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Bringing a Dog to the Bahamas: New Online Process

ByJill Bockenstette

Bringing a dog to the Bahamas is now easier than ever thanks to the new online process effective September 1, 2024. Having taken our dog, Mangaux, to the Bahamas twice and several islands in the Caribbean, I can help you navigate through this process.

Whether it’s your first time traveling to the Bahamas with your dog or tenth time, this guide will ease your anxieties and walk you through the new process 

The Bahamas pet import process to bring animals to the Bahamas uses the Click2Clear program. If you have been to the Bahamas before, then you are already familiar with this program.

If this is your first time cruising or sailing to the Bahamas, that is ok too. I have a tutorial on how to use Click 2 Clear to get yourself and your boat cleared in.

Are you ready to set your sails to the Bahamas with your furry companions? Here’s everything you need to know.

Our dog Mangaux is looking over the side from our sailboat with a happy face and his tongue hanging out of his mouth. He is a golden dog with long hair and weighs about 25 lbs.
Mangaux looking over the side of the sailboat

Bahamas Dog Travel Requirements

There are slightly different Bahamas pet travel regulations depending on if you are traveling from a country, zone or compartment free from rabies according to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) or not free from rabies according to WOAH.

The good news is that there is no quarantine period required for bringing a dog to the Bahamas, and the rabies titer test is NOT required either.

Requirements when Traveling from a Country, Zone or Compartment FREE from Rabies:

An international veterinary certificate issued within 48-hours of importation documenting that the dog:

A needle is leaning on the yellow word "vaccine" with a blue background. A blue gloved hand is holding a vile of medicine also. Vaccines are required for bringing a dog to the Bahamas.
  • has/have been continuously in the country of export for the previous six (6) months, or if less than six (6) months of age, since birth
  • Was actively immunized against the following diseases:
    • Distemper
    • Hepatitis
    • Leptospirosis
    • Parvovirus, and
    • Adenovirus
  • Is/are free of internal parasites as determined by a negative test result using the modified McMaster floatation technique 
  • Is/are free of external parasites

When I first read these requirements I was concerned about the condition that the dog has/have been continuously in the country of export for the previous six (6) months, or since birth if younger than six (6) months. What if you are sailing and stopping in other countries?

Thanks to Wellington, it has been clarified that if you are traveling through another country to get to the Bahamas, then this is considered traveling and not living in another country, and therefore should not be an issue.

Requirements when Traveling from a Country, Zone or Compartment NOT FREE from Rabies:

In addition to the requirements listed above for those traveling from a country, zone or compartment free from rabies, a rabies vaccine is also required:

  • One (1) year duration vaccine – the vaccine must have been administered within not more than ten (10) months and not less than one (1) month prior to importation; or,
  • Three (3) year duration vaccine –  the vaccine must have been administered within not more than thirty-four (34) months and not less than one (1) month prior to importation

The only other additional requirement is the requirement for the coronavirus vaccine in addition to those listed above.

Banned Breeds

The following breeds of dogs, or any mixed breed dogs containing these breeds, are not allowed per Bahamas pet travel requirements:

A large brown dog is staring out of the window. Several large dog breeds are banned from the Bahamas.
  • Pitbull
  • Presa Canario
  • Cane Corso
  • American Bully
  • Staffordshire Terrier
  • Dogo Argentino

We did see some local pitbulls while we were in the Bahamas, along with some mixed breed dogs. It’s always best to keep an eye on your surroundings as a couple of dogs we encountered were aggressive. 

Microchip

Although the updated regulations do not specify the requirement to have your dog microchipped, it was previously required.

I recommend having your dog microchipped and having documentation available upon request.

If you plan to travel to the Caribbean with a dog, then you will certainly need to have your pet microchipped. When we brought our dog to St. Lucia, they actually scanned our dog for its microchip.

Health Certificate

An international veterinary certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required within 48 hours of importation into the Bahamas. 

My experience with this is when traveling by boat the Bahamians are a bit more relaxed on the 48-hour requirement as they understand your arrival date may vary depending on the weather.

A good rule of thumb is to try to keep the health certificate within one week of your actual arrival date. Our health certificate was issued 5 days prior to our arrival date on our last trip to the Bahamas, and we didn’t run into any problems.

We have used both Good Vets Coconut Grove and Clematis Animal Clinic in Palm Springs, FL and both are very familiar with the Bahamas health certificate process.  

Bahamas Pet Import Permit

One major change that took effect on September 1, 2024 is the online process to apply for the pet import permit through The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA). 

The second major change is the new duration of the pet import permit. They are now valid for 6 months, starting from the intended travel date.

Before you can apply online, you must first register with Click2Clear. This may take a day or two to complete, so give yourself enough time. Also note you will need to upload a copy of your passport or driver’s license.

If you are not familiar with the Click2Clear platform, here is a tutorial on how to use Click2Clear, which is what is used to clear yourselves and your vessel into the Bahamas.

Once you are registered with Click2Clear, you can apply online. Here is a good video from BAHFSA on the process:

Tutorial for Cats and Dogs

If you have any questions or run into any issues during the process, you can reach BAHFSA by email: bahfsa@bahfsabahamas.gov.bs or by phone: 1-242-424-8296.

The timeframe for receiving your permit after you submit your information and supporting documents is approximately 1-2 days.

If you want to simplify the process even further or don’t have time to register on Click2Clear, reach out to Wellington with Bahamas Pet Permits and he will do the process for you. 

Wellington helped me obtain the pet permit for Mangaux both times we took him to the Bahamas. It was a very easy and efficient experience!

Bringing a dog to the Bahamas is worth it when you see your dog smiling, like Mangaux is laying on the back deck of the boat enjoying the beautiful water.
Mangaux is really enjoying his time in the Bahamas!

Dog Travel Essentials for Your Bahamas Trip

I love bringing our dog to the Bahamas, but I also want to make sure that he stays safe, cool and comfortable while we are here with him.

These are my top used items while island hopping in the tropical heat with my dog.

While these links below are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, I only recommend products I use and love.

Travel Dog First Aid Kit

This compact kit is a must-have while exploring the remote islands. It includes supplies for cuts, scrapes, and ticks. Have you every had to cut your dog’s nails while on a moving boat? I’m so glad this kit includes a styptic pencil too in case I ever cut too much and he starts to bleed.

👉Grab the travel kit here.

Cooling Mat

Even in the shade, tropical temperatures can overheat dogs quickly. This cooling mat works like magic and provides a cooler spot for Mangaux to lay down.

👉 See the easy to pack cooling mat here.

Collapsible Travel Bowls

We take these bowls everywhere with us! We just collapse and clip one to our bag (with a bottle of water) and off we go. We never have to worry about finding Mangaux some water.

They are perfect for the beach, and we may have “donated” one to Man-O-War Cay for other dogs to enjoy. I recommend a pack of at least two for this reason. 😂

👉Search your colors, sizes and quantities of bowls here.

I love bringing these small, easy to pack items with me so Mangaux can enjoy the islands as much as we do.

FAQs about Bringing a Dog to the Bahamas

How much does it cost to bring a dog to the Bahamas?

The fee for the animal import ePermit is $50 which can be paid online. The video above includes instructions on how to pay; it will take you to a separate website.

When we took Mangaux to Good Vets Coconut Grove in March 2023, our visit cost us $119 which included examination and medication for an ear infection he was fighting at the time.

In December 2023 we took Mangaux to Clematis Animal Clinic and our visit and a vaccine for coronavirus cost us $233.

What is required to take a dog to the Bahamas?

You will need an international veterinary certificate (health certificate), pet import permit, and documentation that your dog is currently vaccinated against Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus, and also Coronavirus if traveling from a high-risk country for rabies.

Are you Ready to Sail to the Bahamas with your Dog?

Sailing with a dog can have its challenges, but with the new online process, pet travel to the Bahamas just got easier! You can submit your information and receive your permit within 1-2 days. You can also now pay online. 

I hope your dog enjoys traveling to the Bahamas as much as Mangaux does, sailing the crystal blue waters and running on the white sandy beaches.

How was your experience bringing a dog to the Bahamas? We would love to hear from you on our Facebook or Instagram page!

Read more Posts about Sailing with Dogs:

Related Posts about Sailing in the Bahamas

Jill Bockenstette has been sailing for over 11 years and has lived aboard her 1998 Hunter 450 Passage, Pelagia, full-time for more than 4 years. She has logged over 7,000 nautical miles across Mobile Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the east coast of the United States, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, where she is currently exploring the vibrant waters. Jill enjoys sharing her passion for sailing and the lessons learned from her salty, adventurous lifestyle on the water.