How to Import Your Pet from US to the PHILIPPINES

STEP 1 OBTAIN AN IMPORT PERMIT (SPSIC) and UNDERTAKING OF FOREIGN IMPORTERS FORM/LICENSE

1. You Can Apply Online HERE at BAI.

2. The Permit (SPSIC) may include up to 3 dogs/cats. The number of animals listed on the SPSIC must match the number of animals listed on the health certificate.
The permit will be valid for up to 2 months.
Timeframe: Upwards of 10 working days.

Step 2 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A USDA ACCREDITED VETERINARIAN. At the appointment, the Veterinarian will fill out the approved USDA Health Certificate.

1. Find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in your state at the USDA/APHIS Portal Here.

2.  You may need more than one appointment for your pet such as boosters  and 2^nd dosage or to wait for a Rabies/Titer test result.

3. Your Veterinarian will ensure the following requirements are in the Health Certificate:

A. Your Pet Must Have a Microchip

All Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets must have a microchip implanted. We recommend your pet have a microchip in the standard ISO compliant microchip format. Most country inspection services; veterinarians and animal shelters word-wide use the ISO standard.

2. The number and the date of implantation of both microchips must be documented on the Health Certificate.

3. When recording the “Date of implantation and/or reading [dd/mm/yyyy]” of the microchip/transponder on the health certificate, IT MUST BE ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE PRIMARY RABIES VACCINATION. If your pet was vaccinated for rabies before the microchip was implanted, you pet must be revaccinated.

B. Rabies Vaccination is Mandatory

1. The Rabies vaccination valid for 1, 2, or 3 years are all acceptable. The vaccination must be valid at the time of entry to Philippines.

2. Some EU countries have exceptions for pets younger than 15 weeks. The Philippines is not one of those countries. Unvaccinated pets younger than 15 weeks will NOT be allowed entry into the Philippines.

C. Thirty (30) Day Waiting Period

After primary vaccination, you must wait for 30 days after the Primary Rabies vaccination.

D. Parasite Treatments

Parasite Treatment is mandatory for Dogs only for entry to the Philippines from the US. The tapeworm treatment must contain Praziquantel

E. Additional Vaccinations:

STEP 3 SUBMIT DOCUMENTS TO THE APHIS ENDORSEMENT closest to your state via 1 of 3 Methods: Electronic, In-Person, Mail

1. SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY: Your Veterinarian will submit the Health Certificate for Endorsement (final approval).
   or

2. SUBMIT IN PERSON BY APPOINTMENT to the nearest Endorsement Office.

A. Find the nearest office at USDA/APHIS Endorsement Office locator.

B. Five or less pets traveling to Philippines within 5 days of the owner or designated person, use the “Non-Commercial” Health Certificate via the USDA?APHIS website.

C. Once the Health Certificate is endorsed by USDA/APHIS, you must enter the APHIS-assigned Certificate Number in the “Animal Health Certificate Number” section of the Declaration.

or

3. REGULAR/EXPEDITED MAIL

A. Find the nearest office at USDA/APHIS Endorsement office locator.

B. Include a POSTAGE-PAID, RETURN ENVELOPE. The USDA will not pay for your postage. Send it by FedEx, USPS, DHL UPS or other “overnight” delivery method to expedite. Most Offices process and return within 3 business days after they receive your documents.

C. Include Health Certificate, Import Permit, Pet Export Checklist, Vaccination Checklist And Other Test Results Required and Payment. Do not pay in Cash.

D. Once the Health Certificate is endorsed by USDA/APHIS, you must enter the APHIS-assigned Certificate Number in the “Animal Health Certificate Number” section of the Declaration.

E. Five or less pets traveling to the Philippines within 5 days of the owner or designated person, use the “Non-Commercial” Health Certificate.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The completed health certificate must be endorsed (counter-signed and embossed/stamped) by USDA/APHIS within 10 days of arrival.

The final page of the EU Health Certificate contains a Declaration of Non-Commercial transport. Complete and sign before the pet travels to the Philippines. The Declaration must accompany the pet and health certificate to the Philippines.

The Health Certificate is valid for 30 days after the USDA Accredited Veterinarian completes and signs it.

Your pet’s Health Certificate allows you to travel up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA/APHIS Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire.

Timeframe: How long will it take to receive my USDA Health Certificate Endorsement?
Health Certificates submitted in VEHCS or as a hardcopy document may take upwards of 3 business days after receipt for endorsement. Source: USDA APHIS. The Undertaking Of Foreign Importers Form/License can take up to 2 business days.

Cost: The fee will be $121-$173usd for the 1st Pet on the Certificate. Each additional pet on the same Certificate will cost $7-$14usd.

All pets must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If your pet is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

FAQ:

1. What happens if I travel with my pet and do not meet the requirements?
   Failure to comply could lead to the immobilization of your pet in a quarantine facility or its return to the country of origin.
2. Am I required (as the owner or person responsible for the animal) to accompany my pet during the travel?
   In principle, all animals should be accompanied by their owner. For justified and documented reasons, the transport of animals in a different mode of transportation from their owners is permitted as long as it is no longer than 5 days away from the owner.

Pet Passport policies change. Please check country-specific regulations before making travel arrangements.