Can I bring a dog back from Puerto Rico?
Samuel Coleman
Updated on May 06, 2026
Because Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States, animal travel from Puerto Rico to the continental U.S. is considered State to State travel. All that is needed is a travel certificate and flight costs in order to take your new pet home.
Can I bring a dog home from Puerto Rico?
For dogs and cats traveling to or from Puerto Rico to or from any part of the Continental US, this is not considered an international shipment. Pets will only need regular domestic health certificates as well as proof of current vaccinations (if any).Can you bring a dog from Puerto Rico to the US?
NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States. All dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months must be at least 6 months old to enter the United States.How do you bring a stray dog home from Puerto Rico?
There are two ways to do it: 1) Take one home with you after your next trip there, or 2) adopt one that's flown to the mainland U.S. from Puerto Rico by a dog-loving charity. Given that Puerto Rico is a part of the United States (and should be the 51st state, but don't get me started), the steps are pretty easy.Can I bring a pet back to the US?
Entry/Re-entry of DogsRegardless of their age, dogs may be admitted to the US without restriction if they appear healthy and have been in a rabies-free area for at least the 6 months immediately preceding arrival in the US or since birth.
Bringing a dog to Puerto Rico
What do I need to bring my dog back into the US?
Bringing an Animal into the United StatesCDC does not require general certificates of health for pets for entry into the United States. However, health certificates may be required for entry into some states or may be required by airlines.
What does my dog need to enter US?
Puppies and dogs entering the United States intended for resale* or adoption must be 6 months of age and may not enter the United States from any country until fully vaccinated (rabies and distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus (DHLPP) and accompanied with an import permit.What happens to stray dogs in Puerto Rico?
Can't You Find Adopters for Them in Puerto Rico? If a dog is taken to one of the five Municipal Shelters in Puerto Rico the chances are they will not make it out alive. The euthanasia rate at these shelters is 97%. Most dogs do not even get 24 hours in the shelter - they are walked 'straight out back' to be euthanized.What breed are dogs from Puerto Rico?
Gran Mastin de Borinquen Breed HistoryThe Gran Mastin de Borinquen, commonly known as the Puerto Rican Mastiff, is the only breed native to Puerto Rico.