From time to time there are inquiries on how to travel with a dog, required documents, fees, and getting to the island. Things have changed over the past 5 years so here is current information as of this April 2008.
Purchase your ticket and make sure the airlines know you are traveling with your pet. Many airlines do not allow dogs to be checked with luggage. The two airlines to Belize that accept pets to be checked are
American and
Continental.
-Must have a clear bag of dog food tapped to the top of the kennel with instructions should there be an emergency or delay. -Must have a water bottle (the gerbil type) that fits on the outside of the kennel door whether your dog knows how to use them or not.
-Must have airport approved kennel large enough for pet to stand up and turn around. I suggest bringing extra nuts/bolts that fit the kennel as they often pop off the kennels. The airline will also cable tie the dog in the kennel. Please make sure your dog has comfort and you provide some type of pillow or comfy blanket.
-Must label kennel 'LIVE ANIMAL' on each side of kennel with name of dog
-
If temperatures are predicted less than 45 degrees at any place of travel you MUST have a vets letter stating dog can travel in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. No exceptions on airlines without this letter!
After purchasing your airfareSubmit your import permit application via fax or email to Belize.
BAHA
Tel: 501-822-0818 or 501-822-1378
alternate number for pet import 822-3084
Fax: 501-822-0271
Email: if emailing for permit, send to both
[email protected] and
[email protected] Ms.Nadine Hegar
Required information to applyYour name
Dogs name
Breed
Age
Sex
Weight
Color
Address in US (or where you are coming from)
Intended address upon arrival in Belize
Estimated date arriving
Port of entry(Phillip Goldson Int. Airport).
Days and Hours Every day of the week 8-5pm (in past was only M-F)
Required information upon entryAll records of current vaccinations and valid rabies shot. They now also ask for proof or a statement that the pet is free of ehrlichiosis (disease from ticks)
FeesNow $80 BZ (was $50 BZ) and they explain it as $50 BZ to enter, $20 BZ inspection and $10 Fax fee.
THEY ARE VERY HELPFUL BOTH ON THE PHONE AND UPON ARRIVAL The process is very easy, I have done it four times with no issues.
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GETTING TO THE ISLAND
I highly recommend the water taxi. Though it takes longer it is well worth it for the dog. It is much easier on the dog (and the person with the dog) in my opinion. My dog personally hated getting out of her kennel after traveling so long from the states to then be put back into her kennel for the flight to the island. If arriving on American's late flight, you will likely have no choice but to fly. The last water taxi is 4:30pm from Belize City.
Water Taxi Allow one and a half hours after arrival to determine which water taxi you will take
20-30 minutes for customs and bags
15-20 minutes at BAHA to import your pet and pay your fees
10 minutes to load up your cab with luggage and pet
20 minute for cab ride to water taxi and to purchase your water taxi ticket upon arriving at terminal
$10 US one way
Caye Caulker Water Taxi departures (Belize City-San Pedro)
10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
Flying
Tropic charges three seats for the dog=$150 US each way. Plus your ticket= $50 US totaling $200 US. If you have a very large kenel at times they do ask for you to purchase four seats for the dog!!!!
Maya Island Air charges only one seat for the dog= $50 US each way. Plus your ticket= $50 US totaling only $100 US.
YOU MUST NOTIFY MAYA ISLAND AIR IN ADVANCE SO THEY HAVE THE APPROPRIATE PLANE TO TAKE THE DOG