Planning a trip to the beautiful island of Guam and want to bring your furry friend along? Understanding the required documentation is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by TRAVELS.EDU.VN, outlines everything you need to know about What Documents Do I Need To Travel To Guam with your beloved pet. We’ll break down the specific requirements for dogs and cats, covering vaccinations, permits, quarantine regulations, and more. Let TRAVELS.EDU.VN help you navigate the process and ensure your pet’s arrival in Guam is as seamless as possible. We aim to provide clarity and support, making your pet travel preparations straightforward.
1. Understanding Guam’s Quarantine Regulations
Guam is a rabies-free island, and its quarantine laws are in place to protect both residents and animals from the devastating effects of rabies. It’s vital to understand these regulations before planning your trip. These regulations are enforced through Title 10 Guam Code Annotated Chapter 34 Article 3, which governs the entry of dogs, cats, and other carnivores. Bringing a pet to Guam without a valid Entry Permit can result in imprisonment of the pet owner and a fine not to exceed $1,000. The Guam Department of Agriculture recommends that owners of pets that are very old, very young, chronically ill, or experience difficulty in hot climates carefully consider whether or not Guam is the right destination for their pet. Pregnant animals past 45 days of gestation are prohibited from entering quarantine.
2. General Requirements for All Pets
Regardless of the quarantine program your pet qualifies for, there are several pre-arrival steps that are common to all pets. These are essential for ensuring your pet’s entry into Guam. For all quarantine programs, you must comply with each requirement and submit copies containing the veterinarian’s printed and signed name on each document. Copies must be provided in English or with English translation.
2.1 Application for Entry Permit
Pet owners or their authorized representatives must submit a completed application with the payment of a non-refundable fee of Sixty Dollars ($60.00) per animal permit, $5.00 per pet license per licensed year. Puppies and kittens must be at least nine (9) weeks of age prior to any request for an entry permit. Money orders or certified checks should be made payable to “Treasurer of Guam”. Please do not send cash.
2.2 Affidavit for Export
Pet owners with animals originating directly from a designated rabies-free area must submit an affidavit for export or certificate of origin. This document certifies that the dog or cat was not outside the area of origin during the 4-month period immediately preceding the date of shipment and has not been vaccinated with a modified live rabies virus vaccine during the 4 months immediately prior to the date of shipment.
2.3 Vaccinations
All dogs and cats entering Guam are required to be vaccinated against rabies and other common infectious diseases prior to release on Guam. A document attesting to the administering of the vaccinations must include the name and address of the pet owner, name and description of the animal, dates of vaccinations, and certified with a full first and last printed name, clinic address, license number, and legible signature of veterinarian who administered the vaccinations.
2.3.1 Rabies Vaccination
Your pet requires certification of current rabies vaccination with an approved monovalent inactivated rabies vaccine administered not more than 365 days prior to the animal’s release from quarantine on Guam (36 months if vaccinated with an approved 3-year vaccine). Do not vaccinate your pet for rabies after blood is drawn for the FAVN test (if performed). Any subsequent rabies vaccination shall be administered not less than 30 days following the first vaccination and not more than 365 days (36 months with an approved 3-year vaccine prior to release on Guam. Each pet must have completed at least two rabies vaccinations in its life prior to release from commercial quarantine, and the most recent rabies vaccination must still be current).
2.3.2 Other Dog Vaccinations
Dogs shall be vaccinated not less than 10 days before departure, and the vaccination must still be current on arrival against:
- Canine Distemper Virus
- Canine Infectious Hepatitis Virus or Canine Adenovirus-2
- Canine Leptospirosis
- Canine Parainfluenza
- Canine Parvovirus
- Canine Bordatella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
2.3.3 Other Cat Vaccinations
Cats shall be vaccinated not less than 10 days before departure, and the vaccination must still be current on arrival against:
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus (feline viral enteritis)
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus-1)
- Feline Calicivirus
3. Quarantine Programs: Choosing the Right Option for Your Pet
Guam offers several quarantine programs, each with its own specific requirements. The program that’s right for your pet will depend on factors such as the country of origin and whether or not pre-arrival requirements are met. Choosing the right option depends on where your pet is coming from and whether you meet pre-arrival requirements.
3.1 Full 120-Days Commercial Quarantine
If your pet is not arriving from an exempt country or area and if your pet fails to pass or complete the FAVN testing and other requirements, then your pet will have to complete 120-days of commercial quarantine on Guam. There are no other options or exceptions.
3.2 Calculated Quarantine
If your pet has completed all of the requirements and has a rabies FAVN titer of at least 0.5 I.U to 0.99 i.u, then your pet will have to spend only as many days in commercial quarantine as required to reach 120 total days since the FAVN blood sample reached the laboratory.
3.3 Five (5) Days or Less with Home Quarantine on Guam
This option is available to animals originating in the mainland United States for 120 days or more and military personnel located on military installations (proof of supporting documents must be submitted for review). If the FAVN titer meets or exceeds 1.0 I.U., after the five days or less of commercial quarantine, the pet can be transferred to home quarantine for the remainder of the 120 days of total quarantine.
3.4 Exempt From Quarantine
If your pet is coming from an “exempt” country or area such as Japan or Hawaii and has been there for at least 120 days, then there is normally no commercial quarantine required on Guam.
3.4.1 Exempt Areas
Animals originating from the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Hawaii on direct flights to Guam may be exempt from quarantine requirements after meeting shipping and veterinary examination requirements.
Note: Users of service dogs belonging to a Federal or State Government Agency, and certified guide dogs may wish to have their animals qualified to allow them to enter Guam without being held in quarantine at the Commercial Quarantine Facility.
4. Additional Requirements for Calculated & Home Quarantine
If you’re aiming for a shorter quarantine period through the Calculated or Home Quarantine programs, there are additional steps you’ll need to take. These requirements are designed to ensure the health and safety of your pet and the community in Guam.
4.1 Electronic Microchip
All dogs and cats attempting to qualify for something other than the full 120-day commercial quarantine program are required to have an implanted electronic microchip. The microchip must be U.S. made and readable with an AVID universal scanner (i.e. AVID chip, Home Again chip). It is the owner’s responsibility to have the microchip implanted by a veterinarian and ensure that the microchip number is recorded on the serum sample before it is submitted for the rabies testing. The microchip number must be included on the results of the rabies antibody test.
4.2 OIE-Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization Test (OIE-FAVN Test, Rabies Antibody Test)
A rabies blood test (requiring 1 to 3 ml of serum) to determine if dogs and cats have responded adequately to the rabies vaccination is required prior to arrival as the first step to qualifying for the 0-5 day quarantine program. The testing laboratory must submit the test results directly to the Animal Quarantine Program at the Department of Agriculture, 163 Dairy Road, Mangilao, Guam 96913. The OIE-FAVN test must be conducted no more than 12 months prior to arrival into Guam. A result of 0.5 I.U. of rabies antibodies or greater per milliliter of blood or is required (1.0 I.U. required for the Home Quarantine).
4.2.1 Laboratories Where the Pre-Arrival OIE-FAVN Test Is Available
- The Rabies Laboratory, Kansas State University
- Research Institute for Animal Science & Biochemistry & Toxicology, Japan
- All laboratories currently listed on the EU DEFRA website
5. Quarantine Reservation
For animals originating from non-exempt areas, evidence of confirmed reservations at a government-approved quarantine facility must be attached with the Entry Permit packet. It shall be the pet owner’s responsibility to contact the facility directly for kennel reservation and rates.
5.1 Approved Quarantine Facilities
| Facility | Phone | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harper Valley Kennels | (671) 477-8381 | [email protected] | www.harpervet.net |
| Andersen Animal Quarantine & Kennel Facility (Military Only) | (671) 366-5020 | [email protected] | To be announced |
| Animal Medical Quarantine Facility | (671) 637-8387 | [email protected] | N/A |
6. Health Certificate
A health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days prior to arrival is required. The health certificate must be written in English, and it must be an original document. The health certificate must bear an original or stamped signature with legible name, address, and telephone number of the certifying veterinarian.
6.1 Required Information on the Health Certificate
- A complete description of the animal, including age, markings, sex, breed, body weight, and any additional identifying characteristics.
- Veterinarian’s statement certifying the animal has been treated to remove internal and external parasites within 14 days of arrival on Guam.
- The date of any parasite treatment.
- The name of the product(s) used and how applied.
- Certification that the animal is free of any evidence of infectious or contagious disease.
- Certification by the issuing veterinarian to the accuracy of the information stated on the health certificate.
- The microchip number and the date of implantation (not required for 120-day Commercial Quarantine).
- The name, serial or lot number, expiration date of the lot, and date of rabies vaccination.
7. Post-Arrival Requirements
Even after completing all the pre-arrival steps, there are still a few requirements to take care of once your pet arrives in Guam. Understanding these post-arrival procedures will help ensure a smooth transition for your pet.
7.1 Post-Arrival Health Examination
Any dog or cat eligible for less than 120 days of quarantine shall be transported directly to a commercial quarantine facility where a post-arrival examination by the quarantine veterinarian must be completed. This same examination must be completed for all dogs and cats arriving from EXEMPT AREAS too, but that examination shall be arranged and completed by the owner/agent within 72- hours of pet arrival, and any veterinarian licensed on Guam can complete this examination. The veterinarian responsible for the post-examination must submit a health examination certificate to the department verifying the health of the dog or the cat and provide his/her recommendations for the animal’s early release or continued quarantine status as deemed necessary. A certificate of completion must be obtained from the department prior to release.
8. Planning Your Pet’s Move: Quarantine Duration
The length of your pet’s quarantine will depend on several factors, including the country of origin and whether or not pre-arrival requirements have been met. Understanding these factors is crucial for planning your pet’s move.
8.1 Animals Originating in Non-Exempt Areas
Animals originating in non-exempt areas shall be transported directly to a commercial quarantine facility where a post-arrival examination by the quarantine veterinarian must be completed. If you have the time and resources to meet the requirements, you may be able to reduce the duration of commercial quarantine potentially to as little as a single day. Pets that have not initiated the laboratory testing prior to arrival on Guam must begin the full 120 days of commercial quarantine. However, this period can be shortened if the FAVN testing and other requirements are completed during the commercial quarantine. After successful FAVN testing is completed in quarantine it should be possible to release the animal into home quarantine for the remainder of the 120 days.
8.2 Rabies Vaccinations and Testing
Animals participating in quarantines on Guam of less than 120 days will have had their rabies titers tested and a minimum of TWO rabies vaccinations (lifetime) required before release. The most recent rabies vaccination cannot be more than 365 days old, unless it is an approved 3-year vaccine. In that case the vaccine must have been administered not more than 36 months prior to arrival. Animals participating in the full 120-day commercial quarantine on Guam will not require laboratory testing and must show proof of at least TWO completed rabies vaccinations (lifetime) prior to release from quarantine, and the most recent one must still be current at the time of release.
9. Important Considerations and Tips
Navigating Guam’s pet import requirements can be complex. Here are some additional tips and considerations to help you through the process. If your pet uses United Airlines to travel to Guam you will be required to use an IPATA pet transporting company.
9.1 Additional Resources
- Island Pet Movers out of Hawaii does not work with the Andersen Air Force Base Pet Lodge.
- A thorough understanding of this process reveals that a pet must be at least 5 months old before it can arrive on Guam if using the Calculated or Home Quarantine options.
9.2 Time Sensitive Actions
It is actually possible to enter Guam and the 120-Day Commercial Quarantine with no vaccinations (the vaccinations would have to be administered while in quarantine). The Department will not approve the entry permit for an animal younger than 5 months if it will be required to complete 120 days of commercial quarantine (because of the human socialization needed by young animals). The Calculated and Home quarantines require more paperwork and effort from the owner than the 120-Day Commercial Quarantine, but it is much cheaper and much less stressful for the animal. Please call or email the Guam Department of Agriculture to clarify any issues that remain unclear after reading this brochure.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the pet import process in Guam.
Q1: When and how do I send in my documents?
A: Documents should be sent in as soon as possible for review. Preferably 2-3 months prior to arriving is best. Please allow ample time for documents to be reviewed. Documents may be sent by fax, email, or snail mail.
Q2: How do I send in my payment?
A: Payments may be sent by cashier’s check or money order made out to the Treasurer of Guam. You may send the payments by FEDEX or USPS. NOTE: Payments are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Q3: Who can I talk to about getting an exception to the rules and regulations explained in this brochure?
A: Most of these procedures and policies are based on explicit Guam law, and there are no exceptions to Guam law granted.
Q4: What if my pet arrives on Guam without a valid entry permit?
A: The pet will be placed in a 120-day commercial quarantine at the owner’s expense or returned to origin at owner’s expense. Additionally, the transporter is subject to a fine for each pet that shall not be less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
Q5: Why are the entry requirements different for a pet from another country, like the Philippines when compared to arrival from America?
A: In different countries there can be significant differences in the incidence of rabies, the types of vaccines used, and many other parameters. The quarantine laws of Guam are designed to jealously protect the rabies-free status of Guam. Countries other than the United States and Exempted Areas would fall under the Calculated Quarantine or the 120-day Program.
Q6: What is the fastest way to get a puppy or a kitten home on Guam?
A: A puppy or kitten could arrive from an exempted area like Hawaii or Australia at 9 weeks of age. If the pet arrives form America or a non-exempt country, the pet would be at least 5 (five) months of age before it could be released into home quarantine on Guam. If the origin is an exempt area, date of birth must be on all documents. Pets may enter Guam from sixty-three to eighty nine (63-89) days of age without a rabies vaccination. At ninety days of age proof of one rabies vaccination must be provided.
Q7: What if my pet becomes ill while in commercial quarantine?
A: After obtaining permission from Agriculture, the pet can be removed by the quarantine veterinarian for treatment in an isolated area of the clinic operated by the quarantine veterinarian.
Q8: What is the difference between the Calculated and the Home Quarantine?
A: There are two important differences. The Calculated Quarantine allows the animal to complete the FAVN testing and spend only the remaining days in commercial quarantine on Guam. The Home Quarantine applies only to pets originating in the United States or US military installations and requires the pet to remain in a strictly enforced home quarantine on Guam for the days remaining to complete the 120 days. The second difference is that the Home Quarantine requires a titer that is twice as high as the minimum required for the Calculated Quarantine.
Q9: How does this whole process work in short?
A: You may take this brochure to your veterinarian and go through it together. The first step is to make sure that your pet has two rabies vaccination certificates (if arriving from a non-exempt area) that follow the Guam Department of Agriculture’s (DAG) requirements. Email rabies vaccination certificates, current immunizations, and request an entry permit. You will receive additional instructions. Once you get clearance, make flight and kennel reservations and forward that information to the Department of Agriculture. When your flight and kennel reservations have been made, you are now able to obtain and send to (DAG) a copy of the health certificate. Health certificates expire 10 days from the date of issue. (DAG) will then in turn, send by email, (an) Animal Entry Permit(s) that you will attach to the kennel(s). Check with your airline on the requirements. Permits are $60.00 each per pet, plus $5 per year for a pet license. When your pet arrives on Guam from a non-exempt area, the licensed commercial kennel quarantine facility that you have registered with will pick your pet up from the airport. The quarantine veterinarian will administer a post-arrival examination and verify microchip of your pet to determine release. The owner or the agent has the responsibility of making contact with the quarantine facility. When the pet has cleared post-arrival examination, the owner/agent would proceed to (DAG) to obtain a copy of the release and obtain a pet license. And it should be clear that any changes to the flight itinerary MUST be cleared through DAG and the commercial quarantine facility.
Planning a trip to Guam with your pet can seem daunting, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Make sure to start the process early, consult with your veterinarian, and stay organized with your documentation. With TRAVELS.EDU.VN, you can ensure a stress-free journey for you and your furry companion.
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