Thinking of bringing a puppy or cat directly from the UK to Bermuda? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Planning to bring your puppy or cat to Bermuda? As an excited pawrent, you’ll want to make sure your pet is travel-ready and meets all the Bermuda government’s requirements. Traveling with a puppy is an adventure, but it comes with important considerations to ensure your furry furiend is safe and healthy on the journey.
Vet Visit within 5 days of depawture
Before embarking on your trip, a vet visit is essential to confirm that your pet is fit to travel. The vet will ensure your pup is healthy, free of parasites like fleas and ticks, and up to date on vaccinations. Parasites can weaken your pet’s immune system, which is especially risky during travel.
In Bermuda, parasite prevention is a must. The government requires all pets to be treated for fleas and ticks before entering the country and have it documented by a veterinarian. Since the UK government requires an export permit, this is easily done during the same vet visit. Since the UK is considered rabies free, the vaccine requirements are not necessary for pets traveling directly from the UK. The most common way to do this is via cargo on the British Airways flight.
Flea and Tick Treatments Required by Bermuda
Bermuda has strict guidelines for flea and tick prevention. Before arrival, a puppy must be treated with one of these approved medications:
Fipronil 9.8%
Sarolaner
Fluralaner
Imidacloprid
For puppies with the MDR1 genetic mutation (common in breeds like Collies), Selamectin (used in products like Revolution) should be avoided due to potential harmful side effects. Your vet will help you select the right product based on your puppy’s breed, weight, and health needs.
Size and Weight Matter: Choosing the Right Flea and Tick Treatment
Your puppy’s size and weight are critical factors in determining which flea and tick treatment is best. Different treatments are designed for puppies of various sizes, and using the wrong dose could be dangerous.
For Smaller Puppies:
Smaller pups need extra care with dosing. Many flea and tick preventatives for adult dogs are too strong for puppies under a certain weight. Your vet will prescribe a product that’s safe for your puppy’s weight and age.
Puppies under 4 lbs:
These puppies often require special formulations with lower doses to ensure safety. Topical treatments or sprays might be more appropriate until they grow larger.
Products you can pre-order in the UK and bring to your appointment: Frontline Spray, Frontline Spot On for 2-10kg, or Frontline Plus for 2-10 kg (all contain fipronil)
For Medium to Large Puppies:
As puppies grow, oral tablets or chewables like Simparica or Bravecto can be effective options. These treatments offer long-lasting protection and are easy to administer.
Puppies over 5 lbs:
Larger puppies can usually handle a wider variety of treatments, but it’s still essential to use the correct dose based on their weight. Following your vet’s guidance will keep your puppy safe.
Why Cat Flea and Tick Treatments Should Never Be Used on Puppies
Even though puppies and kittens might be similar in size or weight, never use cat flea and tick treatments on your puppy. Cat and dog flea treatments are specifically formulated for the biology of each species, and using the wrong one can be highly dangerous.
Here’s why
Active Ingredients Vary
Many cat flea treatments contain ingredients like Permethrin, which is toxic to dogs, especially puppies. Cats can tolerate certain chemicals that can be harmful to dogs, and vice versa.
Different Dosing and Concentration
Flea treatments for cats are often formulated with a different concentration of active ingredients compared to those for puppies. Even if your puppy is small or light enough to match the weight of a cat, the dosing is not interchangeable.
Metabolic Differences
Dogs and cats process medications differently. Puppies metabolize certain chemicals at different rates than cats, meaning what’s safe for a kitten could be unsafe for a puppy. Puppies’ developing systems are more sensitive, and using a cat flea product could result in serious health issues, such as tremors, seizures, or even death.
In short, weight and size aren’t the only considerations. The type of medication, formulation, and species-specific tolerances are crucial. Always use a flea and tick treatment that’s approved for dogs, and consult with your vet to ensure it’s safe for your puppy.
IATA Regulations: Minimum Age for Shipping Puppies
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, which set minimum age requirements for puppies being transported puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to be shipped by air in cargo from the UK directly to Bermuda. It is also the same minimum age for a puppy to be sold by a breeder in the UK.
This age requirement is in place to protect young puppies, as they are more vulnerable to stress and health complications during air travel. Additionally, shipping companies may have their own specific age and weight limits, so it’s important to check with your shipping company before booking your puppy’s flight.
What If My Pet Has Already Been Treated in the last 30 days?
If your pet has been treated with any flea or tick medications before your vet appointment for your travel health certificate, be sure to inform your vet of the date and type of treatment used. They will have to be treated again.
The Health Certificate requires the veterinarian to administer a flea/tick preventative at the appointment within 10 days of arrival into Bermuda. You need to know your puppy’s treatment history to avoid negative interactions between old and new medications. Keeping records of past treatments helps prevent potential side effects and ensures your puppy stays healthy.
PadsPass 2.0 can help you and your veterinarian at your appointment to prepare the required documentation needed for travel to Bermuda.
For more detailed information, check out the official guidelines from the Bermuda Government on importing pets.
With the right preparation, you and your puppy will be ready to enjoy the sun, sand, and paw-some life in Bermuda! Safe travels to you and your furry furiend.
Dr Mariam Ferrer is a DVM and member of the Royal Society of Veterinary Surgeons. She’s joined PadsPass to guide users on pet health in travel.
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