It is not uncommon for a
foreigner to bring their pet. The housing situation is ideal, for most families
live in large houses with fenced in yards. Good veterinary care is available,
with U.S. standards observed.
Prior to shipment, a pet owner
should secure (in writing) an Import Permit from the Department of Agriculture
and Natural Resources, Bureau of Animal Industry, Manila, Philippines. The Bureau also requires that the animal
must be accompanied by a health certificate (and in the case of dogs and
monkeys, a valid certificate of inoculation against rabies) from a proper
veterinary authority in the country of origin not more than 10 days prior to
shipment date. Since Heartworm is
prevalent in the Philippines, dogs should be started on prophylactic medicine
prior to your arrival. Heartworm medicine is sometimes available, at a very
high cost, from local veterinarians. It is best to bring a supply.
There are Customs duties for your
pet upon its arrival, depending on size, breed, and assessment of the Customs
official. If your pet is traveling alone to Manila, make sure it does not
arrive on a weekend or on a holiday when customs is closed. There are no
customs facilities for housing and caring for pets. Make sure you are residing
in a facility, which allows pets at the time of its arrival. .
Remember that it is almost impossible to return pets to Australia or
New Zealand due to those countries restrictions.
See Customs section for details “Clearing Your Pet”.
Current Rabies vaccination.
G6 for dogs and E3 for cats
must be within 12 months.
Import permit required -
usually applied for by owner.
Health certificate valid for 7 days, pet needs de-worm and de-flea treatment at this time, also requires a
Government health certificate.
Pets can travel as excess
baggage or cargo
Private Veterinarians in the Philippines
Animal House Veterinary Clinic
737 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon
City Tel no: 7224219. Open Mon to Fri at 8am-5pm
Davis Animal Clinic
9391 Calantas Makati City Tel
no: 8991918. Open Mon to Fri at 8am-5pm
Carlos Veterinary Services
Dr. A Santos Paranaque, Manila
Tel no: 8266872. Open Mon to Fri at 8am-5pm
Nomar Animal
Clinic
1581 Antipolo
Manila Tel no: 7423362. Open 24 hours,
accept house calls and emergency cases
GMA Dog and
Cat Clinic
449-C Alabang
Zapote Road, Las Pinas Tel no: 8017145 Open Mon to Fri at 8am-5pm
Regulations on Import Permit
Remember if you are bringing a domesticated pet into the
Philippines, you and your moving company should contact the Philippine Embassy
or nearest Consulate General Office at your present location.
In the Philippines, contact the Philippine Bureau of
Animal Industry, Animal Health Division (632) 928-2743 or 2836 regarding
current regulations.
All dogs and cats must have an import permit to enter the
Philippines. According to AHD, a letter or application of request to import
should be sent or faxed to AHD, Quezon City. The Species, number of animals,
sex and age should be specified and the expected arrival date. The AHD will
send the import permit to your location and collect an issuance fee of P50 upon
arrival to the airport.
The importation is subject to the following conditions :
A health certificate issued within 10 days of shipping, signed by a licensed vet certifying that the animal has been examined and is free from communicable diseases. In countries that are not free from rabies, an additional certification is required stating that there have been no rabies cases within twenty kilometer radius from the point of origin in the last 6 months.
Also required is a valid
vaccination certificate against rabies, canine distemper, infectious hepatitis,
leptsopirosis, canine parvovirus, or feline panleucopenia and proof that your
animal was treated for internal and external parasites.
At the airport, quarantine
personnel will conduct an inspection of the animal and a landing permit will be
issued for a fee of P250.00. If an animal arrives without health or vaccination
certificates or is showing signs of dangerous communicable animal disease, it
will be quarantined and/or disposed of without compensation at the discretion
of the Director of Animal Industry. Please be aware that rules and regulations
could change on a short notice.
The custom requirements state
that pets are subject to the payment of 50% duty of original value of the
animal and the additional 10% tax. If these regulations have been fulfilled,
there is no quarantine period.
Pet Condition for Relocation
Airlines are not required to carry live animals and
reserve the right to deny transport to pets with violent dispositions, those
experiencing physical distress, sick pets, unacceptable kenneling, and if there
are extreme temperatures at point of origin, transfers or destination airports.
It should be noted, certain species and breeds may have a
more difficult time breathing when in flight. Consult your vet prior to travel.
Consider your flight arrival time in the Philippines. If
it is after business hours, your pet will be required to stay on the airport
premises, quarantined until the next business day.
Requirements for Pet Import and Export
Information required in applying for Import & Export Permit from
BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry)
q Name of Pet
q Breed
q Sex
q Age
q Color
q Weight
q Species
Documents required to support the above application: