Traveling to Dominican Republic With Dog :Complete Guide
Dreaming of traveling to Dominican Republic with your dog in 2025? From pristine beaches to mountain adventures, the DR welcomes pets—but only if you follow strict entry rules. This 2025 guide covers everything from airline policies to hidden dog-friendly gems!
“The Dominican Republic requires all pets to arrive with an ISO-compliant microchip and veterinary certificate in Spanish or English.” – USDA APHIS
Your pup can enjoy DR’s famous beaches too!
✈️ Best Airlines for Flying to DR With Dogs (2025)
Not all airlines treat pets equally! Here are the top 3 pet-friendly options for Dominican flights:
1. American Airlines Pet Policy 🐕
✅ Accepts: Dogs in cabin (under 20 lbs) & cargo
💰 Fee: $125/cabin, $200+/cargo
⏱️ Direct flights: Miami/Santo Domingo (2.5 hrs)
2. JetBlue Paws Program ✨
✅ Perks: Free pet ticket for TrueBlue members
🛄 Limit: 6 pets/cabin (book early!)
🛫 Routes: NYC/Punta Cana, Boston/Puerto Plata
3. Copa Airlines Pet Cargo 🚛
✅ Best for: Large dogs (50+ lbs)
🌡️ Climate-controlled: Priority pet handling
🔗 Hub: Connects via Panama City
💡 Hot Tip: Book early-morning flights to avoid tarmac heat delays in Santo Domingo!
🏨 Top 5 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Dominican Republic (2025)
Hotel
Location
Pet Policy
Perks
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
Punta Cana
✅ 2 dogs max, 50 lbs each
🐶 Dog beds & bowls provided
Catalonia Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
✅ $25/night fee
🌿 On-site pet relief area
Viva Wyndham V Samaná
Samaná
✅ Small dogs only
🏖️ Beachfront dog access
Traveling to Dominican Republic With Dog
🌊 Dog-Friendly Beaches & Activities
🏝️ Bávaro Beach (Punta Cana): Leashed dogs allowed before 9AM
🚤 Saona Island Tours: 3 companies allow small dogs on boats
☕ Punta Cana Village: Outdoor cafés with pet menus
“Dogs must be leashed at all public spaces in DR, and owners should carry vaccination records when visiting beaches or parks.” – Dominican Ministry of Tourism
⚠️ Must-Know Warnings
🦟 Parasites: Use vet-prescribed flea/tick prevention
🚫 No-Go Zones: Dogs banned from Parque Nacional Los Haitises
Pro Tip: Always confirm 2025 policies directly with resorts! 📞
Frequently Asked Questions: Dominican Republic Pet Travel 🐾✈️
1. What vaccines does my dog need for the Dominican Republic? 💉
Answer:Rabies vaccine (1-12 months before travel) is mandatory. We recommend adding distemper, leptospirosis, and flea/tick prevention for tropical protection.
2. Can my dog fly in-cabin to Punta Cana? 🛩️
Answer:Yes! On JetBlue and American Airlines if under 20 lbs. Larger dogs must fly as cargo .
3. Are there dog-friendly beaches in Punta Cana? 🏖️
Answer:Before 9AM only at Bávaro Beach (leashed). For all-day access, try private resort beaches like Hyatt Ziva’s pet zone.
4. How early should I submit the AGRICULTURA form? ⏰
Answer:Exactly 48 hours before arrival – submit online here. Late submissions risk quarantine!
5. What’s the penalty for not having proper documents? ⚠️
Answer: Up to $500 fine and mandatory 14-day quarantine at owner’s expense. Always carry your pet’s health certificate!
6. Where can I find an English-speaking vet in Santo Domingo? 🏥
Answer:Santo Domingo Animal Hospital (24/7) has English-speaking staff. Save their number: +1 809-555-1234.
7. Can I bring dog food to the DR? 🥩
Answer:Max 5 lbs of commercial food (original packaging). For raw food, you’ll need a USDA export certificate.
Ready for a Pawsome DR Vacation? 🎒
Your dream Caribbean adventure with your furry best friend is just a few steps away! With the right preparation, you and your pup can enjoy sun-soaked beaches, pet-friendly resorts, and unforgettable memories in the Dominican Republic. Don’t let paperwork stress you out – we’ve created the ultimate 2025 pet travel checklist covering everything from vaccine schedules to must-pack items. Grab your free guide now and start planning your tail-wagging tropical getaway!
