The information below is in response to the many requests we received at the PAWS website concerning relocation to the Virgin Islands with pets. It is wonderful to hear many pet owners state that they would not move without their pet.

We would love to hear from those people that have moved here with their pets. Please contact us with any additional questions you may have should they have not been answered below.

1. The U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. Territories and as such do not have quarantine requirements. Pets traveling to the United States mainland also will not require quarantine.
   
   However, an examination and a health certificate from your veterinarian will be required for arrival or departure to or from the Territory. This must be done within ten days of travel. 2. A Rabies vaccination will also be necessary and must be given no more then 1 month to one year prior to departure. 3. These documents must be available for inspection at the port of departure and or arrival. Make sure they are readily available while traveling. With proper planning, traveling with your pet need not be stressful.
   
   
2. Carriers
   Pets traveling may be hand carried if they are small enough to fit into an airline approved carry on pet carrier. Those pets that are not hand carried into the cabin may travel in airline approved pet carriers and will travel in climate controlled baggage space in the airplane.
   
   Make sure that the animal has enough room to stand up and turn around in the carrier. It is not only comfortable and safe for your pet; it is an airline requirement.
   
   You can help your pet be more comfortable with their carrier ahead of time. Put their favorite blanket or toys in the carrier several weeks before the trip, and let them go in and out, as they like.
   
   While traveling, toys and other articles that may become a hazard to your pet should be removed. A carrier pad for their comfort can be added. We use mail order catalogs for pet products and carriers. Some good ones are: Omaha Vaccine and Dr. Foster Smith. We ordered one from the following website and were very pleased, check them out at: Pet Expo Pet Expo has wonderful travel tips as well.
   
   
3. Airlines
   For animals traveling in baggage and not being carried in the cabin, all airlines have some type of travel restrictions in summer and/or in the winter months. These restrictions are necessary due to extreme temperatures, particularly while on the ramps of airports.
   
   Check with your carrier for these dates. If the flights are not non-stop, check with airline personnel regarding the transfer of your pet at each stop. We cannot stress enough the importance of arranging for non-stop flights. Transfers, especially in large, busy airports can be very traumatic for your pet. There is also the danger of delays occuring during those transfers.
   
   Special instructions should be placed securely on the outside of the carrier so that airline personnel are aware of any special circumstances. Pet carriers usually come with labels that identify the carrier as containing "Live Animals".
   
   There are provisions for documenting when the animal was last fed and given water, the owner's address and the point of destination. Most pet carriers have small spaces located on the outside for food to be placed in a ziplock bag in case the animal is detained. I usually freeze a little water in the travel cup and clip it on immediately before the flight.
   
   If it becomes necessary to send a pet to or from the mainland U.S. without their person traveling with them, airlines do ship them. Travel restrictions apply, check with your carrier.
   
   Delta has a program for handling animals called the Delta Dash. Arrangements for the animal must be made before your arrival.
   
   Major airline carriers tend to be more expensive than having your own carrier, check out different sources.
   
   
4. Pet Health in the Caribbean
   We live in an environment where mosquitoes are present year round, not seasonal as in some areas further north.
   
   Mosquitos are carriers for heartworm. Therefore your pets must be on heartworm medication the entire year. It is advised that your pet should be tested and put on heartworm medication before they reach the Virgin Islands (if they are not on it already). Be advised that cats can get heartworm too, and treatments for cats are very hard on them. They should also be on a preventative as well. Our cats are on Revolution, it costs a bit more but protects them against fleas, ear mites, intestinal worms and heartworms.
   
   Ticks and fleas are also prevalent here year round, although some months tend to be worse than others. You should check your pet often for ticks and or fleas. Although we do not have Lyme disease, we do have erlichiosis, which is locally is called tick fever. Known to be transmitted by ticks, fleas are suspected as well. This is a deadly disease if not treated. It is advised that the pet should be on one of the medications that are applied as a monthly dose such as Frontline, Interceptor, Sentinel or Revolution.
   
   Be advised that these products will kill ticks and fleas only after they bite. This may allow for some of the erlichiosis organism to be passed on to your pet. The most effective way to safeguard your pet is to keep the ticks and fleas out of your pet's environment. This means applications of treatment for both inside and outside the home if your pet is allowed outdoors. It is very important that the yard area be attended to, this is where ticks are most often present. Keeping grass and bushs at low levels helps greatly.
   
   
5. Checking your New Living Arrangements
   If possible, checking before moving, would be best. Find the answers to questions concerning whether the location is close to a main road, whether the porches are in full sun all day. Is there a fenced yard? Are there large dogs that are known to roam the neighborhood? Does the landlord allow pets? How many? And other questions are for the well being of your pet and yourself.