Work, family, and daily chores often make organizing group outings challenging. What is the alternative for adventure seekers? Exploring the world solo! This offers a chance to create lasting memories and develop or deepen self-awareness. Yet, without someone to share these new experiences and perspectives, the appeal of this trend can fade quickly. In such cases, pets make the perfect companions.
Visits to the vet, vaccinations and, more often than not, a lot of paperworkā¦ Going overseas with a furry friend can be complicated, especially for first-timers. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the regulations, both in our country and at the destination. Here is what you need to know if you want to find yourself traveling to Aruba with pets.
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Traveling to Aruba with pets: Requirements for dogs and cats

You must vaccinate both puppies and kittens older than 12 weeks against rabies. Credits: James Yarema/Unsplash
According to the islandās Tourism Authority, the rules for traveling to Aruba with pets may vary depending on the country of origin. Generally speaking, all dogs and cats must have a permit authorized by the Veterinary Services of Aruba, the only agency that can review, grant or deny this type of documentation.
Owners of dogs and cats coming from the United States must ensure they meet several requirements to enjoy the Caribbean without issues. The most important one is that the pet must have lived in said country for at least 6 consecutive months before arriving in Aruba. For puppies, being born in the U.S. is mandatory. The aforementioned criteria will depend on the breed and size; for example, for the smallest ones, this period is usually between 9 and one year of age.
If you live in another country, note that pets from nations with a high rabies risk, as well as those traveling from Central and South America, cannot enter Aruba. However, animals that are āpart of a moving householdā and have a āNo Objectionā certificate from the Veterinary Service of Aruba are exempt.
Additional (but necessary) requirements
Other requisites include an identification microchip and a valid rabies vaccination (only for puppies and kittens older than 12 weeks). In this sense, authorities provide the following clarifications, quoted as they appear on the island’s official website:
- The owner should ensure the microchip is inserted before the rabies vaccine is administered.
- For first-time vaccinees, the medication should be applied at least 30 days prior to entering Aruba. This requirement is waived for puppies and kittens who are between 12 and 16 weeks old.
- If the pet has a 3-year rabies vaccine that is still valid, the owner does not need to revaccinate.
Owners must obtain a USDA-endorsed health certificate āissued within 14 days of arrivalā. A licensed and accredited veterinarian can assist with this process. Finally, the āApplication for Import Permitā form needs to be completed.
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Traveling to Aruba with pets: What is next?

According to the Visit Aruba website, only dogs weighing less than 20 pounds and fitting in an āairline-approved carrierā can travel in the āpassenger compartmentā. Credits: Maksim Romashkin/Pexels
After collecting the USDA-endorsed health certificate and the āapplication for import permitā form, email them to the Veterinary Service (vetservice@dvg.aw) to proceed with traveling to Aruba with pets. Local officers specify that only PDF files are accepted, and no extra information is indeed unless required later on. Despite the latter, some portals advise scanning and sending āall relevant paperworkā to the same email address before the trip.
Submit these documents at least two business days before the travel date. Within two business days, the Veterinary Service will validate and return the āApplication for Import Permit” form. This answer will also include an official approval, which you have to print and present at customs upon arrival to the islands along with the documents we listed in the previous section of this article.
Remember to declare your situation to Aruba customs so that someone reviews your petās information and prevents unnecessary returns or quarantines. At last, if you are traveling from the United States and want to visit Aruba with pets of other species, check the guidelines on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.
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