3818
Fax: (242) 393-3818
Palmdale Veterinary Clinic
No. 20 Palmdale Ave. & Patton St.
P.O. Box SS-6159
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 325-1354
Fax: (242) 326-2173
Follow this link to download the important documentation and to read the pet import requirements.