Bring Your Pets to Belize

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Relocating to Belize with your dog or cat? Bringing a pet into the country falls under live animal importation and is regulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Before you travel, you'll need to obtain an import permit from BAHA. Here's everything you need to know to make the move smooth for you and your furry family member.

Always check www.baha.org.bz for the most current import permit requirements and updates, as regulations can change.

• Veterinary Certificate for Belize — Issued by a licensed vet in your country of origin, dated within 14 days of entry (or within 10 days if your pet is traveling unaccompanied).
• Proof of Rabies Vaccination — Administered no less than 30 days and no more than one year before arrival.
• Tick and Tapeworm Test — Required before entry into Belize.
• Advance Notice to BAHA — Notify BAHA of your arrival date, time, and flight number at least two days before your pet arrives, so a veterinary officer is available at entry.

Dogs and cats under three months of age must be confined at home until they turn three months old. At that point, they must be vaccinated against rabies and confined for an additional 30 days after import into Belize.

• Use a carrying case that is new or freshly cleaned and disinfected.
• Carry proof of ownership (ID, registration, or similar documentation).
• Microchip your pet if it isn't already — it's strongly recommended.
• Keep all other vaccinations up to date, beyond the required rabies shot.

All dogs and cats undergo a quarantine inspection at the port of entry. Pets arriving from higher-risk countries — for example, countries with a risk of screwworm in South America — will require an additional veterinary inspection, which comes with an extra fee.

• Small pets can often travel in-cabin on scheduled commercial airlines, though this depends on the airline, breed, and size. Options vary — carry-on, checked baggage, or cargo services like American Airlines Cargo. Note: Southwest Airlines does not allow in-cabin travel on international flights.
• Larger pets typically travel in pressurized cargo holds. Fees vary by weight — check directly with your airline for their specific international pet policies.
• Driving in? You can also bring your pets into Belize by driving through Mexico.

📄 Find all official requirements and forms here.

Permit Unit

Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)

Belmopan Showgrounds, Belmopan City

📞 Tel: 822-0197 or 822-0818

📠 Fax: 822-3084

✉️ Email: baha@btl.net