Bringing a Pet from North America to Utila, Honduras
“How to Ship Your Dog or Cat from Home to Utila”
If you are moving to Honduras and want to bring your pet with you, the following is recently updated information (July, 2014) on bringing a pet to Utila from North America.
The whole operation may seem a little daunting but if you are well prepared and have the required paperwork those who have done it say that it is actually fairly easy once you are on your way.
Each airline has its own rules so be sure to double check with the airline you are flying with. The following information comes from the UNITED AIRLINES PET SAFE PROGRAM and from our friends Adam and Christine who recently moved to Utila from Edmonton Alberta Canada in April 2014 with their two dogs, Gertie and Jasmine.
First of All: Make sure your pet is in good health and will be able to tolerate the stress of travelling.
COSTS: Be prepared to pay as the total cost for our friends was about $600 for one dog travelling as cargo (from Edmonton Alberta, Canada to Utila).
It is slightly less expensive to travel with your pet in the cabin of the airplane but there are a lot of restrictions with regard to size and often only two animals are allowed per flight so be sure to book far enough in advance.
Each dog travelling as cargo needs its own kennel (typically), and the kennel requirements are all listed on the websites for each airline under cargo and pets (links provided below). From San Pedro Sula to Le Ceiba, our friends who had two dogs were allowed to put them into the same kennel, and were in fact encouraged to do so for the last leg of their journey due to space restrictions.
You will need to find one airline to do your entire trip with. Switching between airlines may not be impossible but it certainly adds complication and cost –if it is permitted at all.
You will need to arrive earlier to check in for your international flight than if you were travelling without a pet. Give yourself at least 3 hours but confirm with your carrier in advance as it can be as many as 4 hours depending on which airline you are flying with.
You will have to purchase an Import Permit at the airport you initially depart from which costs about 12$ per animal this is important as it is a required document, necessary to enter Honduras.
Pets travel through Cargo so make sure to go to the correct area of the airport when you are getting dropped off. You need to check in your animal(s) first in the Cargo area as “Accompanied Baggage”, this will ensure they are put on the same flight as you.
Please be aware that there is an embargo on shipping animals at cargo at certain times of the year due to excessive heat or cold. This leaves a very small window when you are travelling from Canada. Be sure to investigate well in advance when planning your trip.
In Honduras, there is an embargo against the transport of live animals through La Ceiba and Roatan from April to September. You may be able to arrive into San Pedro Sula during these months but it is important to find out before booking your tickets.
Honduras does not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:
- You must have an Import Permit for entry
- Your dog’s vaccines must be up to date and have occurred 30 days to 12 months prior to entering Honduras.
- You will need to get an “International Vet Certificate”, from your veterinarian. Your pet will have to have a documented check- up within 10 days before leaving on a trip.
- A Veterinary Certificate for Honduras must be completed by a licensed USDA or CFIA veterinarian for endorsement by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are not traveling from either of these countries, the Governing Authority responsible for the import and export of animals in your country should endorse the forms.
- The RABIES Vaccine must have been administered with in the last year and you must have the certifications stating as much.
- Include a copy of the Rabies Certificate for approval.
- All dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease transmittable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Honduras. If your dog or cat does not look to be in good health, it may require further examination by a licensed veterinarian at your expense.
It is advisable to carry a form of identification that proves you are the owner of the animal.
Recommendations: If you cannot fly direct to Honduras, consider planning your trip around a stop in Houston. Houston has excellent pet care facilities, and for a minimal fee will take your dog out and walk it during a lay-over and they also offer over-night facilities for pets.
We have had reports of dogs being treated extremely well in San Pedro Sula airport including being placed in an air conditioned room while waiting for the connecting flight with CM airline to Utila.
Captain Angelo of Island Air out of Utila, will also fly animals with their owners to and from Utila, Roatan, La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula. They require that the pet be in a pet carrier or if too large a pet kennel. If the animal weighs less than ten pounds there is no charge. If it is over ten pounds they charge $50.
Aerolinas SOSA will also transport domesticated animals in kennels from San Pedro Sula for a minimal fee of about 500 Lempira (about $25) with a reservation.
More Information:
The following are links to the specific airlines that fly to Honduras Airports and the travel with pets information pages on their websites: