Is Puerto Rico a good place to travel or relocate to with dogs and/or cats?

Here are reviews and details to help you see if this country is a good place to travel with your pets.

A Pets Around the World reader who lives in PR wrote a dog-friendly guide so you could have the best experience possible. 

The official document describing the regulations for bringing a pet into Puerto Rico

Official government website on importing dogs to the US

Official government website on cats coming to the US

Notice of Temporary Suspension of pets from High Rabies Countries Extended Until July 2023

Puerto Rico Pets Allowed: Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from the Mainland United States

This is considered to be an inter-state transfer

Medical Requirements: 

Dogs and cats over four months must be current on rabies vaccines

Documentation Required and how to get it:

If you are flying into Puerto Rico with your pet in the cabin, you will need an official interstate health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in the U.S. state of origin, and it will be valid for 30 days from the inspection date.

Shipping Pets to Puerto Rico

If you are shipping your pet, you will need additional documents showing the rabies vaccination and microchip.

Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from a Non-High Rabies Country

If you are coming from outside the mainland US, the same regulations apply for entering any of the US states

If you’re bringing cats or dogs from a country with low rabies risk, the process is pretty easy, and this info will help you get started.

Medical Requirements: 

• The CDC doesn’t ask for a rabies vaccine record, but the state where you’re landing might need it.
• Your dog should appear healthy.
• If you’re coming from a country with screwworms, a vet must check your dog within 5 days before leaving and give the okay or provide treatment.

 Documentation Required and how to get it: 

• Your dog must be at least 6 months old.
• Give a statement showing where you’ve traveled in the past 6 months (be sure you didn’t visit any high-rabies countries).
• You can arrive at any airport in the US.

Dogs – Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from a High Rabies Country

List of Countries Considered High Rabies

If you’re bringing dogs from a country with a high risk of rabies, or if you’ve been to one in the past 6 months, things get a bit trickier. We’ve included lots of links above to official government sites so you can find the most accurate and current details. Make sure to start planning at least 2 months before you travel.

The San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico is one of the allowed 18 airports with a CDC quarantine

Medical Requirements from a High-rabies Country

Rabies

Have your pet take a rabies titer test (blood test) at an approved lab. The blood sample needs to be taken 30 days after the vaccine. The results are good for 1 year. When you get to the US, your dog has to stay at home until a US vet gives them a new rabies shot. You have 10 days to do this.

Screw Worm

If you’re coming from a country with screwworms, a vet must check your dog within 5 days before leaving and give the okay or provide treatment.

Foot and Mouth Disease

If you’re coming from a country with foot and mouth disease (FMD), your dog needs to be clean and given a bath once you reach your destination. Keep them away from farm animals for 5 days.

Documentation Required to import your pet to Puerto Rico and how to get it:

• CDC Import Permit: Apply at least 40 business days (8 weeks) before arriving.
• A vet must fill out a CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record in the country where the vaccination took place. Foreign pet passports won’t be accepted.
• Once you have the permit, it’s valid from 14 days before your planned US arrival until 90 days after.
• Book a reservation at a CDC-approved facility in San Juan for your pet’s exam.
• Take 2 pictures of your dog’s teeth to show they’re over 6 months old. Include a copy of your passport’s first page.

Note: If using a pet import service, you need to give them permission to apply for the permit on your behalf.

States have their own rules. Click here to choose your state and learn about any extra regulations.

Cats – Entry Requirements to Puerto Rico from a High Rabies Country

Medical Requirements for Cats:

The CDC suggests rabies vaccines for cats, but they’re not required

The state you’re traveling to might need vaccinations.

Documentation Required for Cats and How to Get It:

You will need the USDA approved Health certificate

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements:

ISO-compatible microchips are required for dogs

Quarantine Requirements (if any):

NA if regulations are followed from within the US or other non-high rabies countries

Dogs coming from high-rabies countries without the CDC import permit or rabies vaccine may get quarantined for up to 28 days.

Breed Restrictions:

There is conflicting information. It appears the ban on certain breeds was lifted.

Number of pet restrictions: 

From a high-rabies country, each person is allowed to bring in a maximum of 2 dogs for one trip during the temporary suspension

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?

No

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

No

Are you flying to Puerto Rico?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

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This information was last updated January 2023. If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.