How to take your family dog to The Bahamas
As told to Wayne R. Diamond, DVM
Traveling to the Bahamas can be great but it does take preparation. In our experience, The Islands of the Bahamas are very cordial, welcoming and pet friendly. We have made lots of friends there and have met other dogs from all over the country. There are some restrictions – you must be at least 6 months of age and should have been vaccinated against rabies. The Bahamian islands are “free” of rabies and, therefore, pets living in the country are not vaccinated for it. There are also restrictions regarding the timing of the vaccine, so be sure your owners read the regulations carefully. This vaccination must have been given at least one month prior to your cruising date and no more than:
• 10 months prior to your cruising date if the vaccine has a one year duration; or
• 34 months prior to cruising with a vaccine that has a 3 year duration.
The government is very strict in its effort to keep rabies out of their country. If you have not been vaccinated against rabies, you will not be allowed in. Although the distemper vaccination is not required to enter the Bahamas, it is wise to make sure your vaccination is current. Distemper is a common disease seen throughout the islands. It is highly contagious and can be deadly.
When entering the country, the Bahamian government will require your owners to present a Health Certificate that was completed by your veterinarian within 48 hours of your arrival. Your owners will need to check with your veterinarian prior to leaving to obtain this. This certificate is to certify that you are free of contagious diseases and that you have received the rabies vaccination appropriately. If you are traveling by boat and get seasick like Morgan does, your veterinarian can provide you with several choices of “seasickness” medication. If you get anxious and cannot relax for the crossing, sedatives are also available and make the trip much more enjoyable both for you and your owner.
Be certain to take your heartworm, flea and tick preventatives while you are gone. Be careful who you make friends with – there are many wandering dogs. Encourage your owners to speak with your veterinarian to put together a “first aid” kit with a few medications to help them care for any common ear, eye and skin infections you may contract. There are local veterinarians available on many of the islands and we have found their care to be exceptional. However, medications can be difficult to find and are extremely expensive.
Returning to the United States is easy. Be sure to take your seasick or anxiety medications if you need them. Your owners need to make their calls to customs and immigration upon return but you do not need any clearance. Enjoy your vacation and send us a postcard!
Wayne R. Diamond, DVM, has been practicing in Stuart, Florida for 30 years.