Pet Transport from the United Kingdom to the Dominican Republic
Shipping a dog or cat from United Kingdom to Dominican Republic rewards owners who start planning early. Expect about 8-12 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Dominican Republic
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Dominican Republic import process
01
If not already done. Must precede rabies vaccination.
Ensure microchip is implanted (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Your UK vet
02
Check expiry date. If boosting, allow time before next steps.
Confirm rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Your UK vet
03
Negative result required within 30 days of travel. Do not do this too early.
Brucellosis test for dogs
Responsible: Your UK vet + approved laboratory
04
Allow 4-6 weeks minimum. Apply as early as possible.
Apply for Dominican Republic import permit from MIDA
Responsible: You, your DR contact, or your pet transport agent
05
Once import permit is in progress, book your routing. Iberia via Madrid is usually most convenient.
Book flight and cargo space
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
06
Issued by APHA-authorised Official Vet. Valid 10 days from vet examination. One of the last steps.
Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: UK Official Vet + APHA endorsement
07
Present all original documents at check-in and at DR arrival point.
Travel and DR arrival inspection
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk + DR MIDA inspector
Requirements
Dominican Republic entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Must be current at time of travel.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine if documentation is complete. Inspection on arrival at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) or Puerto Plata (POP).
Import permit
Required. Issued by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Agriculture (MIDA - Ministerio de Agricultura). Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel.
Health certificate
Required. Issued by APHA-authorised Official Vet in the UK and endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. DR authorities require an official government-endorsed certificate.
Leaving United Kingdom
Export requirements
Export permit
No general export permit required. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK APHA-authorised Official Vet is required for export.
Health certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an APHA-authorised Official Vet. Valid for 10 days from the date of the veterinary examination. Must cover microchip, current rabies vaccination, and health status.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Animal Health Certificate from Official Vet (typically GBP 100-200 including vet examination)
Brucellosis test laboratory fee (approximately GBP 60-120)
Airline cargo fees: approximately GBP 350-800 depending on route and pet weight
IATA-compliant travel crate
Dominican Republic import permit application fee
IPATA-registered agent fee if used
Critical points
The Brucellosis test for dogs must return a negative result within 30 days of travel. Timing matters.
The DR import permit from MIDA takes 4-6 weeks. Do not leave this until late in your preparation.
If routing via the USA, your pet will need to meet US APHIS import requirements as a transit animal. This adds complexity. Consider the Spain routing via Iberia to avoid this.
Always confirm current DR MIDA requirements with the authority or an experienced pet transport agent before finalising paperwork.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
British Airways
Cargo: British Airways World Cargo handles pet transport. No direct BA service from London to Santo Domingo - routing is typically via US gateways (Miami, New York) or via Madrid with partner airlines. Pets travel as manifested cargo in a pressurised hold.
Cargo Only
Iberia
Via Madrid (MAD). London Heathrow to Madrid then Madrid to Santo Domingo (SDQ). Iberia Cargo operates this route and handles pets. One of the most frequently used routing options for UK-DR pet moves. Transit in Madrid adds approximately 3-5 hours.
Cargo Only
Air Europa
Via Madrid Barajas. Air Europa flies Madrid to Santo Domingo. Combining a London-Madrid first leg with an Air Europa transatlantic leg is another option. Confirm cargo pet acceptance directly with Air Europa Cargo.
Cargo Only
American Airlines
Via Miami (MIA) or New York JFK. London to US gateway then US to Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata. The US connection introduces US APHIS transit documentation requirements. Longer total journey. Small pets may travel in cabin on US domestic legs but not transatlantic.
Cabin and Cargo
Condor
Seasonal direct or connecting service from Germany. Less commonly used for UK originations but worth considering if Iberia and Air Europa cargo are unavailable.
Cargo Only
What Dominican Republic requires
The path into Dominican Republic is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. The Dominican Republic does not currently require a rabies titre test for pets from the United Kingdom. You need current rabies vaccination, microchip, Brucellosis test (for dogs), import permit from MIDA, and an official UK Animal Health Certificate. Always confirm with MIDA before travel as requirements can change.
You apply to the Dominican Republic Ministry of Agriculture (MIDA, agricultura.gob.do). The permit specifies the conditions your pet must meet and is required before travel. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Working with a pet transport agent who regularly handles DR imports can speed this process up.
There is no direct UK-to-Dominican Republic commercial flight that carries pet cargo. The most commonly used routing is via Madrid on Iberia or Air Europa. American Airlines connections via Miami are possible but introduce US APHIS transit requirements, adding complexity.
Brucella canis is a bacterial infection. The Dominican Republic requires dogs to have a negative Brucellosis blood test within 30 days of travel. Cats are not required to have this test. Ask your UK vet to arrange the test and ensure the result is included in your documentation.
APHA-authorised Official Vets are listed through the APHA official vet finder and the RCVS register. Not every vet practice has an OV. Book early - some OVs have limited appointment slots and you need the certificate within 10 days of your travel date.
Airline guides
British Airways
Iberia
Air Europa
American Airlines
Condor
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.