Palau BOA regulations state that dogs and cats originating from a non-rabies free country, including the US mainland, must meet the entry requirements of the State of Hawaii or the equivalent as approved by BOA. Countries recognized as rabies-free by Palau include, but are not limited to, State of Hawaii, Territory of Guam, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan & the UK. Although Palau considers itself rabies free, it is not recognized as rabies free by other countries. This is important to consider when importing your pet if you intend to take it back to your country of origin.
For pets from a rabies free country, a BOA import permit is required. Please contact the Biosecurity office at +680-587-2504 or palauquarantine11@gmail.com.
China Airlines is currently the best way to ship pets into Palau from rabies free countries, unless they are service dogs. Service dogs can fly on United Airlines to Palau from Hawaii/Guam.
In general, at least 6 months preparation is necessary before a dog or cat can be imported into Palau from a non-rabies free country, following the State of Hawaii requirements. However, United Airlines suspended its routine transport of pets to Palau during COVID and has not resumed, EXCEPT for service dogs. Please check the United Airlines web site for the latest rules. Meeting Palau entry and quarantine requirements are the responsibility of the pet owner, and not the airline.
Although Palau considers itself rabies free, it is not recognized as rabies free by some countries. Dogs and cats going to the US mainland do not have to go through quarantine, regulated by the US Dept. of Agriculture, APHIS. There are also new Center for Disease Control (CDC) requirements for bringing dogs into the US. Generally, a rabies vaccination 30 days prior to travel and a health certificate within 10 days of travel are required.
The State of Hawaii, however, does require dogs and cats entering from Palau to complete its full quarantine requirements , regardless if the animal completed them upon entry into Palau.
The Territory of Guam requires dogs and cats entering from Palau to complete its full quarantine requirements, regardless if the animal completed them upon entry into Palau.
Australia has a 10 day mandatory quarantine for entry of a dog or cat into the country.
Japan has import requirements by the Ministry of Agriculture. English: Free Guide & Other Information | Japanese.
Please feel free to contact PAWS if you have specific questions not answered by the above web links.
