Import Requirements for Cats and Dogs into Bermuda

Age Of Animal

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

Microchip

Pets must be microchipped; the microchip must be either implanted before the first rabies vaccination or with the first rabies vaccination.

Rabies Vaccinations

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:

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

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

There have been no significant lapses in vaccinations; AND

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

Kindly note – 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.

Normal Canine and Feline vaccinations

Annual canine and feline vaccinations are recommended. Kennel cough vaccinations and snuffles vaccinations for cats are also recommended, should your pet require boarding before or after they travel all reputable kennels would insist that you produce a valid vaccination certificate.

Health Certificate (Valid for 10 days)

The pets must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a private veterinarian certifying compliance with the above requirements and this Health Certificate must be stamped & signed by the SA State Vet. The health certificate must be done within 10 days of travel.

External parasite treatment must be given with a product that contains fipronil.

Import Permit

Required, must be issued in advance.
Import permit is only valid for 10 days from the date of the health certificate.

Banned Breeds

The Ministry responsible for the environment has implemented restrictions on the importation and breeding of certain dog breeds. The following breeds of dogs are affected:

Prohibited Breeds                                                                                 Restricted Breeds

American Pit Bull Terrier                                                                    Akita

American Bulldog                                                                                 Australian Cattle Dog

American Staffordshire Terrier                                                           Belgian Malinois

Argentine Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)                                                    Bouvier Des Flandres

Azorean Cattle Dog (Fila de São Miguel)                                              Bull Terrier

Boerboel                                                                                              Bullmastiff

Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)                                                        Chow Chow

Cane Corso                                                                                          Doberman Pinscher

Presa Canario                                                                                      Dogue de Bordeaux

Neopolitan Mastiff                                                                                English Mastiff

Tosa Inu                                                                                                Rhodesian Ridgeback

Wolf & Wolf Hybrid                                                                               Rottweiler

Any Cross of the above                                                                        Shepherds (German, Dutch, etc.)

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Any Cross of the above

Prohibited: Dogs of these breeds may not be imported, bred or used for breeding.

Restricted:

Dogs of these breeds may be imported under permit once the conditions for keeping these dogs have been fulfilled by the importer.

New acquisitions of these dogs require pre-approval.

Dogs of these breeds may be bred only following receipt of a Breeder’s permit.

Any rare, exotic or uncommon breed may also be refused entry despite its absence from the list above. The list will be amended as necessary. You certainly may contact us if you have a breed of dog that may be perceived as ‘dangerous. Even if your dog has been listed as prohibited, you may still apply if you have exceptional circumstances to justify having the animal imported. Your application will be considered.