Traveling To Belize With Your Dog: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip to Belize and want to bring your dog, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, you'll need to obtain an import permit from the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) and meet certain conditions, including providing a valid rabies certificate and ensuring your dog is in good health. There may also be specific requirements from your chosen airline, so it's important to check with them directly. Quarantine inspections are mandatory for all dogs entering Belize, and additional veterinary inspections may be required for dogs coming from countries considered high-risk. It's also worth noting that while Belize doesn't require microchipping, it is strongly recommended for your dog's safety.

Required vaccinations for dogs entering Belize

To take your dog to Belize, you must ensure it has the following vaccinations:

• Rabies: between 30 days and 12 months before entering Belize. Puppies under three months old are exempt, but they will be home-quarantined until they are old enough to be vaccinated, and for 30 days after vaccination.
• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirus

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) requires you to have an international veterinary health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 14 days of travel.

In addition to the above, it is strongly recommended that all pets are treated for endoparasites and ectoparasites within 30 days of export.

Microchipping and identification requirements

While Belize does not require that your dog be identified with a microchip, it is strongly recommended that you microchip your dog in your country of origin before travelling to Belize. This is because microchips provide a reliable method of identification and increase the chances of reuniting with your dog if they become lost during the journey.

The microchip should be implanted by your veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your dog's information in the manufacturer database. If your dog does not have a registered microchip, make sure they are wearing tags that identify them and have your contact information.

In addition to microchipping and identification requirements, there are several other conditions you must meet to bring your dog into Belize. These include:

• Obtaining a valid import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).
• Meeting the conditions of importation that accompany the import permit, including having a recent international veterinary certificate (within 14 days) and a valid rabies certificate (not less than one month or more than one year prior to the date of importation).
• Undergoing a quarantine inspection at the port of entry.
• Ensuring your dog is vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus.
• Administering a ticks and tapeworm treatment within 30 days of entering Belize.

Quarantine and inspection procedures

• Obtain an import permit from the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA): Submit your application to any BAHA office or email it to [email protected]. The import permit is valid for up to 10 dogs and/or cats and costs $50 per permit. It is valid for 90 days.
• Meet the conditions of importation: These conditions accompany your import permit and include the following:

• Recent international veterinary certificate: Obtain this certificate within 14 days of your travel date.
• Valid rabies certificate: Ensure your dog has been vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize. The vaccination must be valid for more than one month and less than one year before the date of importation. Belize is a high-risk country for rabies, so this is strictly enforced. Puppies too young for the rabies vaccine will be quarantined until 30 days after vaccination.
• Vaccinations for other diseases: While not required, it is strongly recommended that your dog is vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus.
• Health certificate: Obtain a veterinarian certificate or international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin within 14 days of entry. This certificate should state that your dog is free of any open wounds and is not visibly ill.
• Ticks and tapeworm treatment: Ensure your dog receives this treatment within 30 days of entering Belize.

• Notify the Director of Animal Health in advance: Notify the Director of Animal Health at least 48 hours before your arrival. This step is crucial, as veterinary inspections at the port of entry are only conducted during daylight hours (9 am–4 pm).
• Quarantine inspection at the port of entry: All dogs entering Belize are subject to a quarantine inspection at the port of entry. This inspection is conducted by a BAHA veterinary officer or designated officer, and the importer bears the cost. If your dog is coming from a country considered high-risk, such as South America due to the risk of screwworm, it will need to undergo an additional veterinary inspection at the port of entry for which there is an extra fee.
• Potential home quarantine: If your dog has not received the rabies vaccine or has not met the timing requirements (between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize), it will be home-quarantined.
• Airlines and travel conditions: Check with your chosen airline for their specific requirements, as they may vary. Additionally, consider the most comfortable way for your dog to travel, such as in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo. Note that some airlines may refuse to transport certain short-nosed dog breeds.

Import permits and associated fees

To import a dog into Belize, you must obtain an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). The application can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by fax to 011-501-822-0271. The BAHA office can be contacted by phone on 011-501-822-0818/1378/0197. The import permit will be processed in about 7 days.

The import permit must be accompanied by the following:

• A recent international veterinary certificate (issued within the last 14 days)
• A valid rabies certificate (issued between 30 days and 12 months prior to the date of importation)
• Proof of vaccination against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus
• A ticks and tapeworm treatment record (administered within the last 30 days)

There is a fee for the import permit, which must be paid upon entry. The exact amount of the fee is not specified, but it is recommended to have some cash available to cover this and any other unexpected expenses.

In addition to the import permit and associated fees, it is important to be aware of the following requirements and potential costs:

• The Director of Animal Health must be notified at least two days in advance of the arrival.
• A veterinary inspection will be conducted at the port of entry during daylight hours (9 am-4 pm). There is an additional fee for this inspection.
• If your dog is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.
• Unvaccinated puppies will be confined at home until they are old enough for rabies vaccination (3 months) and will also have home confinement for 30 days after the vaccination.
• All dogs must enter Belize via Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, either in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo.

Airline requirements for dogs travelling to Belize

To take your dog with you to Belize, you will need to ensure that you have the correct paperwork for both the airline and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). The requirements are as follows:

Airline Paperwork

The IATA Veterinary Certificate for Domestic & International Airline Travel must be completed by your vet. You will also need to provide valid proof of your dog's current rabies vaccination. This must be not less than one month or more than one year prior to the date of importation into Belize.

The kennel must be ventilated on all four sides and properly labelled. It must contain secured food and water dishes, with a large ziploc bag of dry kibble and a leash taped to the top of the kennel. Check with your airline about their requirements for kennel size and brand, as some airlines will not accept certain brands of kennel.

BAHA Paperwork

You will need a valid import permit from BAHA. Applications can be submitted to [email protected] or any BAHA office. You will also need to meet the conditions of importation that accompany the import permit, including:

• A recent (within 14 days) international veterinary certificate
• A valid rabies certificate (not less than one month or more than one year prior to the date of importation)
• Other conditions as specified

Veterinary Inspection

A BAHA veterinary officer or designated officer may inspect animals placed in confinement. This cost is to be borne by the importer. A quarantine inspection at the port of entry is required for all dogs and cats. Dogs and cats coming from countries considered high-risk for certain diseases, such as screwworm in dogs and cats from South America, will need to undergo veterinary inspection at the port of entry. There is an additional fee for this inspection.

Frequently asked questions