Dog Travel from the Dominican Republic to Florida

Name: Linda
Number of Pets: One
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pomeranian
From: Dominican Republic
To: Florida

Dear PetRelocation,

Archie, our three-year-old dog, flew from the UK to the Dominican Republic in May 2013 with his pet passport and all paperwork was okay.

Now, in April or May 2014, he will fly to Florida. I understand the rabies injection 30 days before and the certificate of good health, but I have other questions:

1. Does he need treatment for screwworm beforehand?
2. He is microchipped with a long number in his passport. I do not have any details on what make of chip that was used. I will try to get this information from my UK vet, but if I can't, how important is this?

If you have any other advice in regards to flying him into Florida I would be grateful. I am hoping to have him in a pet carrier at our feet for the flight.

Thank you,

Linda

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the questions, we'd be happy to help. As you review the pet import requirements for the United States, you'll see that in addition to the rabies vaccine and  health certificate, dogs coming from the Dominican Republic also need to show they are free of screwworm. This simply means that the health certificate must state that Archie has been found to be free of screwworm by the vet within five days of departure.

As for the microchip, we do recommend that traveling pets be microchipped but this not actually a requirement for entry into the United States. Please contact the airline you'll be using to find out about their policies regarding pet travel in the cabin and feel free to review these frequently asked pet travel questions to help illuminate the overall process.

Please contact us if you have more questions and think you'd like some assistance with your move. Good luck with everything -- hope you and Archie have a great trip!