This section gives you detailed information about importing pets into the Cayman Islands. We list the current regulations and laws, and we suggest insider tips for making the process easier. We also list restrictions on importing pets from various countries and restrictions on importing a few specific breeds of dog. We detail where to buy or adopt a pet on Cayman, how to go about getting a pet passport and we give a comprehensive list of every veterinary clinic on Grand Cayman. In this section you will also find what to do with your pet in the event of a hurricane.
IMPORTING PETS INTO CAYMAN
Regulations The process for importing animals into Cayman is a lengthy one. You need to start planning at least six months prior to shipment. All dogs and cats entering the Cayman Islands must have an Import Permit issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture (DOA). Application forms are available from the DOA (Tel: (345) 947 3090, Fax: (345) 947 6501 or ciagriculture@gov.ky) or in person at 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley, Bodden Town on Grand Cayman. We highly recommend that as soon as you know you would like to import your pet, you contact the DOA and ask them to send you the application form and the most up to date requirements. The sooner you do this the better.
The following are the basic steps required to get an import permit if you are importing from the US, Canada and other countries where rabies is endemic. For countries that are rabies-free, the requirements are less stringent and much quicker. The following procedures must be carried out in the order shown below:
Your pet must have had an approved type of microchip fitted PRIOR to the rabies vaccination being administered. Only microchip brands accepted by the International Standards Organisation (Standard 11784 or Annex A to Standard 11785) should be used. These include some AVID®, Home Again®, and Identichip® microchips - those that are read by 134.2 kHz scanners. (Please note that not all microchips conform to this standard). If the vaccination was given before the chip was inserted, it will have to be repeated.
After identification, a licensed vet using an approved inactivated adjuvanted vaccine must then vaccinate your dog or cat against rabies. You will need to include the batch number and the date when the vaccine was administered. The vaccine must be administered not less than 30 days and not more than one year prior to shipment. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before the primary rabies vaccine is given.
A blood test must then be taken after vaccination to check for protective antibodies against rabies. The blood test, a neutralising antibody titration test, must be carried out by a laboratory approved by the Government of the country of origin for carrying out such a test. The test result must show a serum antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Your pet will be allowed into the Cayman Islands six months after the date of the blood sample showing a successful test result. (This six month period can be waived if your pet has had a microchip inserted and has a history of rabies vaccinations). If you are in the US, the address where the blood has to be sent for the titres to be done is: Kansas State University, 1800 Veterinary Medicine Centre, Manhattan, KS 66506-5600, Tel: (785) 523 4483, www.vet.ksu.edu/depts/dmp/service/rabies/index.htm. (If you are looking for the address in other countries your vet will be able to assist you. Please contact the Department of Agriculture for more information.)
UK residents must apply to DEFRA (Ministry of Agriculture in your home town) for the Official Health Certificate (application form) to bring a pet into the Cayman Islands a few weeks before you travel (one can be used for multiple pets). This will be sent directly to your vet. Please note that this only applies to the UK.
Within 14 days of your scheduled departure date, you must have a registered veterinarian complete an official health certificate and treat your pet for tapeworms and ticks with an approved product. For tape worms: a preparation containing praziquantel at a dose rate of 5mg/kg body weight. For ticks: a topical preparation known to have residual action. A product containing fipronil is preferred. Other products include amitraz, pyrethrins and permethrins. This must be recorded on the health certificate. This certificate then needs to go to a government vet of the country of origin for endorsement (USDA, CFIA, DEFRA etc.). Call or go online to locate the one nearest you.
You must then fax the Official Health Certificate, completed application form and a copy of the rabies lab report to the Department of Agriculture in Grand Cayman. They will fax or email an Import Certificate back to you. Please note that permits can take up to three days to be processed, provided the proper paperwork is given. The application fee (single entry: CI$50/US$62) can be paid in the form of a bank draft or International Money Order made payable to the Cayman Islands Government. A tip is to send this fee before you even have the vet do the 14-day inspection as the mail can take a few weeks to get to the Cayman Islands, and they will not issue an import certificate without this fee. The health certificate is valid for 14 days.
Finally, you must give the DOA at least 48 hour notice of the expected date and time of arrival of your pet, along with details of the airline and flight number.
Note: The Cayman Islands are rabies free and to keep this deadly zoonotic disease out of Cayman, no exceptions will be made by the Government of the Cayman Islands. An inability to meet all requirements can lead to the destruction of, or the return to the country of origin of any illegally imported animals.
Restrictions In accordance with the Animals Law (2003 Revision), no animal of any description may be imported into the Cayman Islands from any country in Asia, Africa or Central and South America. Other territories from which dogs and cats are prohibited are Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Certain breeds of dog or crosses of such breeds are prohibited from entering the Cayman Islands: Mallanois, Rottweiler, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Chinese Shar-Pei, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogue de Bordeaux, Japanese Akita, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier, Bull and Neopolitan Mastiff (Old English Mastiff and Pug are some exceptions).
The Cayman Islands Dangerous Dogs Law states that all the above dogs that are currently on the Cayman Islands must be microchipped, have a rabies shot, be spayed or neutered and be registered with the Department of Agriculture.
Animals on Airlines Some airlines do not allow your animals on-board, and over the summer months many airlines will not take pets due to the high heat in the hold. Also using a direct flight and an evening flight is preferable, as changing in Miami with pets is not a pleasant process. Cayman Airways (Tel: (345) 949 2311) accepts domestic dogs, cats, and household birds for carriage. On their jet service a maximum of four pets are allowed in the cargo compartment per flight, and a maximum of two pets are allowed in the passenger compartment per flight (one in business and one in economy class). Because of the restriction on the number of animals on a flight, you will have an easier time booking with advance notice. The maximum weight allowed to travel is 99lbs (this is the total weight of the pet plus carrier by Cayman Airways standards). British Airways has a special hold for pets and the cost varies depending on the weight of the animal but is usually in the region of US$800. Passengers are allowed to travel with no more than one pet on each flight. All animals, no matter what size must now travel in leak proof, approved carriers which meet the standards of the International Air Transport Association. They should be affixed with all the proper documentation required for entry and it is advised that you maintain extra copies of all of your paperwork and carry it on your flight with you. Be prepared, airport security agents will most likely request to search your pet (outside of its carrier), its container and bedding for any breach of security. Sleeping pills are not advised for your animals as they stop them from being able to regulate their body temperature. Also, a hamster water feeder is the best way to give them drinking water on the journey. No food should be put in their cages and it is best to put crumpled up newspaper at the bottom of their carrier with a towel on top. It is important to train your animal to its new surroundings. Let it become familiar with the crate or kennel a few weeks or months before your planned departure. Animals behave perfectly fine when accustomed to the kennel or crate they are transported in. Placing their bedding, toys, and feeding them treats or meals in the crate will help them to associate it with a positive and comforting experience. Only small dogs and cats can go in the aircraft cabin. Some airlines may transport them as special baggage in a temperature-controlled and ventilated hold. Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment. Contact your airline 48 hours prior to your departure to confirm that they will accept your pet on the day and flight and inquire how soon before the flight you will have to check in. Pets become stressed with all the bustle at an airport, so keep it to a minimum. If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible. If it is going in the hold, check in early so that it can go to the baggage area and be put somewhere quiet and dimly lit in order to relax. To prepare your pet reduce the quantity of their food the day before but give it enough water, and take your dog for a walk before leaving for the airport and again before check-in. A light meal two hours before tendering the animal to the carrier will help to calm it and is a legal requirement in the United States. A fantastic website to research for international pet travel is: www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live_animals/Pages/pets.aspx
On arrival in Cayman, you will need to go to the ‘Goods to Declare’ counter and hand over your paperwork for the animals. They will ask you to take the animals out of their carriers to inspect them and check their microchip, unless they don’t like to handle animals in which case they may not bother! All dogs staying in the Cayman Islands for longer than 30 days must be licensed with the Department of Agriculture.
Pet Relocation Services Liz Walker runs a service whereby she will assist in the process of importing your animals into the Cayman Islands. She charges between CI$250 and CI$500 depending on how much time she spends on your particular case. She can be contacted on (345) 925 6719 or ewalker@candw.ky. Alternatively Veronique Bise from CustomerERrands can help with importing specialty breeds to Cayman (Tel: (345) 926 5599 or errands@customerrands.ky).
For dogs and cats entering the Cayman Islands from Jamaica, there are a few more prerequisites to follow. Dogs must have received a combination vaccine against Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus, Parvo virus and Leptospirosis, at a minimum of 12 weeks of age after the micro chip was administered. Cats must have received a combination vaccine against Feline Enteritis and Calici virus at a minimum of 12 weeks of age. Note: animals imported from Jamaica do not qualify to travel to others countries and back into the Cayman Islands, please contact the Department of Agriculture for these requirements.
Importing Captive Birds All captive cage birds (e.g. parrots, budgerigars, lovebirds, finches, toucans) entering the Cayman Islands must be accompanied by an import permit issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture. Contact them directly on (345) 947 3090 or ciagriculture@gov.ky for a complete list of requirements.
Pet Passports The following are the basic steps required to acquire a pet passport. In the event of a hurricane and needing to evacuate, or simply if you wish to travel with your pet, this might be a good idea. Please note this process can take upwards of six months.
The first step is to get your pet micro-chipped and for them to have their initial rabies vaccination. The DOA charges CI$50 for the micro-chip and CI$25 for each rabies vaccination (you need two). The DOA is located in the yellow building on Lottery Road in Lower Valley, Tel: (345) 947 3090.
Exactly one month later a booster rabies vaccination needs to be administered. Please note that the DOA is the only clinic that can administer the rabies vaccination.
One month after the second rabies booster shot a vet must test your pet’s antibody level by doing a ‘neutralising antibody titration test’. Your pet’s antibody level must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Remember to take along the official certificates that were issued by the DOA when the vaccinations were given.
After your pet has satisfied the minimum serum antibody level, you can then apply for your pet’s import permit. The import permit is available in either a single entry permit (application fee CI$50) or a multiple entry permit/animal passport (application fee CI$150). The animal passport is valid for one year and is recommended for pets travelling to and from the Island more than once a year. The single entry permit is only valid for two weeks and is more appropriate for pets travelling once a year. Applications for either import permit are available from the DOA.
Within 14 days of the scheduled date of travel, your pet must be treated for tapeworms and ticks. For tapeworms, a solution containing praziquantel and for ticks a solution containing fipronil must be used. Also within the 14 days of the scheduled date of travel you will need to obtain an official veterinary health certificate. The official health certificate should record the tapeworm and tick treatment. If your pet’s stay outside the Island is longer than 14 days a new official health certificate must be obtained before your pet can re-enter the Island.
Please note that in order to retain a pet passport, your pet will need to a have an annual rabies booster shot and have blood tests done every year, unless they have had a three year vaccination, in which case the blood test is good for three years.
FINDING A PET
The first place to look would be the Humane Society on North Sound Road. At any given time they have a large variety of dogs, cats and newborn animals that need good and loving homes. They can be easily reached on (345) 949 1461 or email: info@caymanhumanesociety.com or www.caymanhumanesociety.com. Additionally, C.A.R.E (Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts) have an adoptive rescue page at www.caymancare.ky. Local vets can also point you in the right direction for finding a purebred animal. Alternatively Veronique Bise from CustomerERrands can import a pure breed pedigree puppy or kitten for you. All animals come from registered and reputable breeders in the UK, in compliance with Cayman Islands pet importation laws. Call her on (345) 926 5599 or email: errands@customererrands.ky.
Smaller animals like hamsters, rabbits, birds, iguanas and fish can be found at:
Animal House North Sound Road, Tel: (345) 943 7387 Countryside Shopping Village, (345) 945 7387 Animal House sells a large variety of fresh and salt water fish, as well as birds, hamsters, gerbils and rabbits. They also sell fish tanks, pet food and pet accessories. [Editor’s note: This is a fun place to take small children. They will enjoy looking at the animals and huge variety of fish.]
Petique Pasadora Place, Smith Road Tel: (345) 949 7296 Sells everything for tropical aquariums.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR PET
Heartworm disease is a deadly condition transmitted by mosquitoes and affects both dogs and cats in Cayman. As soon as they arrive on Island (and once monthly after that) all dogs and cats should be given a simple heartworm chew. This will effectively prevent heartworm.
Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are spread from cat to cat and are very common amongst the stray population. To minimise your cat’s risk for these diseases, there are vaccines available.
“Kennel Cough”, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis are infectious viruses that are highly contagious to dogs. All these viruses are common amongst dogs that are not vaccinated. Living on a Caribbean island, you will most certainly be taking your dog to the beach and must keep in mind that salt water is poisonous and results in Hypernatremia (an elevated sodium level). As dogs don’t realise how dangerous salt water can be, they often drink freely when playing and splashing around. Pet parents must make sure to prevent this. Instead, carry a bottle of fresh water and offer it several times during the beach walk. (Bringing a beach Frisbee is perfect– it acts as the perfect dog bowl too!) Some classic signs of salt poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination (walking drunk), severe depression and/or seizures. These symptoms are secondary to cerebral edema, or brain swelling, which needs to be treated very carefully by your veterinarian.
Hurricanes & Pets It is very important that you remember to make preparations before hurricane season for all members of your family, including your pets. The incredibly tragic losses from Hurricane Ivan showed us how vulnerable pets are and how completely reliant they are on their owners for their survival. Public shelters do not accept pets for both health and safety reasons. Prepare an emergency accommodation plan and make inquiries in advance, to avoid last minute stress for you and your pet. Remember, if it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. If you decide to evacuate your family to a shelter, alternative arrangements need to be made for your pets. Never leave pets outside—bring them indoors. If you are sheltering at your place of work, it may be worthwhile checking to see if they will allow your pets to shelter there with you. Most importantly, you should never leave your pets tied up outside or left to fend for themselves in your evacuated home, as they cannot survive on their own. Wind, flying debris and flood water killed innumerable pets during Ivan.
Before the storm make sure your pet has a current ID tag, micro chip (in case the ID collar becomes lost) and that you have current photos for identification (in case you are separated), medical record copies, medications and food, all in airtight plastic bags. A pet carrier or crate should be outfitted with newspapers, blankets, a favourite toy (to comfort your pet) and have proper identification affixed to the outside of the crate. Stock up on at least a month’s worth of food supplies, newspapers and medications before the storm and prepare a first aid kit. Remember, you can never be too prepared for a hurricane!
If leaving the Island, you can easily obtain a travel health certificate from your veterinarian. It can be issued in one day for your pet. Your vet will require the following documents for a health certificate: your address here, your address of travel, vaccine history, rabies vaccine certificates, copies of your pet’s rabies titer blood tests. Remember, if you leave the Island with your pet without their current rabies travel paperwork, you will be subjected to the government import requirements for pets when returning.
After obtaining your completed health certificate from your vet, hand-deliver it to the Department of Agriculture in the Lower Valley to have your exit permit issued. You cannot travel on a veterinary health certificate alone. It is wise to affix copies of all documents, identification and photo on the outside of your pet’s travel crate for export.
Dog-Friendly Dining Residents will quickly discover that the island life is very dog-friendly however not all establishments welcome Fido and his friends for dinner. Here are some wonderful suggestions for the ‘fur-kids’ to join you while dining alfresco:
The new Camana Bay hot-spot Ortanique, hosts a fantastic “Sunday Doggy Brunch” overlooking the waterfront with a full three-course sausage brunch for your furry friends. (A percentage of the brunch proceeds are donated to the C.A.R.E. Cayman Islands Animal Rescue Enthusiasts.) Other perfect-pooch hot-spots include: Calico Jack’s on Public Beach (where Rover can even take a little dip in the ocean to cool off!), Cafe del Sol, the Black Trumpet and Häagen-Dazs at Camana Bay, Sunshine Grill’s outside patio and Al la Kebab for savory kebabs on Seven Mile Beach, The Dog House and The Brick House in Red Bay, and Macabuca Tiki Bar & Grill andTimbuctuuin West Bay, and finallyTukkain the East End.
It is always best to keep your ‘fur babies’ on a leash, and make certain that they are well behaved and properly anchored under your table. Politeness will go a long way, as some restaurants are known to provide special snacks for your dog without even asking your server! It’s also smart to leave a little extra tip for your waiter! Most restaurants are happy to provide a dish of water. Dog Trainers Cayman Canine Training Services Contact: Kenneth Morgan Tel: (345) 916 2075 Email: dogtrainer@candw.ky One-on-one or group behavioural and obedience training (group sessions for six weeks, two lessons per week, for CI$240; or private one hour sessions for CI$60 per hour at your private home, or CI$70 to bring your troubled dog for the day to his home for specialised training); beginners and advanced training; dog walking/sitting while at work or vacation; vet visits; beach training.
Love Your Dog Contact: Julie Leslie Tel: (345) 546 5869 Email: loveyourdog.ky@gmail.com Dog trainer, walking and first aid certified. She also offers vacation pet care.
Kennels & Dog Sitting Best Friends Bed & Biscuit Play & Stay Pet Care/Liz Walker Tel: (345) 925 6719 Email: ewalker@candw.ky Takes small dogs for overnight boarding. Dogs must be on a flea and tick programme. Liz charges CI$20 overnight and CI$18 for day care and this includes all food. The dogs are walked on the beach daily and have the run of her house and garden which is located in South Sound. Liz takes a maximum of six to eight dogs at any one time, they are constantly looked after and they will not want to go home! The house is air conditioned.
Cayman Canine Training Services Contact: Kenneth Morgan Tel: (345) 916 2075 Email: dogtrainer@candw.ky They offer a service whereby they will make sure your pet is looked after, either on a visitation or live-in basis while you are on vacation.
Cayman Pet Paradise Tel: (345) 947 1334 A full-service kennel with 36 kennels, five of which are oversized to accommodate multiple dogs from the same family and eight double kennels. They are open-air. There is a cattery with 13 large kennels. Expect to pay about CI$23 per day for dogs and CI$17 for cats. This includes all food, daily treats and daily exercise for the dogs. They are usually completely booked over holidays. Cayman Pet Paradise also offers day care services for dogs at CI$10. Dogs are exercised throughout the day and are allowed supervised socialising with other dogs. Please note that all dogs must be vaccinated with the “kennel cough” vaccine in order to stay at Cayman Pet Paradise. They also have the Island’s only pet crematorium.
Must Love Dogs 55 Arthurs Lane, George Town (The little lane opposite Island Glass Blowing) Tel: (345) 946 7222 or info@mustlovedogs.ky Doggie day care, overnight lodging, boutique, dog training and walking. Their doggie daycare packages start from CI$17-$25 per day and overnight lodging is CI$40 for 24 hrs. Overnight guests enjoy air conditioned lodging, play and cuddles and a turn down biscuit before retiring. An overseas chaperone service is also available.
The Veterinary Clinic & Specialty Boarding Tel: (345) 945 1242 24 hr Emergency Tel: (345) 926 1242 Email:vetclinic@candw.ky Fully air conditioned kennels with two distinct areas for cats and dogs. This smaller and more personalised kennel operates alongside the Veterinary Clinic and caters to animals in need of special attention. Prices for boarding are CI$26 for dogs and CI$20 for cats, and the price includes food.
Pet Grooming & Pampering You can either drop your dog or cat off with the following companies or call for a home visit. The service usually includes a bath, nail cutting and ear cleaning. Trimming and tick dipping is also an option. The cost is usually about CI$40 per hour without a home visit; expect to add an additional CI$20-$40 depending on where the mobile service is required. Options for pet pampering include Bark & Call/Animal House(Tel: (345) 943 7387) who run a mobile service, Melanie who works out of the Island Veterinary Services office (Tel: (345) 949 9256) and Precious Paws Pampering (Tel: (345) 947 2578).
Pet Portraits Amy/Picturethis Tel: (345) 943 3686 Email: picturethis@candw.ky www.picturethis.ky Studio pet portraits from CI$50 to CI$175, shot on location or in the studio with your pet and family.
Veterinarians Cayman Animal Hospital 394 Crewe Road, George Town (next to Every Bloomin’ Thing) Tel: (345) 946 VETS (8387) 24 Hour Emergency Care: (345) 916 7387 Email:info@caymananimalhospital.ky Compassionate veterinarians Dr. Lana Watler (BSc, DVM), Dr. Colin Manson (BVMS, Cert SAS, MRCVS) - [Certified in the Specialty of Small Animal Surgery by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons] and Dr. Lisa Hunter (BSc, DVM), offer a comprehensive range of services including preventative medicine, wellness examinations, vaccinations, health certificates, routine to advanced dental, medical and surgical services, house calls, 24/7 emergency service, as well as complimentary pet import/export advice. Their well-equipped hospital boasts an in-house laboratory, advanced diagnostic imaging including high contrast radiography and ultrasound, an extensive surgical suite with sophisticated aesthetic and critical care facilities. They pride themselves on offering premium healthcare services for your pet in a relaxed, welcoming environment with convenient, extended opening hours, early admissions and minimal waiting times.
Island Veterinary Services 95 Printer Way (off CNB roundabout), George Town, Grand Cayman Tel: (345) 949 0787 24-hour Emergency Care: (345) 916 2459 A full service veterinary hospital run by Dr. Brenda Bush and her highly experienced veterinarians and animal healthcare team. They have been providing quality and compassionate care to the Island’s pets since 1994. Their new purpose built veterinary hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment including high resolution digital x-ray and blood analysers. They provide complete veterinary wellness care, vaccinations, dental, critical and surgical care, as well as performing a wide range of procedures from routine spays and neuters, to more advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery. Also on staff is Dr. Elisabeth Broussard, who specialises in Traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture and other holistic treatments to provide your pet with alternative veterinary medical options.
The Veterinary Clinic Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 945 1242 24-hr Emergency Care: (345) 926 1242 Veterinary medical and surgical centre with provision for pet boarding and sale of related items. The clinic offers general medicine and surgery, dental care, and emergency services for a variety of small animals.

Copyright 2011 The Resident Magazine 2012. All rights reserved. Acorn Publishing Co, PO Box 31403, Grand Cayman KY1-1206, Cayman Islands, Tel: (345) 946 3200 Fax: (345) 946 2830 Email:info@acorn.ky
