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Pet travel route

Dog or cat from the Dominican Republic to Kuwait: the rules

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 3 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip number on the certificate, rabies vaccination and other vaccinations and 5 more.

Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 5 official pages

In short

Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving the Dominican Republic publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. DIGEGA's page lists the steps and documents but gives no deadline before departure and doesn't say when the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) stamp or the VUCE single-window process is needed. Start early and ask DIGEGA (809-535-9689, ext. 307) what applies to your destination.

Limited official guidance. The authority for entering Kuwait publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) has no page we could reach, and its pet rules aren't on Kuwait's e-government portal either. These rules come from PAAF's own model health certificate for dogs, cats and ferrets (October 2026 version, published by the US Department of Agriculture for pets from the US), the Kuwaiti embassy in Japan's answer about PAAF's import permit, and the UK's guidance for its Kuwait certificate. We apply PAAF's certificate to every country of origin, but the certificate agreed with your country may differ. None of these sources says how long before travel the health certificate may be issued (except from Japan), whether a microchip is compulsory, the minimum age, or how to apply for the permit and what it costs. Contact PAAF (info@paaf.gov.kw) and your own veterinary authority before you travel.

At a glance

How early to start (dogs)

about 3 months

whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival (sample taken at least 3 months before entering Kuwait)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (dogs)

  • Rabies blood test needed
  • Import permit needed
  • Parasite treatment before travel

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

How early to start (cats)

about 3 months

whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival (sample taken at least 3 months before entering Kuwait)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (cats)

  • Rabies blood test needed
  • Import permit needed
  • Parasite treatment before travel

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

Prefer a feed reader? Dominican Republic rule changes · Kuwait rule changes

Dominican Republic → Kuwait

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether the Dominican Republic (leaving) or Kuwait (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

Bringing a dog or cat into Kuwait: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. IdentificationEntering Kuwait

      Microchip number on the certificate

      PAAF's certificate records your pet's microchip number (10 to 15 digits). Have your pet microchipped before the rabies vaccination so the vaccination and the blood test can be matched to it.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      The certificate has a box for the microchip number but doesn't say in words that a microchip is compulsory or when it must be implanted.

      “Microchip No.: 10 to 15 digits”

    2. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Rabies vaccination

      Pets from countries with rabies must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine made to WOAH standards, following the vaccine maker's instructions. The vet records the date, the vaccine, its maker, batch and expiry, and the period of validity on the certificate. The vaccination must still be valid when your pet arrives.

      Details and the official words

      PAAF's certificate asks for the vaccination for pets 'originating from countries considered infected with rabies', but we couldn't find PAAF's list of such countries, so the plan asks for it from every country: ask PAAF if your country is rabies-free.

      “Dogs, cats, and ferrets originating from countries considered infected with rabies.”

      “Only vaccines produced in compliance with the recommendations of the WOAH Terrestrial Manual should be used.”

      “Vaccination or Re-vaccination should be carried out in accordance with the recommendation of manufacturer.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Other vaccinations

      Dogs: parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola). Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Given according to the vaccine maker's instructions and recorded on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Vaccination for other diseases (dogs)”

      “Canine Parvovirus”

      “Canine Distemper virus”

      “Infectious Canine Hepatitis”

      “(Icterohemorrhagiae & Canicola)”

      “Feline Panleukopenia”

      “Feline Rhinotracheitis”

      “Feline Calcivirus”

    4. Blood testEntering Kuwait

      Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival

      Your pet needs a rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an official laboratory. The blood sample must be taken no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months before your pet enters Kuwait, so start early: the earliest arrival is 3 months after the sample.

      Details and the official words

      “Note: Serological testing is required; the animal should have been subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to its introduction into the importing country, to an antibody titration, as prescribed in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual with a positive result of at least 0.5 IU.”

      “Rabies titer tests are required no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months prior to entering Kuwait.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. PermitEntering Kuwait

      PAAF import permit (valid for one month)

      You need an import permit issued by Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) before your pet leaves. It is valid for one month from the date it is issued, so your pet must arrive within that month. Contact PAAF on +965 1885020 or info@paaf.gov.kw to apply; the application steps, processing time and fee aren't published.

      Details and the official words

      The one-month validity comes from the Kuwaiti embassy in Japan's answer about bringing a pet to Kuwait; the UK's guidance confirms that the permit must be obtained from PAAF's Animal Health Department before export. Neither says who applies (relocation guides say a person in Kuwait does): ask PAAF.

      “また、クウェートのThe Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs & Fish Resourcesが発行する輸入許可書も必要です。”

      “この許可書は発行日より1か月間有効です。”

      “+965 1885020またはEmail: info@paaf.gov.kwにご連絡をお取り下さい。”

      “The importation of dogs and cats into Kuwait is subject to the issue of an import permit which must be obtained prior to export from The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, Animal Health Dept.”

    2. Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic

      Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record

      Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.

      Details and the official words

      “Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”

      “Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”

      “Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”

      “Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”

      “Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”

    3. TreatmentEntering Kuwait

      Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before export

      Your vet treats your pet against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before it leaves, and records it on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “The animals were treated against internal and external parasites within 14 days prior to export.”

    4. PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and Kuwait

      PAAF's veterinary health certificate, endorsed by an official vet

      A vet examines your pet (free from clinical signs of infectious disease and fit to travel) and completes PAAF's 'Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait', with the rabies, blood-test, vaccination and parasite records; an official government veterinarian of your country endorses it. The certificate doesn't say how long before travel it may be issued: ask PAAF.

      Details and the official words

      USDA's page for Kuwait (6 October 2026) says both that APHIS endorsement is not required for pet dogs and cats and that the certificate must be endorsed by APHIS. Until that is cleared up, the plan keeps the USDA endorsement step for pets from the US: ask your accredited vet.

      DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.

      “Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait”

      “To be endorsed by the official government veterinarian”

      “that the animal was found to be free from clinical signs of infectious diseases and fit to travel.”

      “The health certificate must be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS”

      “APHIS endorsement is not required for Pet Dogs and Cats to Kuwait.”

      “健康診断書は担当獣医師による署名がなされており、渡航の日より3ヶ月以内に発行されたものである必要があります。”

      “また、大使館へ提出する前に外務省の認証を受けておいて下さい。”

      “Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”

      “Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”

      “Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”

      “Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”

      “1-24 Horas”

      “RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”

Good to know

  • These requirements come from PAAF's own model certificate for dogs, cats and ferrets, which we could read only in the version filled in for pets from the US. Your country's veterinary authority may use a different certificate agreed with Kuwait: ask it, and PAAF, which certificate applies before you plan the dates.
  • Kuwait prohibits these dog breeds and any mix of them (as listed by the US Department of Agriculture): Pit Bull and American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Mastiffs (including Tibetan, Brazilian/Fila Brasileiro, Argentinian/Dogo Argentino, Neapolitan, French/Dogue de Bordeaux, Canary/Presa Canario, Italian/Cane Corso, Japanese/Tosa, Indian/Bully Kutta, Bullmastiff and South African/Boerboel), Rottweiler, Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai), Wolf Dog, Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka), Doberman Pinscher and Anatolian Shepherd (Kangal).
  • If the conditions on PAAF's certificate aren't met, the pet is kept in Kuwait's quarantine station under Kuwait's veterinary legislation.
  • The certificate states that your pet is transported according to IATA rules: use an IATA-compliant travel crate and check your airline's own pet rules.
  • Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.

Cats

Bringing a dog or cat into Kuwait: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. IdentificationEntering Kuwait

      Microchip number on the certificate

      PAAF's certificate records your pet's microchip number (10 to 15 digits). Have your pet microchipped before the rabies vaccination so the vaccination and the blood test can be matched to it.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      The certificate has a box for the microchip number but doesn't say in words that a microchip is compulsory or when it must be implanted.

      “Microchip No.: 10 to 15 digits”

    2. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Rabies vaccination

      Pets from countries with rabies must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine made to WOAH standards, following the vaccine maker's instructions. The vet records the date, the vaccine, its maker, batch and expiry, and the period of validity on the certificate. The vaccination must still be valid when your pet arrives.

      Details and the official words

      PAAF's certificate asks for the vaccination for pets 'originating from countries considered infected with rabies', but we couldn't find PAAF's list of such countries, so the plan asks for it from every country: ask PAAF if your country is rabies-free.

      “Dogs, cats, and ferrets originating from countries considered infected with rabies.”

      “Only vaccines produced in compliance with the recommendations of the WOAH Terrestrial Manual should be used.”

      “Vaccination or Re-vaccination should be carried out in accordance with the recommendation of manufacturer.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Other vaccinations

      Dogs: parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola). Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Given according to the vaccine maker's instructions and recorded on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Vaccination for other diseases (dogs)”

      “Canine Parvovirus”

      “Canine Distemper virus”

      “Infectious Canine Hepatitis”

      “(Icterohemorrhagiae & Canicola)”

      “Feline Panleukopenia”

      “Feline Rhinotracheitis”

      “Feline Calcivirus”

    4. Blood testEntering Kuwait

      Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival

      Your pet needs a rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an official laboratory. The blood sample must be taken no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months before your pet enters Kuwait, so start early: the earliest arrival is 3 months after the sample.

      Details and the official words

      “Note: Serological testing is required; the animal should have been subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to its introduction into the importing country, to an antibody titration, as prescribed in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual with a positive result of at least 0.5 IU.”

      “Rabies titer tests are required no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months prior to entering Kuwait.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. PermitEntering Kuwait

      PAAF import permit (valid for one month)

      You need an import permit issued by Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) before your pet leaves. It is valid for one month from the date it is issued, so your pet must arrive within that month. Contact PAAF on +965 1885020 or info@paaf.gov.kw to apply; the application steps, processing time and fee aren't published.

      Details and the official words

      The one-month validity comes from the Kuwaiti embassy in Japan's answer about bringing a pet to Kuwait; the UK's guidance confirms that the permit must be obtained from PAAF's Animal Health Department before export. Neither says who applies (relocation guides say a person in Kuwait does): ask PAAF.

      “また、クウェートのThe Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs & Fish Resourcesが発行する輸入許可書も必要です。”

      “この許可書は発行日より1か月間有効です。”

      “+965 1885020またはEmail: info@paaf.gov.kwにご連絡をお取り下さい。”

      “The importation of dogs and cats into Kuwait is subject to the issue of an import permit which must be obtained prior to export from The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, Animal Health Dept.”

    2. Vet examLeaving the Dominican Republic

      Health certificate from a vet, with an up-to-date vaccination record

      Take your pet to a vet for a health certificate. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record with a current rabies vaccination and a current parasite treatment, a microchip where your destination requires one, and any extra document your destination asks for (such as a rabies blood test). Get the Dominican veterinary college (COLVET) signature and stamp when it is required.

      Details and the official words

      “Certificado de salud emitido por médico veterinario.”

      “Récord o tarjeta de vacunación actualizado.”

      “Vacuna antirrábica vigente.”

      “Documentación adicional exigida por el país de destino (Serología vacuna de Rabia).”

      “Obtener firma/sello del COLVET cuando sea requerido.”

    3. TreatmentEntering Kuwait

      Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before export

      Your vet treats your pet against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before it leaves, and records it on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “The animals were treated against internal and external parasites within 14 days prior to export.”

    4. PaperworkThe Dominican Republic and Kuwait

      PAAF's veterinary health certificate, endorsed by an official vet

      A vet examines your pet (free from clinical signs of infectious disease and fit to travel) and completes PAAF's 'Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait', with the rabies, blood-test, vaccination and parasite records; an official government veterinarian of your country endorses it. The certificate doesn't say how long before travel it may be issued: ask PAAF.

      Details and the official words

      USDA's page for Kuwait (6 October 2026) says both that APHIS endorsement is not required for pet dogs and cats and that the certificate must be endorsed by APHIS. Until that is cleared up, the plan keeps the USDA endorsement step for pets from the US: ask your accredited vet.

      DIGEGA validates the documents; official inspection at the port of exit: Present the documents to DIGEGA (Ciudad Ganadera, Santo Domingo, Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) to be signed and stamped (RD$ 500), and complete the VUCE single-window process where it applies. DIGEGA answers within 1 to 24 hours. Then go to the port of exit, where an official vet inspects your pet and issues the zoosanitary certificate.

      “Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait”

      “To be endorsed by the official government veterinarian”

      “that the animal was found to be free from clinical signs of infectious diseases and fit to travel.”

      “The health certificate must be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS”

      “APHIS endorsement is not required for Pet Dogs and Cats to Kuwait.”

      “健康診断書は担当獣医師による署名がなされており、渡航の日より3ヶ月以内に発行されたものである必要があります。”

      “また、大使館へ提出する前に外務省の認証を受けておいて下さい。”

      “Presentar la documentación ante DIGEGA para validación (Firma y sellado).”

      “Realizar el proceso correspondiente en VUCE cuando aplique.”

      “Dirigirse al puerto de salida para la inspección veterinaria oficial y emisión del certificado zoosanitario correspondiente.”

      “Lunes a Viernes de 8:00 am – 4:00 pm”

      “1-24 Horas”

      “RD$ 500.00 pesos según el protocolo específico publicado por DIGEGA; conviene validar si existen costos adicionales asociados al trámite/VUCE o al destino.”

Good to know

  • These requirements come from PAAF's own model certificate for dogs, cats and ferrets, which we could read only in the version filled in for pets from the US. Your country's veterinary authority may use a different certificate agreed with Kuwait: ask it, and PAAF, which certificate applies before you plan the dates.
  • If the conditions on PAAF's certificate aren't met, the pet is kept in Kuwait's quarantine station under Kuwait's veterinary legislation.
  • The certificate states that your pet is transported according to IATA rules: use an IATA-compliant travel crate and check your airline's own pet rules.
  • Meeting DIGEGA's requirements doesn't replace your destination's entry requirements: check them before you start, as some countries ask for a microchip, a rabies blood test or other certificates. DIGEGA recommends starting well ahead of your travel date.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in the Dominican Republic publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

Government fees in total: 500 DOP (each currency separately)

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

No published prices yet for the Dominican Republic: microchip, rabies vaccination, other vaccinations, parasite treatment, health certificate (vet’s fee), vet examination.

Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices

Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.

Round trip

Coming back to the Dominican Republic

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves the Dominican Republic.

The trip back asks for 5 steps: vet examination within 72 hours before departure, internal and external parasite treatment before the vet examination, rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine) from 90 days old, at least 30 days before departure and rabies vaccination within the 12 months before departure and more.

Every step from Kuwait to the Dominican Republic

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from the Dominican Republic to Kuwait?

Yes: Your pet needs a rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an official laboratory.

Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Kuwait?

Yes: You need an import permit issued by Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) before your pet leaves.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Kuwait?

We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.

How early should I start preparing my pet for the Dominican Republic to Kuwait?

With nothing done yet, start at least about 3 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip number on the certificate, rabies vaccination and other vaccinations and 5 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

Read next

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Where from, where to, when. You get every step with its deadline and the official page it comes from.

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