Skip to main content

Dominican Republic (DO)

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination — a lively Spanish-speaking nation sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

Capital: Santo Domingo
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: DOP (RD$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 40)
Emergency: 911
Premium

Bringing Pets to Dominican Republic

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination (mandatory — must be at least 30 days old at time of travel, but not older than 12 months) DHPP — Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (required) Antiparasitic treatment (deworming) within 7 days before travel Flea and tick treatment within 7 days before travel

Restricted Breeds

Pit Bull Terrier and crossesAmerican Staffordshire Terrier and crossesCheck with DIGEGA for current restricted breed list as regulations can change

💰 Costs

Veterinary costs for health certificate preparation: USD 100–300. DIGEGA import permit: RD$1,000–2,000. Official government veterinarian endorsement of health certificate (in country of origin): USD 50–150. Airline pet fee (in-cabin): USD 75–200. Airline pet fee (cargo/hold): USD 200–600 depending on carrier and weight. Pet relocation specialist (optional but recommended): USD 300–800.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Microchip your pet with an ISO 15-digit chip (ISO 11784/11785) — must be implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination. 2. Administer rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel (not older than 12 months). 3. Complete DHPP vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment within 7 days of travel. 4. Obtain health certificate from a government-accredited veterinarian in your home country within 10 days of travel date. 5. Get the health certificate endorsed by your national government veterinary authority (USDA APHIS, CFIA, DEFRA, etc.). 6. Apply for DIGEGA import permit before travel (allow 1–2 weeks processing). 7. On arrival at Dominican airport, present all documents to DIGEGA inspection. 8. No quarantine needed if all documentation is complete and correct.

The Dominican Republic is generally dog-friendly in daily life — beaches, outdoor restaurants, and many residential communities welcome pets. Heartworm is endemic in the DR — monthly prevention (Heartgard or similar) is not optional. Tropical parasites (ticks, fleas, intestinal worms) are year-round concerns. Dominican veterinary costs are significantly lower than in the US or Europe: annual check-up and vaccines typically RD$1,500–3,500. Use a pet relocation specialist (Paws Pet Relocation or similar) for your first import — timing and document requirements are precise.