Belize: A Dog-Friendly Tropical Paradise

Belize is a dog-friendly country, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning on bringing your furry friend along on your travels. Firstly, make sure your dog has all the necessary vaccinations and a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. This includes a rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize, as well as vaccinations against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. Puppies under four months old are exempt from the rabies vaccination but will need to be home-quarantined until they can receive one. You'll also need to apply for an import permit from the Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) and notify them of your arrival at least two days in advance. It's also recommended that your dog has a microchip and is treated for ticks and tapeworm within 30 days of entering Belize.

Importing a dog from the US to Belize

Belize is a dog-friendly country, and you can take your dog there, but you will need to have all the proper paperwork. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import a dog from the US to Belize:

Step 1: Microchip

Although not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that your dog be identified with a microchip. This should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse. You should receive documentation about the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your dog's information in the manufacturer's database. If your dog does not have a microchip, make sure they are wearing tags that identify them and have your contact information.

Step 2: Vaccinations

Your dog must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize. They do not honor the 3-year rabies vaccination. Other required vaccinations include Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. Puppies under four months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination but will be held in home quarantine until they are old enough for the vaccination.

Step 3: Health Certificate

Obtain a veterinary health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This must be done within 14 days of your dog's entry to Belize. While not required, endorsement by a government agency may be needed due to export requirements.

Step 4: Import Permit

You must file for an import permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and pay a fee for this service. After your veterinarian has completed the import permit form, send it to the Agriculture Department of Belize, which will approve the form and fax it back to you. Failure to obtain an import permit may result in a fine and your dog being placed in quarantine.

Step 5: Ticks and Tapeworm Treatment

A ticks and tapeworm treatment is required within 30 days of entering Belize.

Step 6: Air Travel

Your dog must enter Belize via Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville. They can travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo. The airline will have its own policies and requirements for transporting pets, so be sure to check with them. Your dog's transport cage must be new or cleaned and disinfected before travel.

Step 7: Notify Authorities

Notify the Director of Animal Health at least two days in advance of your arrival. Veterinary inspection will only be done during daylight hours (9 am – 4 pm).

Step 8: Veterinary Inspection

Your dog must be free of evidence of communicable diseases when examined at the entry airport. If your dog is not in good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

Step 9: Customs

Be prepared for Belizean customs to set an arbitrary figure to charge based on their valuation of your dog. They will determine how much your dog breed is worth and then charge a percentage. You may be able to negotiate to lower the fee.

Step 10: Ground Transportation

Consider how you will transport your dog and its kennel in your vehicle. Make sure the kennel fits in or on your chosen mode of transportation.

Step 11: Socialization

Note that socializing with other dogs in Belize may be difficult. Most dogs in Belize are used for home protection or are stray, and people are often afraid of them. Keep your dog on a leash at all times to avoid incidents.

Step 12: Additional Supplies

Consider bringing additional supplies for your dog, such as a cone to prevent licking in case of injury, as these may be hard to find in Belize.

Step 13: Pet Supplies

You can find pet supplies in Belize, but some items, such as toys and chew toys, may be limited. You can also bring your own food, but be aware that Belize charges high duties on imported goods.

Required paperwork for BAHA

Belize is a dog-friendly country, but there is a lot of paperwork required to bring a dog into the country. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is the Competent Authority for agricultural health and food safety in Belize. Here is a list of the required paperwork for BAHA:

• A completed application to import animals into Belize. This can be sent by fax or email, and should be processed within 7 days.
• A copy of the BAHA-approved import permit. This must be presented at the airport when you arrive in Belize.
• Valid proof of your dog's current rabies vaccination. The vaccination must have been administered between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize.
• A completed USDA APHIS Form 7001, filled out within 7 days of departure by a USDA-certified veterinarian who is licensed in your state. This form must be sent overnight, with a check, to your state's USDA APHIS AVIC office.
• The IATA Veterinary Certificate for Domestic & International Airline Travel, completed by your veterinarian.
• A health certificate for your dog, issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin within 14 days of entry. This may need to be endorsed by a government agency, depending on the export requirements of your country of origin.
• Documentation from the manufacturer of your dog's microchip, and instructions on how to register your pet's information in the manufacturer database. If your dog does not have a microchip, it should wear a tag with its identification and your contact information.
• A ticks and tapeworm treatment for your dog, administered within 30 days of entering Belize.
• A copy of the BAHA Act and its subsidiary regulations.
• A completed BAHA Pet Import Permit Application Procedure.
• A completed Customs Declaration Form C-100 (also known as the Single Administrative Document).

Veterinary health certificate

Belize is a dog-friendly country, but there are a few things you need to do before bringing your dog into the country. One of the most important things is to obtain a veterinary health certificate. Here is some detailed information on how to do that:

Step 1: Find a Licensed Veterinarian

The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin. If you are travelling from the US, this veterinarian must be USDA-accredited.

Step 2: Get the Necessary Vaccinations

Before your pet can receive a health certificate, they must be up to date on their vaccinations. For dogs, this includes vaccinations against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. The rabies vaccination must be administered between 30 days and 12 months before entering Belize. Puppies under four months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement but will be quarantined at home until they are old enough to receive the vaccination.

Step 3: Treat for Endoparasites and Ectoparasites

Your dog must be treated for ticks and tapeworms within 30 days of entering Belize.

Step 4: Obtain the Veterinary Health Certificate

Once your dog has received the necessary vaccinations and treatments, the veterinarian can issue the health certificate. This certificate must be obtained within 14 days of your dog's entry to Belize. While USDA endorsement of the health certificate is not required, some countries may require endorsement due to their export requirements.

Step 5: Notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)

You must notify BAHA at least two days before your arrival in Belize. This will ensure that a veterinary officer is present to inspect your dog upon entry. You can contact BAHA by phone at 011-501-822-0818/1378/0197 or by email at [email protected].

Step 6: Prepare for Inspection at the Port of Entry

When you arrive in Belize, your dog will be inspected by a BAHA official to ensure it is disease-free and up to date on its vaccinations and deworming treatments. This inspection will take place during daylight hours (9 am - 4 pm) at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, as this is the only airport in Belize that accepts pets.

Quarantine requirements

Belize does not typically require pets to undergo quarantine upon arrival. However, it is crucial to comply with all import regulations and ensure that your pet meets the health and vaccination requirements set by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Here are the quarantine requirements and related information for bringing your dog to Belize:

• Import Permit: Before entering Belize with your dog, you must obtain an import permit from BAHA. The permit application requires submitting a health certificate, vaccination records, and other supporting documentation. It is important to initiate the permit application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.
• Health Certificate: Your dog must have an official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, confirming that your dog is in good health and free from contagious diseases. This certificate must be obtained within 14 days of travel.
• Vaccinations: Ensure that your dog's vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date. The rabies vaccination should be administered between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Belize. Other recommended vaccinations for dogs include Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. Puppies under four months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement but must be home-quarantined until they receive the vaccination.
• Microchip Identification: Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have your dog microchipped before travelling to Belize. Microchips provide a reliable method of identification and increase the chances of reuniting with your pet if they become lost. If your dog is not microchipped, ensure they wear identification tags with your contact information.
• Ticks and Tapeworm Treatment: A ticks and tapeworm treatment is required within 30 days of entering Belize.
• Quarantine Inspection: A quarantine inspection at the port of entry is required for all dogs entering Belize. If your dog is coming from a country considered at-risk, it will need to undergo a veterinary inspection at the port of entry, for which there is an additional fee.
• Air Travel Requirements: If you are travelling by air, your dog must enter Belize via the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. They can travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo. Notify the Director of Animal Health at least two days in advance of your arrival.

By following these requirements and guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth and safe journey for your dog to Belize.

Transporting your dog

Research and Preparation:

Before you begin, familiarise yourself with the regulations set by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Their guidelines will outline the necessary steps and requirements for importing your dog into Belize.

Health Certificate and Vaccinations:

Obtain an official health certificate for your dog, issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin. This certificate should confirm that your dog is in good health and free from contagious diseases. Ensure that your dog's vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date. Rabies vaccination should be administered between 30 days and 12 months before entering Belize. Additionally, dogs must be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus.

Import Permit and Documentation:

Acquire an import permit from BAHA by submitting the health certificate, vaccination records, and other supporting documentation. Start the permit application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.

Microchip Identification:

Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have your dog microchipped before travelling to Belize. Microchips provide reliable identification and increase the chances of reuniting with your dog if they go missing during the journey. The microchip should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse, and you should receive documentation about the manufacturer and registration instructions.

Quarantine Requirements:

Belize typically does not require dogs to be quarantined upon arrival if they meet the necessary health and vaccination requirements. However, unvaccinated puppies will be confined at home until they are old enough for rabies vaccination (3 months), followed by a 30-day home confinement after vaccination.

Airline and Travel Arrangements:

Contact your chosen airline to understand their specific pet travel policies. Each airline has different regulations regarding crate dimensions, health documentation, and fees. Ensure you comply with their requirements to make your dog's journey smooth and comfortable.

Professional Pet Transportation:

Consider using a professional pet transport company that specialises in international pet travel. They can guide you through the specific rules and requirements, ensuring your dog travels safely and comfortably to Belize while allowing you to focus on your journey.

Additional Considerations:

• Treat your dog for ticks and tapeworms within 30 days of entering Belize.
• Notify the Director of Animal Health at least two days in advance of your arrival.
• Ensure your dog's transport cage is new or thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.
• Be prepared for additional costs, such as import permit fees and unexpected charges at customs.
• Keep your dog on a leash at all times when in Belize, as most local dogs are used for protection or are stray and may carry diseases.

Frequently asked questions