There are quarantine and regulatory agency restrictions and conditions to the importation of pets / animals and household plants.
Veterinary Requirements Prior to the Shipment of Pet Animals
1. A person planning to bring any animal into the Philippines from abroad must apply in writing for an import permit at the following address:
The Director
Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Ave., Quezon City
Philippines
Attention: Animal Health Division
Tel. No. (63 2) 966-883, 980-971, 926-6883, 927-0971
Fax No. (63 2) 926-6866, 928-2429, 928-2836
2. A valid health and rabies certificate must be obtained from the agency concerned at the port of origin shortly before shipment. The certificate will be required by the Veterinary Quarantine Officer upon arrival at the port of disembarkation. Any pet without such a certificate will be detained by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) until cleared.
For countries declared to be rabies-free, the rabies vaccination is waived. The appropriate authorities in the country of origin can provide this information.
For pet fishes, in lieu of a health certificate, a prior import permit must be obtained from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
3. All animals imported into the Philippines shall be subject to such quarantine and tests as may be prescribed by the Director of Animal industry and those found to be infected with dangerous communicable animal diseases shall immediately be condemned, killed and properly burned or buried in the presence of a representative of the Bureau of Animal Industry at the expense of the importer.
Requirements Prior to Shipment of Household Plants
1. A Phytosanitary Certificate must be obtained from the government agency concerned at the port of origin and presented to the Plant Quarantine Officer. Plants arriving in the country without this certificate as well as those falling in the alert list may be detained.
2. For pertinent rules and regulations on shipment of household plants, write to
The Director
Bureau of Plant Industry
612 San Andres
Malate, Manila
Tel. No. (63 2) 521-7648
Fax No. (63 2) 521-7650
E-mail address: bpinir@info.com.ph
