Skip to main content

Cayman Islands (KY)

A high-income, English-speaking Caribbean financial centre with no direct personal income tax, strong professional opportunities, excellent beaches, and very high housing, healthcare, school, and import-driven living costs.

Capital: George Town
Region: Americas
Language: English
Currency: KYD (CI$)
Cost of living: Very expensive (index 86)
Emergency: 911
Premium

Bringing Pets to Cayman Islands

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies for dogs and cats where applicable Core dog/cat vaccines recommended by vet Tapeworm/tick treatment if required by current import permit

Restricted Breeds

CRITICAL — pets from any Asian, African, Central American, or South American country are NOT permitted to enter or transit the Cayman Islands. This is a geographic origin ban, not a breed restriction. Only pets originating from approved countries (primarily US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Caribbean islands) are eligible for import.Pit Bull Terrier type dogs and other restricted/dangerous dogs may be refused or tightly controlled; verify with Department of Agriculture before shipping.

💰 Costs

Import permit, vet certificates, airline cargo, crate, broker, and arrival handling commonly total US$800-3,000+ per pet before any relocation-agent fee.

🐕 Dog Tax / Registration

No national annual dog tax, but strata, rental, and import restrictions matter. Some condos ban pets or restrict size/breed.

Register with a local vet soon after arrival; options include Island Veterinary Services, Cayman Animal Hospital, and other private clinics.

📋 Relocation Process

Start 3-6 months before travel. Confirm current Department of Agriculture import rules, microchip the pet, update vaccines, obtain import permit, book approved airline routing, complete pre-export vet certificate, and notify arrival handlers.

Never fly a pet during hurricane disruption without a backup plan. Landlords and strata rules are often stricter than government pet rules.