If you are planning on bringing your pet with you to Trinidad and Tobago, it is important to be aware of the import requirements and regulations for pets. In this article, we will provide information on the regulations regarding importing pets into Trinidad and Tobago and the application process for obtaining an import permit.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Pet Importation Rules
Trinidad and Tobago does allow the import of pets. However, there are restrictions on which types of pets are allowed to be imported into the country. The following animals are prohibited from entering Trinidad and Tobago:
- Dogs and cats from countries affected by rabies
- Wild animals or exotic pets
- Birds and other animals that are on the CITES list (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
Vaccination Requirements in Trinidad and Tobago
There are vaccination requirements for bringing pets to Trinidad and Tobago. Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate, with the vaccination having been administered at least 30 days but no more than 12 months prior to arrival in Trinidad and Tobago. Other vaccinations may also be required depending on the animal and its country of origin.
Importation Application Procedure inTrinidad and Tobago
To import a pet to Trinidad and Tobago, you must obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries. The following documents are required for the application process:
- A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, indicating that the animal is free from infectious or contagious diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies and other diseases as required by Trinidad and Tobago
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate, with the vaccination having been administered at least 30 days but no more than 12 months prior to arrival in Trinidad and Tobago
- An import application form, which can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries
- A copy of the pet owner’s passport or identification card
Quarantine Rules in Trinidad and Tobago
A period of quarantine is not required to import a pet to Trinidad and Tobago, as long as the animal meets all the import requirements and has the necessary documents and certificates.
International Travel Scheme for Pets
Trinidad and Tobago is not currently part of any international travel scheme for pets, such as the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) or the European Union Pet Passport scheme.
Pet Licenses in Trinidad and Tobago
Individuals are required to obtain a pet registration certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries in Trinidad and Tobago within 30 days of their pet’s arrival in the country. The pet registration certificate will include information such as the pet owner’s name and address, the pet’s breed, color, and sex, and the pet’s microchip number.
Resources in Trinidad and Tobago
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries in Trinidad and Tobago has a website with useful information on moving pets to the country. The website provides information on import permits, quarantine requirements, and other regulations related to importing pets. The website can be found at http://www.agriculture.gov.tt/divisions/livestock-division/pet-import-export/.