Dog or cat from Morocco to the Philippines: the rules

1. Get ready

   1. IdentificationEntering the Philippines

      Microchip (the number is part of the SPSIC application)

      Your pet's microchip number is part of the import clearance (SPSIC) application.

      Details and the official words

      “Information of the dog/cat such as vaccination and antiparasitic records, microchip number, actual photo of the dog/cat, and pet passport if applicable.”

      “Proof of Microchip Numbers”

   2. VaccinationEntering the Philippines

      Rabies vaccination by a licensed vet, at 12 weeks or older

      A licensed vet in your pet's country vaccinates it against rabies when it is at least 12 weeks old (a pet vaccinated younger needs a booster before you apply for the SPSIC). Rabies is the only vaccination the Philippines requires. After a first vaccination you wait 14 days before applying for the SPSIC; BAI accepts a vaccine with 3-year validity.

      Details and the official words

      “The rabies vaccination should be administered by a licensed veterinarian of the source country.”

      “The dog or cat should be at least 12 weeks of age at the time of rabies vaccination; or the dog or cat vaccinated against rabies earlier than 12 weeks of age shall be given a booster shot with owner’s consent before applying for SPSIC.”

      “No, the Philippines only requires the dog or cat to be vaccinated against Rabies.”

   3. PermitEntering the Philippines

      SPS Import Clearance (SPSIC) from BAI, applied for online

      Every dog and cat needs an approved SPSIC from BAI before it enters the Philippines. Apply online through the DA Trade System (intercommerce.com.ph) once your pet is at least 4 months old, and at least 14 days after a first rabies vaccination. You give the vaccination and parasite-treatment records, the microchip number, a photo of the pet and the pet passport if it has one; the Citizen's Charter also lists a BIR-issued ID with a tax number and a notarized affidavit of undertaking (Annex A for Filipinos, Annex C for foreigners). BAI processes it in 11 working days.

      Details and the official words

      BAI's page doesn't say how long an approved SPSIC stays valid: check the dates on yours.

      “Yes, all dogs and cats need an approved and valid SPSIC issued by BAI before entering the Philippines.”

      “The SPSIC can be secured online through DA Trade System”

      “The application takes 11 working days to be processed from the date of submission, evaluation, endorsement, and approval.”

      “The dog or cat should be at least 4 months of age at the time of the SPSIC application.”

      “If the dog or cat will receive its first or initial Rabies vaccination, the importer should wait 14 days after the date of initial vaccination before they can apply for SPS Import clearance to ensure that the dog or cat did not have any adverse reaction from the vaccine.”

      “Acquiring SPS Import Permit is a requirement before any dog or cat can enter into the Philippines.”

2. In the days before you travel

   1. TreatmentEntering the Philippines

      Internal and external parasite treatment still valid on arrival

      Your pet's internal and external parasite treatment must still be valid when it arrives in the Philippines. BAI says no 'updated' treatment is needed and there's no wait before applying for the SPSIC; how long a treatment stays valid depends on the product, so ask your vet.

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

      Details and the official words

      BAI's answer starts 'No, your dog/cat does not need an updated parasite treatment' and then says the treatment 'should be valid until the arrival'. We show the treatment so that it is valid on arrival; ask BAI if you're unsure what that means for your pet.

      “No, your dog/cat does not need an updated parasite treatment and you do not need to wait to apply for SPSIC.”

      “However, the internal and external parasite treatment should be valid until the arrival in the Philippines.”

   2. PaperworkLeaving Morocco

      ONSSA export health certificate (150 dirhams)

      An ONSSA official vet issues your pet's health certificate on the model agreed with your destination (ONSSA lists them by destination country). Ask the veterinary service where you live how and when to apply. The fee for a veterinary health certificate for exporting live animals is 150 dirhams per certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Contrôle à l’exportation des animaux de compagnie (Chiens, Chats et Furets)”

      “Certificat sanitaire vétérinaire à l’exportation des animaux vivants et des produits de multiplication animale”

      “(à l'exception des chevaux)”

      “Je soussigné, vétérinaire officiel certifie que les animaux désignés ci-dessus et examinés ce jour”

      “Ont été examinés au cours des 48 dernières heures, ont été trouvés en bon état de santé et n’ont présenté aucun signe clinique de maladies contagieuses propres à l’espèce”

      “Ont été correctement vaccinés contre la rage par un vaccin inactivé (ci-joint l’attestation de vaccination contre la rage)”

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Morocco (dogs).

The trip back asks for 7 steps: microchip or tattoo before the rabies vaccination, 6 months in a rabies-free country or area (ask ONSSA), rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine) and rabies blood test, if your pet stays less than 12 months and more.

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Morocco (cats).

The trip back asks for 7 steps: microchip or tattoo before the rabies vaccination, 6 months in a rabies-free country or area (ask ONSSA), rabies vaccination (inactivated vaccine) and rabies blood test, if your pet stays less than 12 months and more.