Official Import Rules
Haiti requires the following for cat imports:
- Valid rabies vaccination certificate administered at least 30 days before arrival
- International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by your government veterinary authority
- Microchip identification (ISO standard)
- Import permit (permis d'importation) for live animals, formally requested from Haiti's quarantine authority — the DQCSPAP (Direction de la Quarantaine et Contrôle Sanitaire des Produits Agricoles et de la Pêche), which operates under MARNDR. The U.S. government's Trade.gov Haiti guide (prepared by U.S. Embassy staff) confirms that an import permit/sanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture is required for animal imports, with formal requests submitted to the Agriculture Quarantine Division. The permit carries a 15-day validity window.
Haiti does not require a rabies titer test.
Haiti is not listed on the USDA APHIS pet travel country pages — it falls under 'unknown requirements,' meaning APHIS has not been officially informed of Haiti's specific pet entry requirements and no APHIS-endorsed health certificate template exists for Haiti.
US travellers should contact MARNDR's quarantine directorate (DQCSPAP) directly for current requirements, and carry a health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet as a best practice; however, APHIS endorsement is not confirmed as required by Haiti.
Due to ongoing security challenges, enforcement of pet import regulations can be inconsistent.
Medical Roadmap
Get your cat microchipped (ISO 11784/11785).
Administer rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel.
Obtain a veterinary health certificate within 10 days of departure.
Contact MARNDR's quarantine directorate (DQCSPAP) directly to formally request your import permit (permis d'importation). The permit has a 15-day validity window. Haiti is not listed on USDA APHIS pet travel pages; carry a health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet as best practice, but APHIS endorsement is not confirmed as required.
Book airline — American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit serve Port-au-Prince from the US.
Present all documents to customs and agricultural officials at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Preparation Checklist
2 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
While there is no guaranteed quarantine-free entry, pets arriving with complete documentation may be cleared on arrival. However, travellers should be aware of a meaningful quarantine risk: the U.S. government's Trade.gov guide on Haiti import requirements (prepared by U.S.
Embassy staff) states that imported live animals are subject to quarantine, and that an inspector from the DQCSPAP (Office of Quarantine and Control of Fishing and Agricultural Products) may recommend up to 15 days of quarantine upon arrival.
Plan ahead for this possibility. Ensure you have arrangements in place should your cat be held on arrival, and factor potential quarantine costs and duration into your travel planning.
City & Housing Tips
Port-au-Prince is the capital and main entry point. Pétionville (hillside suburb) is the preferred expat area with better security and amenities. Cap-Haïtien in the north is smaller but more peaceful. Veterinary services are very limited throughout the country.
Vets & Common Parasites
Very limited companion animal veterinary care. Some clinics operate in Port-au-Prince and Pétionville. The Haitian Veterinary Medical Association may help locate services. Bring medications and supplies. Several NGOs operate animal welfare programs that may assist.
Find Vets in HaitiExit Rules — Leaving Haiti
Exit requirements depend on destination. Veterinary services in Haiti can issue health certificates, though availability may be limited. Plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Haiti faces significant security challenges. If relocating for NGO/humanitarian work, your organization may provide guidance. Ensure your cat will have a secure, climate-controlled living environment.
Yes — several US airlines serve Port-au-Prince and some allow pets in cabin or cargo. American Airlines and JetBlue are common options. Check individual airline pet policies.
Imported pet food can be found in some supermarkets in Port-au-Prince and Pétionville, but selection is limited and prices are high. Consider bringing a supply with you.
Community Tips
A DQCSPAP inspector may recommend up to 15 days of quarantine on arrival. Plan ahead and have contingency arrangements in place before you travel.
The rabies titer test for Haiti takes time — blood must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, and lab results take 2–3 weeks. Don't leave this to the last minute.
Have you moved to Haiti with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.