Conditions of Entry for Dogs and Cats into Bermuda      

Important Note: The Minister of the Environment has implemented restrictions on the importation of certain dog breeds. See the list of targetted dogs breeds . The list will be amended as necessary. You certainly may contact us if you have a breed of dog that may be preceived as 'dangerous'. See the Minister's statement for more information .

A complete application package for the importation of dogs (both restricted and non-restricted) and cats is available by clicking here.

All animals arriving in Bermuda must be accompanied by an Import Permit that was issued in advance by the Department of Environmental Protection, together with an original of a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian of the country from which the animal is coming to Bermuda . The health certificate and veterinary statements must be issued within 10 days before the animal’s arrival in Bermuda, must be dated, must show the name, address and phone number of the veterinary facility, and must be signed by a licensed veterinarian . You must provide evidence that your animal complies with all of our import requirements before we will issue an Import Permit. You must provide true and accurate documentation of :

1.       The animal has been implanted with a microchip that may be read by a standard microchip reader, i.e. ISO, FECAVA, European/International or AVID-USA chip.

2.       A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before your arrival in Bermuda , stating that the animal is not infected with any communicable disease and is free of external parasites. The veterinary health certificate must contain the following information:

o        Name, date of birth, breed, description and microchip identification of pet;

o        Owner at present;

o        Owner in Bermuda and address

3.       A veterinary statement that the animal has been treated on the day of examination with an acaricidal preparation (named), which is known to have residual activity against ticks, e.g. flea and tick spray, powder, dip or FrontLine TopSpot®, Ovitrol®, Sectrol®, K9 AdvanTIX®, ProTICall®, Kiltix®, Defend Ex-Spot® Promeris® for Dogs. - NOTE: Advantage®, Sentinel®, Revolution®, selemectin, Capstar®, BioSpot ®, Promeris® for Cats, Vectra 3D®, Comfortis®, shampoos or collars do not qualify.

4.       A veterinary statement that, as best as can be ascertained by your knowledge and through questioning, the animal has not been exposed to rabies nor been present in an officially quarantined rabies area within the last 6 months.

5.       - Not applicable to dogs or cats arriving directly from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Jamaica
Rabies vaccination history, showing at least two rabies vaccinations, and that all rabies vaccinations have been given by a licensed veterinarian, and are in accord with all of these requirements. The animal:

o        Upon attaining / after the age of three months, has received a rabies vaccination; AND

o        Received a second rabies vaccine 6-12 months following the first rabies vaccination; AND

o        There have been no significant lapses in vaccinations; AND

o        The most recent vaccination was given at least 30 days, and not more than 12 months prior to arrival in Bermuda .

Veterinarians may only attest to vaccinations given by him/herself, given under his/her direct supervision, and prior vaccinations that are accompanied with original certificates. Veterinarians cannot attest to vaccines given by non-veterinarians, including owners or breeders.

**Note:  Not applicable to dogs or cats arriving directly from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Jamaica
Dogs and cats under age 10 months, and dogs and cats of any age that have received only a single rabies vaccination, do not qualify for entry into Bermuda.

6.        - Not applicable to dogs or cats arriving directly from the Continental USA or Canada
The animal has not been kept within 30 miles of Foot and Mouth disease during the last 30 days.

7.       When requested by this Department, you will be required to give information regarding the purpose of imported animal, and the location of facility where the animal(s) will be housed. You need not provide this information at this time.

THE PROCEDURE

·         Within 10 days of your arrival into Bermuda , visit your veterinarian to obtain a microchip, health certificate and the veterinary statements. The health certificate need not be endorsed by your state / federal / national veterinarian; except if the animal is coming from the United Kingdom , visit the Local Veterinary Inspector within 5 days of your departure for an Export Permit (EHC-2921).

·         FAX the veterinary documents to this office at 441-232-0046. We will reply with an Import Permit by return FAX, usually within 1-2 business days. Ensure that your FAX number is shown. The FAX Import Permit and the ORIGINAL veterinary certificates MUST accompany the animal on arrival.

IMPORT PERMITS ARE ONLY VALID FOR 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE VETERINARY CERTIFICATE.
 
THIS OFFICE IS CLOSED ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

Live dogs and cats may be subject to a Customs import duty, up to 25% of their true value. Duty is payable to Bermuda Customs at the port of entry, at the time of the animal’s arrival.

Nov. 2007