Relocating your family to Philippines

When you relocate to another country with your pets, you can face uncertainty and experience some emotional challenges. Choosing PetAir allows them to take on all of your worries (most of them at least) that you may have. The team understands that your pets are very much part of your family, and they will guide you through the entire process with their knowledge and relative ease. It’s important to understand that PetAir has an experienced team in Phillipines who will be on hand every step of the way and take the worry out of travelling.

What is the process?

We firstly recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to ensure the smooth running of your relocation. Please start the process as soon as you have your relocation confirmed because it can take a few months. There can be unplanned setbacks or delays with vaccination requirements, animal illness or administration errors.

Recruit PetAir

The rules and regulations surrounding pet importation are often changing. You can breathe easily with PetAir. They have fully trained experts that understand the importance of your pets and the ever-changing landscape. They will make sure that your pets meet the import requirements. Each pet must be fully vaccinated and be at least three months old.

Philippines Requirements

Each pet must have a completed application form which can be downloaded and printed from the Philippines government website. PetAir can complete this for you. The form is in English and Filipino.

Banned breeds

Although it is not illegal to own certain dogs in Phillipines, it is prohibited by law to import the following breeds:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Pit Pull breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Bull Dog and
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Vaccinations

It’s essential to ensure that your pets have all of the relevant vaccinations within the stipulated times. Each vaccination must be administered at least 21 days and no longer than one year before arrival into Philippines.

Dogs

• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirus (DHLPP)
• Hepatitis
• Canine Distemper

Cats

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
• Cat Flu
• Chlamydia Psittaci
• Parvovirus

Rabies Vaccine and Certificate

Cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. Your vetinerary surgeon will provide you with a certificate that states the microchip number, the validity of the vaccination, and the date of inoculation. Rabies vaccines are valid for one, two or three years. The vaccine must be the inactivated variety. The vaccine must be administered between 30 days and 12 months before your pet’s flight into Philippines. You do not require a titer test.

Microchip

The authorities will only identify your pets with a microchip, and the corresponding vet stamped pet passport. A microchip is an integrated identification circuit placed under the skin of your pet. The rice grain size chip uses passive radio-frequency identification technology. It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. Pets traveling to the Philippines must be implanted with an ISO- compliant RFID microchip before flying. The microchip number must be recorded in the pet’s documentation.

Import Permit

PetAir can provide you with the necessary import permit that is required to allow your pets into Philippines. Each of your pets will require this import permit issued by the National Veterinary Quarantine Services (NVQS), Bureau of Animal Industry. The team will provide you with the exact requirements for your country of origin. This permit is valid for up to 45 days from date of issue.

Veterinary Certification

You will need an official health certificate that states the name, age, description and microchip identification number of each pet within 10-days of your flight. The microchip identification number is 15-digits long. Without this, the government could deny your pet entry into the country.

The National Veterinary Quarantine Services, Bureau of Animal Industry states that the certificate must also include the following information before export:

• The animal has been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of rabies and infectious or contagious diseases
• The animal has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine
• The vaccination history and health status of your pet
• That your pet is healthy enough for air travel

Make at least four copies of the certification and vaccination records for the following:

• Airline
• Pet travel create
• Transit permit (if necessary)
• One for you

Pets Travelling Alone

If you wish to import your pets into Philippines but are unable to travel with them, you will need to obtain an import permit in advance. You or PetAir will then return the completed form, together with the following paperwork:

• A copy of the shipper’s passport (ensure that this is clearly stated ‘shipper of pets’)
• A copy of the receiver’s passport. The receiver will collect the pets from Manila Airport (ensure that it is clearly stated ‘receiver of pets’)
• If for any reason, the receiver cannot collect the pets, then a letter of authorization will be required to appoint a representative
• Proof of vaccinations
• Address in country of export
• Address in Phillipines where the pets will be living
• Flight times. The Airport recommends that animals arrive between 08.30 and 16.00 local time Monday to Friday to ensure that there is an official on duty.

The import permit will take at least three business days to be processed

Additional Information

There are no restrictions on the number of pets imported, but the local Philippine authorities might have local regulations about the number of pets that can be kept in residential premises.

You are required to obtain all of the necessary permits that will allow you to import your pets into Philippines. PetAir can also help you arrange the import permit on your behalf.

We hope that this reassures you, but should you need more specific advice, please let the helpful team at PetAir help, they are all delighted to help you.