When entering the Philippines, there are two lanes for customs processing:
Permissible Imports
For those entering the Philippines who are 18 years old and above, the following are free to import:
Restricted Imports
Prohibited Items
If you want to bring your pet to the Philippines, it can be done but takes planning and preparation. Taking your pet into another country usually includes:
Some airlines allow pets to travel in an airplane's cabin, provided their cage is small enough to fit under your seat. Small birds may also be able to travel in the cabin, but tropical birds such as parrots are usually not allowed.
If your pet's cage does not fit under your seat, you will have to ship it as checked baggage. Since the outside air temperature also affects the temperature in the cargo bay, airlines may restrict the transportation of pets during certain times of the year. Airlines have special requirements for containers in the cabin and cargo bay. Make sure you get detailed information from your preferred airlines before purchasing a cage or kennel.
Before leaving, acquaint your animal with the kennel or container. Add some familiar toys or some of your clothing items, so your pet has a sense of familiarity during the transport. Sedation of your pet during the trip is generally not recommended and should only be used as a last resort.
There are also pet relocation services that figure out all the details of the move. These services tend to be quite expensive, but take away the stress of doing it yourself.
All pets entering the Philippines must be accompanied by:
For more details, visit this page on the Bureau of Animal Industry website: Issuance of Veterinary Quarantine Clearance.
If your pets do not have the requirements mentioned above or if they are declared as not in good health upon inspection at the airport, your pet may be quarantined for 30 days.
For further information, you can refer to this page on bringing pets to the Philippines or our article on Expat Pets.
U.S. Citizens: The free pamphlet "Know Before You Go" at http://www.cbp.gov/ is very helpful. (Click on "Travel" and then click on "Know Before You Go! Online Brochure")
You can also contact:
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
1300 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20229
Tel. 877/287-8667
Canadian Citizens: "I Declare", issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500) is helpful.
Australian Citizens: A helpful brochure called "Know Before You Go" is available from Australian consulates or Customs offices. Call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to http://www.customs.gov.au/.
Update 9/06/2016
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