Traveling with Pets
To enter Aruba the dog or cat must have lived continuously in a country with a low percentage of rabies for 6 months preceding the travel date or must be born and have lived in the country of birth continuously until the date of travel. Pets may not enter Aruba from any country with a high percentage of rabies.
Animals traveling or originating from South and Central America are prohibited in Aruba, unless they are part of the moving household and a certificate of no objection is issued by the Veterinary Service Aruba.
View the import requirements for pets (dogs and cats) from the United States to Aruba
Important requirements:
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The pet must have resided in the USA for at least 6 months immediately preceding the date of export to Aruba; puppies must be born in the USA.
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A microchip for identification.
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A valid rabies vaccination (rabies vaccination is not applicable for puppies/kittens under 12 weeks old). The pet should have the microchip already inserted at the moment of the rabies vaccination. If this is the first rabies vaccine ever, this must be given at least 30 days before entering Aruba (for puppies/kittens between 12-16 weeks old: the 30 day waiting period is waived) If your pet has a 3-year rabies vaccine and it is still valid, no re-vaccination is needed.
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A valid endorsed USDA Health Certificate issued within 14 days of arrival in Aruba. Your accredited veterinarian can assist you with the endorsement by the USDA.
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A completely filled out application form fro import permit (document “application for import permit”).
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Please email only the following documents to the Veterinary Services of Aruba at least two business days before the given travel date:
- A scan in PDF format of the “USDA Endorsed Health Certificate”
- A scan in PDF format of the “Application for Import Permit”
A scan of all relevant paperwork should be sent by email (vetservice@dvg.aw) to the Veterinary Service of Aruba before traveling. Upon correct receipts of all required documents, the Veterinary Service of Aruba will validate and return the submitted application for import permit form with an official approval, please print this document and present to the local Customs upon arrival in Aruba
For more information on requirements kindly note it is necessary to contact the Veterinary Service in Aruba:
Phone: +297 522 4310
Email
Owners of all other species are advised to contact the Veterinary Service in Aruba prior to arrival in Aruba. A copy of all required documents can be sent to the Veterinary Service in Aruba by email or by fax at +297 522-4310. A decision will normally be made within 24 hours and depends on the species and on the country of origin.
Please be advised that some species, such as conch shells, sea turtles, turtle eggs, parrots, iguanas, sea stars and any form of coral, are protected under the CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species). Therefore it is illegal to import or export any of above species or only with a CITES permit. The Veterinary Service in Aruba is responsible for issuing CITES permits.
To travel in the passenger compartment, the dog cannot weigh more than 20 pounds and must fit inside an airline approved carrier. The dog must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.
Upon entry you have to declare to Aruba customs that you are bringing in a dog or cat so Customs can check the necessary paperwork. For visitors leaving Aruba on a flight to the US, you need to declare your bringing in a dog or cat at US customs so they can check they paperwork.
Not complying with above regulations means that the dog or cat may be refused and that the authorities can decide to return the pet to his home country or to place the pet in quarantine at the expense of the owner.
For more details on these requirements please visit:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/export/international-standard-setting-activities-oie/regionalization/sa_by_country/sa_a/ct_animal_aruba
For more information, please contact the Veterinary Service in Aruba:
Address: Barcadera 1
Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
Phone: +297 522 4310
Email