Whenever the laws and regulations concerning the movement and health of livestock, poultry,
birds, and other animals into the territory of Puerto Rico are more restrictive than the laws and
regulations of the Federal Government, the laws and regulations of Puerto Rico shall apply in
addition to those of the Federal Government.
No livestock, poultry, birds or other animals that are affected with or have been exposed to an
infectious, contagious, communicable disease, or ectoparasites or which originated in an area
quarantined by a Territory, State, or the Federal Government because of such disease or
parasites shall be permitted to be introduced into Puerto Rico except with a permit issued by
the SAHO of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture.
Each animal or bird that applies for entry to Puerto Rico must be accompanied by an official
certificate of veterinary inspection, signed by an accredited veterinarian in the state or territory
of origin and will be valid for 30 days from the inspection date. An Import Permit is required
prior to shipment of the animals or birds.
All applications for an import permit must be directed to the SAHO, PRDA Veterinary Diagnostic
Lab. #9 Rd. 693, Dorado, PR 00646-3445, and the following information must be included (see
attachment #001-03/13/2023):
1. Name and address of consignor and consignee.
2. Species and number of animals
3. Exact description of the animals or birds including an official individual identification
(microchip for horses and birds), dogs and cats (collar with metallic Id tag or microchip).
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, other), age,
sex and race.
4. Point of origin
5. The date and results of laboratory or another test.
6. Dates of vaccinations and vaccines administered.
7. Proposed date of shipment.
8. Destination and local address.
9. Means of transportation.
10. Reason for shipment and use of animals.
11. A health certificate stating that the animals are free of symptoms of infectious or
contagious diseases or have been exposed to any diseases.
Contact the PRDA SAHO office for information on Import Permit Requests and charges. See
annex included in this site for additional information.