Grenada made my checklist longer, and I respect that. The one line I circled in red: your import permit is required before you fly, no exceptions, no charming your way past it. I compared the paperwork the way I compare fare classes, and Grenada rewards the organized. Luna, who disapproves of taxiing but tolerates a well-labelled folder, agrees this island is worth the extra rows in the spreadsheet.
Bringing a pet to Grenada requires three documents in the right order: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the destination's wait window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. The table below lays out exactly what's required, what's not, and where each rule comes from.
Timing chain
Day -14 health certificate issued · Day 0 arrive at customs
The health certificate must be issued by a veterinarian within 14 days before arrival. A certificate signed earlier will not be accepted at entry. Book the veterinary appointment inside that 14-day window, counting backward from the arrival date. Confirm the veterinarian dates the document on the day of examination, then carry the original signed certificate for inspection on arrival.
Frequently asked
- What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
- If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
- What happens if I forget a document?
- At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The import permit application carries a 14-day lead time before arrival. Fax the permit and health certificate to the Veterinary Department for approval and signature at least 14 days ahead. Confirm the signed permit returns before departure. Missing the 14-day window means no approved permit at the gate, so submit the paperwork early and keep the fax confirmation.
Three requirements, two deadlines, one very calm cat: that is Grenada handled. The numbers matter here, so treat the 14-day windows as fixed points and build everything else around them. When you are ready to turn this into something actionable, let Pawgo assemble a personalized plan for your exact dates and route. Luna keeps a printed copy in three places now, and honestly, so should you.
Glossary
- ISO chip
- ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
- FAVN
- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
- Brachycephalic
- Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
- AVIH
- Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.