How to Get a Pet Passport Philippines [2023 GUIDE]

Whether you are planning on traveling with a pet to or from the Philippines, there are strict rules that apply.

Getting a Pet Passport Philippines to enter the Philippines is easy and will just take 4 simple steps:

1. Research – entry requirements can vary depending on your pet’s species, age and breed. There are different entry regulations for different pet species. It’s important to ensure that your pet is permitted. If you are flying, you need to ensure your fly into an airport that allows the import of pets. Furthermore, you will need additional paperwork if your pet is an endangered species.
2. Visit the vet – dogs and cats need a microchip, rabies vaccinations and parasite treatment, and all pets need a general health check and health certificate at minimum.
3. Document endorsement – health certificates must be endorsed by your governing authority responsible for import and export of animals.
4. Apply for permits and licenses – you must apply for a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance form from the Bureau of Animal Industry in advance of your pet’s arrival. You can apply online or in person. Filipinos will need to apply for a Notarised Affidavit of Undertaking license, and foreigners will need to apply for a Undertaking of Foreign Importers form. You may also require a Pro-forma Invoice (cargo only).

Getting a Pet Passport to export pets from the Philippines may be a little more complicated as entry requirements for different countries vary.

In this article we will discuss the requirements to get a Pet Passport Philippines in.

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What is a Pet Passport Philippines?

Philippines does not have an official ‘Pet Passport’, however it is a term used to describe the documents that are required to travel to the Philippines with a pet. Customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your pet. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. With a Pet Passport for the Philippines, in most circumstances, your pet will not have to face a lengthly quarantine period. Generally, your pet will require a microchip, rabies vaccination, parasite treatment, health certificate and sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance certificate. To export pets from the Philippines, you may require additional vaccinations and documents, as each country has different import requirements. 

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What does a Pet Passport Philippines contain?

A Pet Passport Philippines contains all the documents required to enter or leave the Philippines with your pet. Essentially, it will prove that your pet is fit and healthy enough to travel. Pet Passports are required to ensure imported pets don’t pose as a health threat to other animals.

A Pet Passport Philippines can contain any of the following information:

1. Details of ownership (name, address, passport number, telephone, etc.)
2. Description of the animal (name, species, breed, date of birth, etc.)
3. Official veterinarian’s details
4. Rabies vaccination certificate
5. Microchip details
6. Health certificate
7. Parasite treatment records
8. Additional vaccinations recorded and treatment records
9. An optional photo
10. Rabies antibody titer test results
11. Anti-echinococcus treatment record

At minimum, your Philippines pet passport will contain those listed 1-8. These are compulsory in order to travel to the Philippines with a dog or cat. Those listed 9-11 are potential requirements that your pet may need, whether you are traveling into the Philippines or if you are traveling outside of the country. We will go into more detail below.

All records must be signed and stamped by your official veterinarian with official stickers from the medication used.

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How do I get a Pet Passport Philippines?

RESEARCH

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

Find out entry requirements for your pet’s species.

There are specific requirements for different species entering the Philippines. Generally, cats and dogs will require the following:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination
• Additional vaccines
• Parasite treatment
• Sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance form

For detailed information on the requirements of bringing pets to the Philippines, check the requirements section below.

For more details on specific requirements for different species skip to the ‘What are species-specific requirements for a Filipino Pet Passport?‘ section.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO ANOTHER COUNTRY

Check the entry requirements for your destination country and pet species. 

It is likely that your pet will only require a rabies vaccination, health certificate, parasite treatments and a microchip. These are the general requirements to enter many countries with a pet.

However, many countries have additional requirements, including the following:

• Additional vaccinations, i.e. parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, hepatitis and distemper
• Import permits / licenses
• Government endorsement

If traveling outside of the Philippines, find out the requirements of your destination country before visiting the vet. You will also need to check whether there are any requirements to return to your home country.

We will discuss the requirements in detail below.

VISIT YOUR VET

When booking the appointment, inform your vet where you and your pet are heading to, so they can prepare your pet’s vaccinations. If you are traveling outside of the Philippines, they may need to prepare additional vaccinations and treatments.

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

All pets will need to have their health checked before traveling to the Philippines. You will need to show an endorsed health certificate to customs officials to enter the Philippines with a pet. Dogs and cats will also need a microchip, parasite treatment and vaccinations. 

Whether your pet needs vaccinations depends on its species. Only dogs and cats require a vaccinations, including rabies vaccination. Dogs must also be vaccinated against distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, adenovirus type 2, and cats must be vaccinated against herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia and feline leukemia. Other pet’s such as rabbits, rodents and birds do not require vaccinations.

At your appointment, your vet will complete any vaccinations, if required, and perform a basic health examination to ensure your pet is well enough to travel.

Once the veterinarian is happy your pet is ready for travel, they will review and stamp all your paperwork. The appointment should take no longer than half an hour.

For more detailed information on the requirements skip to ‘What are the requirements for a Pet Passport Philippines?‘.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

If you are traveling from the Philippines with a pet, your pet will likely need additional treatments. At minimum your pet will need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and health check. Once your vet is happy that your pet is healthy enough for travel, they will review and stamp your paperwork.

Some countries also require that pets have a rabies titer test or rabies blood test, before entry. If your destination country requires a blood test then your vet will need to take a blood sample from your pet, before sending it off to a laboratory for testing.

We will discuss entry requirements for a Pet Passport Philippines in more detail below. Skip ahead here.

DOCUMENT ENDORSEMENT

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

As mentioned above, you will need a health certificate to enter the Philippines with pets. Your pet’s health certificate must also be endorsed by your home country’s Governing Authority responsible for the import and export of animals.

For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

You can apply for document endorsement by contacting your local governing body. If you are in the USA, you can find your local USDA endorsement office here. If you are traveling from Canada, you can check your local animal health office here.

You will usually require the following information:

• Original health certificate, signed and dated by an accredited veterinarian.
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Import permit
• Payment for endorsement services
• Prepaid shipping label to return documents

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Whether you will need your documents endorsed, depends on the country you are visiting. Different countries have different entry requirements.

APPLY FOR LICENSING & PERMITS

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

All pets will need to obtain a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance prior to entering the Philippines. Filipinos will need to apply for a Notarised Affidavit of Undertaking license, and foreigners will need to apply for a Undertaking of Foreign Importers form. You may also require a Proforma Invoice (cargo only).

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance form / Import Permit

All pets entering the Philippines under any circumstances must be issued a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance form in the Philippines whether accompanied or unaccompanied, prior to entering the country. The clearance license must be applied for in person or online by the owner or a representative of the owner.

The permit is valid up to 3 pets and for up to 2 months stay in the Philippines.

These document take about 5-10 working days to obtain.

Proforma Invoice (cargo only)

If you are bringing your pet into the Philippines by air cargo, you will need a proforma invoice to show customs officials at the airport.

For more information on the permits and licensing you need, check the Permit and Licenses section below.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

You may require an import permit, depending on where you are exporting your pet to. Different countries have different entry requirements, many of them require an import permit. You will need to check the specific requirements for the country you are visiting.

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What are the requirements for a Pet Passport Philippines?

Depending on your pet’s species, age and where you are traveling from/to, the requirements for a Pet Passport Philippines can be any of the following:

1. Microchip
2. Rabies vaccination
3. Additional vaccinations
4. Parasite treatments
5. Health certificate
6. Permits & licenses
7. CITES permit

MICROCHIPPING

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

Dogs and cats must be microchipped in order to obtain a pet passport Philippines. It is also a requirement for entering most countries. 

A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip is around the size of a grain of rice – and is implanted just under your pet’s skin between its shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner.

We recommend that microchipping your pet is the first step in the process of obtaining a Filipino pet passport. This is because in many countries your pet’s rabies vaccination won’t be valid unless your pet is microchipped first.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Not all countries require pets to have microchips fitted before traveling, however most of them do. It is also highly recommended for all pets to increase the likelihood you are your pet being reunited if lost.

RABIES VACCINATION

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

Dogs and cats (above the age of 3 months) require rabies vaccinations when traveling to most countries, including the Philippines. If your pet is not a dog or cat, he or she will not need a rabies vaccination. Instead, your pet will likely require an official health certificate to travel to the Philippines. Please see below for more information on health certificates.

In order to obtain a Pet Passport Philippines, dogs and cats will need to have their rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the country.

The Philippines recognises both 1-year rabies vaccinations, and 3-year vaccinations.

You can get your pet’s rabies vaccination at your local vet, alternatively some charities offer this service for free or for a discounted price. However, please note that all vaccines must be administered by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian or USDA-accredited veterinarian.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Not only is a rabies vaccination a requirement to export a pet from the Philippines, most countries require a rabies vaccination before pet importation.

For domestic transport, your dog or cat must be no less than 3 1/2 months of age if vaccinated for rabies at 91 days of age. Your pet’s rabies certificate must show that their rabies vaccination was between 2 weeks and 12 months of export.

ADDITIONAL VACCINES

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

In order to get a Pet Passport Philippines to import pets to the Philippines, dogs and cats must also have additional vaccines, on top of their rabies vaccine. 

For a pet passport Philippines, dogs should be vaccinated against the following:

• Distemper
• infectious hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Adenovirus type 2,

For a pet passport Philippines, cats should be vaccinated against the following:

• Herpes
• Calicivirus
• Feline Pan Leukopenia
• Feline Leukemia

These vaccinations must be administered between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the Philippines. All vaccines must be administered by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarian or USDA-accredited veterinarian.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

If you are exporting pets from the Philippines, dogs and cats require additional vaccines on top of their rabies vaccination.

To export dogs from the Philippines, they must be vaccinated against the following:

• Distemper
• infectious hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Adenovirus type 2,

To export cats from the Philippines, they must be vaccinated against the following:

• Herpes
• Calicivirus
• Feline Pan Leukopenia
• Feline Leukemia

Your pet may also require more vaccinations, depending on the country that you are visiting, as different countries and territories have different requirements.

For example – Turkey requires that all dogs need vaccines against parainfluenza, leptospirosis, parvovirus, bordetella, hepatitis and distemper before being allowed into the country. 

Check whether your destination country requires additional vaccinations.

TAPEWORM TREATMENT (DOGS ONLY)

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

In order to get a Pet Passport Philippines to import pets to the Philippines, dogs will need to be treated against tapeworm. This doesn’t apply to cats or other pet species. 

All dogs must be wormed by a vet, with this recorded in their pet passport.

The treatment must contain praziquantel and must be administered by a veterinarian. This needs to be done within 48 hours of entry to the Philippines. If you fail to have your dog treated within this time scale, then he or she may be put into quarantine.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

This is a requirement for dogs to enter some countries, including the UK, Finland, Malta or Norway. Check if this is a requirement for your destination country.

PERMITS & LICENSES

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

All pets will need to obtain a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance form prior to entering the Philippines. Filipinos will need to apply for a Notarised Affidavit of Undertaking license, and foreigners will need to apply for a Undertaking of Foreign Importers form. You may also require a Proforma Invoice (cargo only).

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance / Import Permit

All pets entering the Philippines under any circumstances must be issued a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance form from the Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The clearance license must be applied for in person or online by the owner or a representative of the owner. The permit is valid up to 3 pets and for up to 2 months stay in the Philippines.

The application procedure requires the owner to create an account and provide a current email address. They will then need to complete the application form in all its parts.

To apply for a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance form, you can:

1. Go to http://www.bai.da.gov.ph/ and click BAI ONE TIME LINK (almost at the bottom of the page). This leads to the form to fill out and submit.
2. Alternately, do direct to https://www.intercommerce.com.ph/registrationbai.asp and fill out the form.

To check the status of the application, go to http://www.intercommerce.com.ph/home.asp or http://www.intercommerce.com.ph/login.asphome=HOME.

Approval usually takes 1-2 days. You also have the option to apply by sending a letter, however this will of course take longer.

Proforma Invoice (cargo only)

If you are bringing your pet into the Philippines by air cargo, you will need a proforma invoice to show customs officials at the airport.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

You will need to apply for an export permit to export pets from the Philippines. Furthermore, you may need an import permit to bring pets to another country.

A veterinary health certificate must be submitted and endorsed by the National Veterinary Quarantine Service (NVQS) prior to your pet’s export permit being issued. Your pet can be inspected at this agency or a health certificate can be issued by a private vet no sooner than 3 days of visiting the NVQS.

Many countries require import permits when visiting with pets, these usually must be issued from your destination country or province.

For example, if you are traveling to Thailand with your pet, you must obtain a import permit from the Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD).

Check whether your destination country requires an import permit.

HEALTH CERTIFICATE

TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES

In order to obtain a Pet Passport to import your pet to the Philippines, you will need a health certificate. 

As mentioned above, you will need a health certificate to import pets to the Philippines. You can obtain a health certificate from your veterinary clinic within 30 days of entry to the Philippines.

Your pet’s health certificate must also be endorsed by your home country’s Governing Authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

You can apply for document endorsement by contacting your local governing body. If you are in the USA, you can find your local USDA endorsement office here. If you are traveling from Canada, you can check your local animal health office here.

TRAVELING FROM THE PHILIPPINES

If you are exporting pets from the Philippines, you will need a health certificate endorsed by the National Veterinary Quarantine Service (NVQS) in the Philippines.

A health certificate is a compulsory requirement to export pets from the Philippines, it is also a requirement to enter many countries. In most cases, your health certificate will also need to be endorsed by the country’s authority responsible for the import and export of animals. For example, if you are traveling from the US, you will need your documents endorsed by the USDA. If you are traveling from Canada, you will need to have your documents endorsed by CFIA.

Check the specific entry requirements for your destination country.

CITES PERMIT

If your pet is covered by CITES regulations, then it is subject to 30 days of quarantine in the originating country and will be subject to 30 days of quarantine in the Philippines. 

If you are traveling with a domestic dog or cat, then you will not need a CITES permit, this is generally just the case for some reptiles and parrots. You can check whether your pet is protected here.

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What are species-specific requirements for taking pets to the Philippines?

TAKING DOGS TO THE PHILIPPINES

For a Filipino pet passport to take dogs to the Philippines you require the following:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccination (1 year and 3 year vaccinations are accepted)
• Distemper vaccination
• infectious hepatitis vaccination
• Parvovirus vaccination
• Leptospirosis vaccination
• Adenovirus type 2 vaccination
• Tapeworm treatment
• Import permit

Dogs must be over the age of 3 months to travel to the Philippines.

TAKING CATS TO THE PHILIPPINES

For a Filipino pet passport to take cats to the Philippines you require the following:

• Microchip
• Rabies vaccinations (1 year and 3 year vaccinations are accepted)
• Herpes vaccinations
• Calicivirus vaccinations
• Feline Pan Leukopenia vaccinations
• Feline Leukemia vaccinations
• Import permit

Cats must be over the age of 3 months to travel to the Philippines.

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TAKING RABBITS, RODENTS, REPTILES & AMPHIBIA TO THE PHILIPPINES

Invertebrates, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits may be imported to the Philippines, but you must follow a different process.

You must submit a letter request to the Animal Health Division in the Philippines, with the following information:

• Species and breed of your pet
• Sex and age of your pet
• Number of animals imported
• Expected date of arrival
• Country of origin
• Your address, phone number (and/or those of the importer)

CITES certificates should also be presented if your pet is protected under the CITES scheme.

If you are importing more than 5 pets, an inspection of premise for home quarantine will be required.

They do not need any vaccinations, or a microchip.

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Flying into the Philippines with a pet

Whether you are flying with your pet or it will be flying without you, it is important to choose an airline that serves the entire route from beginning to end. Before selecting an airline you will need to check their pet policies to ensure that they will allow your pet to fly. Will the airline allow your dog or cat to fly in the cabin with you? What are the restrictions? Will your pet need to travel in the cargo hold? Another option for airline pet travel is by private charter. Although this is more expensive than commercial airlines, pets will fly in the cabin with their owners in luxury, regardless of their size.

BEFORE YOU FLY

You are permitted to bring up to three dogs or cats with you – if you are planning on bringing more you will need to get in contact with Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). If bringing more than 5 animals, an inspection of the residence is also required.

Book your flight into an approved port of entry – pet animals can only enter the Philippines through the ports of Manila or Cebu.

Ensure you have the correct carrier – pets are required to travel in an appropriate cage according to its size and weight if travelling as freight. The requirements will differ depending on your airline, and whether your pet will travel in the cabin or the cargo. Generally, only dogs and cats weighing less than 5 kg can travel in the cabin in an agreed bag (depending on your airline). Carriers and crates must be leak proof.

Animals must be accompanied by a passenger over the age of 12 – the accompanying passenger assumes full responsibility for the animals.

ONCE YOU LAND

Clinical examination and document check – after arrival you will need to bring the your pet, along with the original health documents, to the Quarantine Station. The quarantine officer will verify your pet’s veterinary health certificate and vaccination records. Additionally, your pet will have a clinical examination/quarantine observation to ensure your pet is healthy and disease free. The animal/(s) will be examined clinically at the Quarantine Station for issuing Provisional Quarantine Clearance Certificate.

If the dog or cat is/are free from any clinical illness as well as the documents including veterinary certificate/ vaccination records are found in order, quarantine isn’t usually required. However, if the pet is detected with any signs of clinical illness during inspection, then they will be placed in quarantine.

FLIGHT OPTIONS

Accompanied cargo / in the cabin – generally, small inoffensive domestic pets such as dogs, cats and birds, accompanied by valid Health and Rabies vaccination certificates, will be accepted on domestic flights in the cabin or in cargo hold at owner’s risk and subject to requirements of the carrier. This is usually not an option for international flights, however it differs between airlines.

Manifest cargo – manifest cargo is a system wherein the import of pet is done using the airline cargo. If the pet is being transported in this manner, the documents must include of copy of the passport of the owner/caretaker, a copy of the owner/caretaker’s e-ticket and a copy of the air way bill.

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What airlines allow flying a pets to the Philippines?

Most airlines allow flying pets to the Philippines. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a pet, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with pets, including which breeds are allowed, the size and weight of pets that are permitted, and the number of pets they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow pets to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their pets, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs and cats that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because they must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

Philippine Airlines allows pets to fly on both domestic and regional flights. Just like with excess baggage, the fee will be calculated depending on weight:

Domestic flights:
Up to 20 kg – PHP 1,000 per 5 kg (e.g., 11 kg – PHP 3,000).
15.1 kg up to 50 kg – PHP 2,000 per 10 kg (e.g., 37 kg – PHP 8,000).

Regional flights – depending on the total weight (pet + container):
1-4 kg – 100% EBR for 5 kg.
5 kg and above – 100% EBR for the actual weight.

For a list of airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, check:

• 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With a Cat In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• Which Airlines Allow Ferrets In Cabin? [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines that Allow Rabbits in the Plane Cabin [201 Policies & Prices]

For a list of airlines that allow other pets on their planes, check: 

• 13 Airlines That Allow Pet Birds on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Pet Snakes on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Lizards on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Rodents on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• Which Airlines Allow Hedgehogs on Planes? [Policies & Prices]

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Guidelines for Pet Carriers

If you are flying to the Philippines with a pet, it is important that you use a pet carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different pet carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your pet carrier is approved for your chosen airline, aircraft and route. 

The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) ensure that dogs are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).

Furthermore, the rules for pet carriers also vary depending on whether your pet will be flying in the cabin or cargo area of the plane.

If you are travelling in the cabin with your dog or cat, then you will need to ensure that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. This is why, generally, only small dogs and cats weighing under 7-8kg are permitted in the cabin.

Additionally, if traveling with a dog, airlines often require that he or she is be obedient to your commands and can behave appropriately in public. Thus, he mustn’t bark or growl at other passengers or staff. If your dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, some airlines may transfer him to the cargo hold at an additional cost, or refuse to transport him all together. Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your pet is flight-ready.

MOST AIRLINES ONLY ACCEPT CAGES THAT COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING IATA REGULATIONS:

• The cage must not have wheels
• It must have a solid roof
• The screws and nuts that hold the lower and upper parts of the cage must be properly installed and tightened – because yes, the cage must consist of two sections, made of solid and rigid plastic
• The cage must also include bowls firmly attached to its lower wall containing food and water
• It must be clean, but also and above all waterproof and covered with materials capable of absorbing liquid materials
• It must be well ventilated, with openings in all 4 sides of the cage
• The cage must also be properly closed, using a lock that cannot be opened from the inside
• Finally, it must bear a label distinguishing the top from the bottom and another indicating that the cage contains a live animal

For a list of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, check 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies].

BUDGET	PET CARRIER	PRICE
LOW	AmazonBasics Pet Carrier Medium	CHECK HERE
MEDIUM	PetsFit Pet Carrier With Expandable Side	CHECK HERE
HIGH	Mr. Peanut’s Double Expandable, Soft-Sided Pet Carrier	CHECK HERE

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How much does a Pet Passport Philippines cost?

The cost of a Pet Passport Philippines can vary drastically. The price you pay will depend on the following:

• Your home country
• Where you are traveling to
• The veterinary clinic that you visit
• The species of your pet
• Whether your pet already has a microchip and rabies vaccination

Firstly, different countries and veterinary clinics will have different prices for veterinary treatments and vaccinations. If you want to save some money, check the prices of a few different veterinary clinics.

Furthermore, different countries have different requirements for importing pets.

Additionally, some pets species may require more treatments and vaccines than others. For example, dogs require more vaccinations than cats, when traveling to the Philippines. Alternatively, rodents, rabbits, reptiles and amphibians do not require any vaccinations.

If your pet already has a microchip, and a recent rabies vaccination, you will probably pay less for your Filipino pet passport. Generally, a microchip and rabies vaccination both costs between $20-60 each, in the USA.

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How long does it take to get a Pet Passport Philippines?

It may take up around 1 month to get your pet a pet passport Philippines to import a pet into the Philippines.

Getting your pet’s microchip, vaccinations and health certificate shouldn’t take long, just a quick appointment at the vet. However, you will need to wait at least 30 days after getting your pet’s rabies vaccination, before you can enter the Philippines.

Furthermore, you will need to apply for a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance permit, which can be obtained in person in the Philippines or online. The certificate generally takes 5 working days to obtain, however it can take longer. You will also need to apply for a Notarised Affidavit of Undertaking (Filipinos) or Undertaking of Foreign Importers form (non-Filipinos). If you are shipping your pet via air cargo, you will also need to apply for a proforma invoice.

To save time, when making an appointment be sure to advise the veterinarian staff that you want to get a pet passport. This will ensure that they have everything required in stock and will allow them time to prepare.

To export a pet from the Philippines, it may take you longer than a day to get your complete pet passport.

Different countries have different requirements for importation of pets, so the time depends on where you are traveling to. For example, if you are traveling to a country that requires a rabies titer test (rabies blood test), the process will take longer. In these cases, you should allow yourself at least 4 months to prepare. This is because you must wait 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination to have their blood sample taken. Once you have your results back, you must then wait an additional 3 months before your pet is permitted to travel.

Give your veterinary clinic a call to confirm roughly how long it will take them based on where you are going.

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What are the requirements to return to Philippines after travel?

The same requirements apply to dogs or cats that originated from the Philippines. Thus, your dog or cat will need a microchip, proof of current rabies vaccination, parasite treatments, a health certificate, and licenses.

Can my pet travel to the Philippines with an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport permits pets to travel to EU countries and listed non-EU countries without having to face quarantine. The Philippines is unfortunately not listed as a country that accepts EU pet passports, however as long as your pet's rabies vaccinations are up to date, you can use an EU Pet Passport. You will just require additional documents, such as parasite treatments, additional vaccinations and an import permit.

Can I bring my puppy or kitten to the Philippines?

Yes, however they must be older than 4 months old. Dogs and cats under the age of 3 months are not permitted to enter the Philippines. Additionally, your dog or cat will need a rabies vaccination, after which you will need to wait 30 days before entering the Philippines.

Can I relocate to the Philippines with my pet?

Yes, many people relocate to the Philippines each year. As long as you follow the guidelines above then moving to the Philippines with a pet should be simple. This means, making sure that your pet has any required vaccinations and has all the documents required to enter the country.

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Bottom Line

Obtaining a pet passport to bring your pet to the Philippines can be a little complicated. Firstly, your pet (dogs and cats) will require a microchip. They will also need a valid rabies vaccination, one that has been administered between 30 days and 1 year prior to entering the Philippines, and a health certificate. Pet species other than dogs and cats will not require microchipping or a rabies vaccination, however you will require a health certificate and an approval letter from the Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

When organising travel, ensure that your chosen airline allows your pet to fly on their planes. Different airlines have different pet policies, some may allow your pet to travel with you in the cabin, where others will only allow pets in the cargo area.

Quarantine in the Philippines is not common, however if your pet is shown to have any signs of disease upon clinical inspection, they will be quarantined.

If you are exporting a pet from the Philippines to another country, the requirements vary a lot as each country has its own entry requirements. However, it is likely that your pet will need a microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate.

Hope you have found this helpful – happy travels!