Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Antigua and Barbuda with your dog or cat is not something to be taken lightly. The country enforces strict health regulations, legally mandated veterinary checks, and very clear breed restrictions. At the same time, the archipelago offers a rather welcoming living environment for pets, with a network of veterinarians, animal protection organizations, and a growing number of “pet-friendly” accommodations.
Good to know:
This article compiles in French all regulatory and practical data from official and specialized sources. It helps you prepare for your move with your pets without any unpleasant surprises, based on a detailed research report.
Understanding the General Framework: Who Decides What for Your Pet
As soon as the topic of animal entry to Antigua and Barbuda comes up, one administration consistently appears: the Veterinary & Livestock Division (VLD), under the Ministry of Agriculture. It is responsible for issuing import permits, defining health conditions, coordinating airport inspections, and can impose quarantine or deny your animal’s entry.
Important:
For relocating a dog or cat, all procedures (permits via the VLD by phone, fax, or email) must be completed before departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, an animal without a valid permit risks entry refusal, quarantine, forced return, or euthanasia, at the owner’s expense.
Customs also considers animals as imported goods. In addition to the veterinary aspect, you must anticipate import duties, even if the precise amount is not detailed in the consulted documents.
Veterinary Import Permit: The Mandatory “Entry Key”
The first step to take once your relocation plans are confirmed is to apply for a Veterinary Import License. Without this document, border authorities will not allow your animal to set foot on Antigua and Barbuda soil.
Tip:
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
