A move from United States to Jamaica with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. There is a fair amount of paperwork here, so plan on around 18-22 weeks. Your pet will spend 14 days in quarantine after …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Jamaica
typically takes around 18-22 weeks.
Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United States to Jamaica pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Submit the Preliminary Application Form to VSD before starting any Jamaica-specific vaccination or titre testing.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
At least 4-5 months before planned travel.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination and arrange the FAVN titre test 30 days later.
Apply for the full VSD import permit once the Preliminary Application is approved.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
8-12 weeks before travel.
4
Obtain the USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate.
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, USDA APHIS.
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Book cargo space with American, JetBlue, or Delta.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
As early as possible.
6
Travel, then present documents at Plumb Point on arrival.
Responsible: VSD officials, quarantine facility.
Day of travel and arrival.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Jamaica
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784 or Annex A to ISO 11785 required. Must be implanted before vaccinations, and confirmed on a Preliminary Application Form submitted to VSD before any further steps begin.
Rabies vaccination
Required, after microchipping. For a first vaccination in a pet over 12 months old, entry does not qualify until 3 months after the dose.
Rabies titre test
Required. A FAVN titre test must be carried out 30 days after the vaccination that qualifies the pet, minimum result 0.5 IU/ml, at a VSD-approved laboratory.
Quarantine
Up to 14 days at the National Quarantine Facility, Plumb Point, Kingston. VSD inspectors may release compliant, healthy pets earlier, at their discretion.
Import permit
Required. Apply to VSD (Veterinary Services Division) only after the Preliminary Application Form is approved, at least 8-12 weeks before travel. Email vsdpermits@moa.gov.jm.
Health certificate
Required. Issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by USDA APHIS.
Export permit (United States)
No formal export permit. A USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate covers export documentation.
Costs
What this route typically costs
USDA-accredited vet exam and APHIS endorsement: USD 150-300.
FAVN titre test at a VSD-approved laboratory: USD 150-250.
VSD import permit: USD 100-200.
Plumb Point quarantine facility fees, up to 14 days: USD 400-900.
Cargo fee, Miami, New York or Atlanta to Kingston: USD 350-750 depending on crate size.
Critical points to read before you book
Do not vaccinate or titre test before VSD approves the Preliminary Application Form. Steps done out of order risk rejection of the whole file.
The actual flight is short and direct, but the paperwork runs on a much longer clock than the journey itself. Start the Preliminary Application 4-5 months out.
Plumb Point quarantine can run the full 14 days even for well-documented pets. Treat early release as a possibility, not a guarantee.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AMERICAN
American Airlines Cargo
Direct MIA-KIN service, one of the more efficient legs of this journey given American's Miami-Caribbean network.
Cargo Only
JETBLUE
JetBlue
Direct JFK-KIN and MIA-KIN options.
Cargo Only
DELTA AIR
Delta Air Lines
Direct ATL-KIN service via Delta Cargo.
Cargo Only
Jamaica entry requirements at a glance
The requirements for Jamaica are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.
Getting the details right
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
FAQ
Common questions about United States to Jamaica pet transport
Realistically 18-22 weeks. The Preliminary Application, the 30-day pre-titre wait, VSD import permit processing, and up to 14 days of quarantine all add up, even though the flight itself is short.
The vaccination or titre test may not count towards Jamaican entry. VSD’s guidance is clear that these steps should follow approval of the Preliminary Application, not precede it.
Pets are subject to up to 14 days at Plumb Point. VSD inspectors have discretion to release a healthy, fully documented pet sooner, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Yes. American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta all operate non-stop cargo services from Miami, New York, or Atlanta into Kingston.
Airline guides
American Airlines Cargo
JetBlue
Delta Air Lines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.