Most foreign relocations include a pet

About 60% of expat retirees and digital nomads bring a dog or cat with them to DR. The good news: DR's import requirements are reasonable and the country is pet-friendly. The bad news: airlines have gotten more restrictive about flying pets in cargo. Here's the realistic path.

DR's import requirements

For dogs and cats arriving in DR, you need:

1. Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian in your home country, endorsed by your government's veterinary authority (USDA for U.S., CFIA for Canada)
2. Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel and within 12 months
3. Microchip (recommended, not always required but airlines often require it)
4. Standard vaccinations including DHPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats, typically required
5. Negative test for canine distemper or feline leukemia in some cases

No quarantine on arrival. Pets travel through customs same-day with you.

The airline situation

The harder part. Three options:

1. Cabin (under 15 lbs)

Small dogs and cats can travel in-cabin under the seat. Airlines that allow this on flights to DR:

• American (PUJ, SDQ, POP)
• Delta (PUJ, SDQ)
• JetBlue (PUJ, SDQ)
• Air Canada (PUJ)

Fee: $100-$200 each way. Pet counts as a carry-on.

2. Cargo

For larger pets. Increasingly restricted. Some airlines have suspended cargo pet service entirely. Currently available (as of 2026):

• American Cargo (Priority Parcel Service)
• Delta Cargo (Pet First service)
• Lufthansa Cargo (via European connections)

Fee: $300-$1,500 depending on size and route.

3. Pet relocation services

Companies like PetRelocation, Air Animal, or Starwood Animal Transfer handle the whole thing. They charge $2,000-$5,000 but handle documentation, transport coordination, and arrival.

Best for: medium-large dogs, owners not flying with the pet, complex routes.

What to plan around

• Booking lead time: Pets need to be reserved on the flight 30-60 days in advance for cargo, 7-14 days for in-cabin.
• Heat embargo: Most airlines won't fly pets in cargo when destination temps exceed 85°F. May 15-Sept 30 in DR is risk season. Plan accordingly.
• Carrier requirements: IATA-approved carriers required for cargo. Buy ahead, let your pet acclimate.

Once in DR

Veterinary care: Good in major markets. Vista Pet Hospital and Veterinaria Central in Santo Domingo are full-service. Punta Cana has 4-5 reputable clinics. Cabarete has 2. Las Terrenas has 1.

Cost: 30-50% of U.S. prices. Routine visits $30-$60, vaccinations $20-$40 per shot, dental cleaning $80-$150.

Pet food: Major brands (Royal Canin, Hill's, Purina, Iams) are available in all markets at supermarkets. Prices 15-25% higher than U.S.

Pet-friendly housing: About 60% of DR rentals allow pets. Premium gated communities (Cap Cana, Casa de Campo) all allow pets. Condo buildings vary; check the reglamento.

Beach access: Most public beaches allow dogs. Some private beaches require dogs to be leashed. Cabarete and Las Terrenas are particularly dog-friendly.

What we tell expat pet owners

Get the import paperwork started 60-90 days before the move. Don't underestimate the airline coordination. And confirm your specific apartment or community allows your pet BEFORE signing a lease or making an offer.