Belize Agricultural Health Authority reminds Belizeans of import conditions for pets, particularly cats, dogs

Photo Credit: Rubén Morales Iglesias:

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) says that anyone who wants to import a pet(s), namely cats and dogs, into Belize must follow certain procedures, which include a veterinary certificate.

BAHA said the veterinary certificate issued by a registered veterinarian in the country of origin must have been given within two weeks of the travel date to Belize.

The veterinary certificate should state, among other requirements, that the pet (s) “is/are clinically healthy, free of signs of infectious and contagious diseases, free of ectoparasites and has/have no fresh wound(s) or wound(s) in the process of healing.” 

The other requirements include that the pet has a current vaccination against rabies. The certificate must indicate date of vaccination, manufacturer, trade name, lot number and expiry date of vaccination. BAHA further adds that dogs and cats that have been vaccinated against rabies for the first time must have been vaccinated at least four weeks before the travel date.

“Puppies and kittens must NOT be vaccinated against rabies before they are three (3) months old,” BAHA said.

“The rabies certificate must include the puppy’s or kitten’s age or date of birth.

 “Adult dogs and cats fifteen (15) months or older may travel less than four (4) weeks after a booster vaccination if they are accompanied by a history of rabies vaccination with at least one vaccine given after they were three (3) months old and one current rabies booster.”

BAHA also indicated that pets must be treated against endoparasites and ectoparasites with a registered product in the country of origin within 30 days of importation.    

“All pet animals entering Belize are to be inspected by a Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) official,” the September 2023 BAHA import conditions state.

“All pets not meeting these requirements will NOT be allowed entry into Belize.

“Pet animals from or traversing countries affected with diseases and pests of quarantine importance (e.g. FMD, Screwworm, etc.) will require veterinary inspection at the port of entry. 

Importers will be informed of the need for and cost of veterinary inspection when a permit is issued. “

BAHA said that the person intending to import a pet must inform BAHA, two working days before the animal arrives at the entry point, of the date, time, and details (flight number, vessel number, etc.) of transport to ensure that a veterinary officer is present at the time of entry. The importer is responsible for all costs of veterinary inspection.

BAHA added that it strongly recommends that all dogs are vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza and that all cats are vaccinated against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, CaliciVirus and Panleukopenia. 

Additionally, the cage, in which the pet will be transported, must be new or cleaned and disinfected with a registered product in the country of origin before the pet is placed in it.