|
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 into making the process easier. We also list restrictions on importing from various countries and restrictions on importing a few specific breeds of dog. We detail how to find a pet once you move to 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, but easy as long as you know the time scales. 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 Department of Agriculture (DOA). Application forms are available from the DOA (Tel: (345) 947 3090, Fax: (345) 947 6501 or email Colin.Wakelin@gov.ky). 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 which are rabies free, the requirements are less stringent and quicker.
1) 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. If the vaccination was given before the chip was inserted, it will have to be repeated.
2) Your pet must then be vaccinated against rabies using an approved inactivated adjuvanted vaccine. 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.
3) Your pet must then take a blood test, which 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. 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 5690, www.vet.ksu.edu/depts/dmp/service/rabies/index.htm. (Please note that each state in the US has a Dept of Agriculture and it is the senior vet in the Agriculture Dept that must sign and stamp your pet's export permit.)
4) UK residents must apply to DEFRA (Ministry of Agriculture: Tel: +44 (0) 8459 335577 or pets.helpline@dfra.gsi.gov.uk) 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 direct to your vet. Please note that this only applies to the UK.
5) Not more than 14 days prior to departure, you must have a registered veterinarian complete an official health certificate and treat your pet for tapeworms and ticks with an approved product. For tapeworms: 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.
6) You must then fax or email 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 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$61) 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. Please make sure you take copies of every significant, and especially signed document, and that you travel with them. We cannot stress this highly enough!
NOTE: The Cayman Islands is 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.
There are certain criteria where the 6-month waiting period is waived:
> If you are importing from a rabies-free territory i.e. Antigua, Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Great Britain, Hawaii, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand and St Vincent.
> Pets over nine months of age that can show a rabies vaccination history of at least two vaccinations, not more than one year and not less than six months apart. The microchip must have been fitted before the most recent vaccination was given.
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. However, there is a way around this: Your animal can be sent to the UK or the US where it must stay in proven quarantine for 6 months after which time the usual process for importing a pet to Cayman can be followed.
Certain breeds of dogs or crosses of such breeds are prohibited from entering the Cayman Islands: Malinois, Rottweiller, 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 Neapolitan Mastiff (Old English Mastiff and Pug are some exceptions). The Cayman Islands Dangerous Dogs Law states that all the dogs just mentioned, which 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 animals on-board and over the summer months many airlines will not take pets due to the high heat in the hold. Also a direct flight is preferable, as changing in Miami with pets is not a pleasant process. British Airways has a special hold for pets and charges vary on the size of the carrier. If you have small dogs or cats they cannot travel in the same crate together. 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 now compulsory as it 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 or blanket on top. The carrier must be an approved container meeting standards set by the International Air Transport Association. There is a new airline that has just started in the US called Pet Air (www.petairways.com). It can transport a maximum of 50 cats and dogs in the main hold per flight. The cost starts at US$150. The do not currently fly to Miami but hopefully will in the next 12 months.
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, 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 Importing Services
Liz Walker runs a service whereby she will do all the paperwork for you to obtain an import permit to bring your pet into Cayman. She charges between CI$350 and CI$500 depending on where your pet is travelling from. She can be contacted on Tel: (345) 945 6719 or 925 6719, Fax: (345) 949 9080, Email: ewalker@candw.ky .
Also Veronique Bise of CustomErands imports pure breed puppies from registered breeders, providing vaccinations and paperwork for shipping and transport. You can contact her on Tel: (345) 926 5599 or Email: vbise@customerrands.ky.
More Information
In the UK more information can be gained from the PETS Helpline. Their new address is www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm (click on site map and then fact sheets). Email: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0) 870 241 1710.
Pet Passports
If you ever need to travel off the Island with your pet then you will need a pet passport. If you have arrived with your pet in the last 12 months then you have met most of the criteria to get a pet passport. Simply telephone the Dept. of Agriculture and ask for an appointment. The following are the basic steps to getting a pet passport. Please note this process can take upwards of three months and so you should consider getting a pet passport well before hurricane season just in case of an emergency evacuation.
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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 two years.
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. Frontline medication can be given to dogs and cats to help control ticks and fleas. You can buy this from your vet.
Feline leukaemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are serious diseases in cats. Both viruses are spread contagiously 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 in Cayman that are not vaccinated.
Finding a Pet
If you would like a dog or a cat, the first place to look would be the Humane Society on North Sound Road. At any given time they have a large variety of puppies, kittens and full-grown animals which need good and loving homes. They, and the local vets, can also point you in the right direction for finding a purebred animal - there are no serious breeders on the Island but there are the occasional litters.
For smaller animals like hamsters, rabbits, birds, iguanas and fish there are three pet stores:
Animal House
North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 7387
Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah
Tel: (345) 945 7387
They carry a huge variety and quantity of fresh water and salt water fish along with fish tanks, feeding supplies and live water plants (actually it is fun to just take children in there to look at the fish!). When you need your aquarium cleaned they offer that service too. They also carry rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, birds of all varieties, cages and travelling crates, food supplies, horse supplies, general pet supplies and they offer an in-house and a mobile pet grooming service.
Nembhard's Pets
The Village, Dr. Roy's Drive
Tel: (345) 949 7908
Petique
Pasadora Place, Smith Road
Tel: (345) 949 7296
Hurricanes & Pets
It is very important that you remember to make preparations before hurricane season for all members of your family, including your pets. Public shelters do not accept pets for both health and safety reasons. If you decide to evacuate your family to a shelter, alternative arrangements need to be made for your pets. 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. If you must leave your pets at home, please take a few steps to ensure they are comfortable and safe. It is best to prepare an area that is easily cleaned, like your bathroom or utility room; leave several days supply of food and water in containers that are not easily overturned, as it may be at least three days before you will be able to return home. Most importantly, you should never leave your pets near windows or tied up outside. You should also make plans if you are away during hurricane season for your pets. Identifying someone who is familiar with your pet and willing to provide shelter in your absence is a good idea as it will be too late by the time there is a threat of a hurricane. If you evacuate the Island before or after a hurricane, it is best to take your pet with you if possible.
Veterinarians
There are three veterinary clinics:
Cayman Animal Hospital
394 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 8387 Fax: (345) 946 7387
Island Veterinary Services
Eden Centre, Walkers Road
Tel: (345) 949 0787 Fax: (345) 945 4712
Email: islandvetservices@hotmail.com
A full service veterinary clinic offering: four vets, full range of services to small animals, avian and exotic patients, including in-house laboratory doing diagnosis, radiology, surgery and dentistry services. Acupuncture and alternative care options are available alongside traditional medicine. Equine call-out service available. IVS hopes to move to a new purpose built veterinary hospital in late 2010.
The Veterinary Clinic
Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah
Tel/Fax: (345) 945 1242 or (345) 926 1242
After hour emergencies: (345) 916 7167
Email: vetclinic@candw.ky
Owned and run by Dr. Alfred Benjamin, the former head of the Dept. of Agriculture and the Chief Agricultural and Veterinary Officer for the Cayman Islands' government. The Veterinary Clinic is a family run small animal practice. Their patients include dogs, cats, caged birds, hamsters, rabbits and the occasional fish. Services include medicine and surgery, dental and preventive health care as well as emergencies.
Kennels
Cayman Pet Paradise
Tel: 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 not air conditioned. 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. Cayman Pet Paradise also has the Island's only pet crematorium.
Liz Walker
Tel: (345) 945 6719
Email: ewalker@candw.ky
Takes small dogs for overnight boarding. Dogs must be on a flea and tick programme. She charges CI$18 overnight. The dogs are walked on the beach daily and have the run of her house and garden (which is a beautiful shady oasis in South Sound). This is as close to home away from home as you could want. The house is air-conditioned. She also offers day care and dog walking.
Specialty Pet Boarding & Retail
Tel/Fax: (345) 945 1242 or 926 1242
Email: vetclinic@candw.ky
This establishment, which is veterinarian owned, comes complete with 29 generously sized kennels of which some are oversized to accommodate multiple animals if need be. It is fully air conditioned and provides distinct areas for cats and dogs. This smaller and more personalised kennel operates alongside The Veterinary Clinic and also caters to animals in need of special attention. Pets are monitored closely and medicines and treatments can be administered if required. Prices for boarding are CI$24 for dogs and CI$19 for cats, daily, and the price includes food.
Pet Grooming
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. Cost is usually about CI$40 per hour without a home visit; expect to add an extra CI$20 if you want them to come to your home and some charge CI$5 if you don't supply shampoo.
North Sound Road Tel: (345) 943 7387
Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah
Tel: (345) 945 7387
Tel: (345) 949 9256
Tel: (345) 947 2578
Dog Trainers
Kenneth Morgan/Cayman Canine Training Services
Tel: (345) 916 2075
Email: dogtrainer@candw.ky
Poop Patrol
Favourite dog walking areas are South Sound Beach (access by the Community Centre), Barker's Beach in West Bay and Seven Mile Beach. It is recommended that you keep your dogs on a leash when walking on roads or park areas. If your dogs are well behaved and controllable few people will have a problem with you letting them loose down the beach. However you must take a plastic bag with you and pick up after your dog. Leaving waste in public anywhere, especially on the beach, is highly frowned upon and may lead to dogs being banned from certain areas.
Please note that in the Fall of 2009 there was an increase in paraquat poisonings of dogs. The most affected area has been South Sound Beach. Even though it is still an incredibly popular area for walking dogs please be cautious for the foreseeable future. Paraquat poisoning is not treatable and the vast majority of dogs die even if a small amount is injested.
Go back to the Education section
Go forward to the Food & Drink section
New Resident®© is registered and copyrighted. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic or mechanical, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without the prior consent of the publisher.
|
