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Bringing a Dog or Cat to the Philippines
From 1 January 2027, every dog or cat entering the Philippines needs an import clearance (SPSIC) from the Bureau of Animal Industry, a rabies vaccine given at 12 weeks or older and valid on arrival, a rabies antibody test of at least 0.5 IU/ml by FAVN or RFFIT, internal and external parasite treatment, a completed Form 1 for each pet and a government health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. Clearances approved by 31 December 2026 follow the older rules, without the antibody test.
Requirements at a glance
| Which rules apply | Clearances (SPSIC) approved from 1 January 2027 follow the new rules on this page; one approved by 31 December 2026 can be used within its 60 days without the antibody test |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Microchip number required on the clearance and Form 1; the Philippine Embassy in Berlin says it must be ISO compliant |
| Rabies vaccine | At 12 weeks or older and valid on arrival; 3-year vaccines are accepted; required even from rabies-free countries |
| Antibody test | 0.5 IU/ml or more by FAVN or RFFIT (ELISA is not accepted), at a lab listed by the CDC or the European Commission or a government lab; blood drawn 30+ days after a first vaccine |
| Parasites | Internal and external treatment, valid from the application until arrival |
| Import clearance (SPSIC) | Online through the DA trade system; up to 11 days to process; valid 60 days, one trip, no extension |
| Health certificate | From the government vet service of the departure country, issued within 10 days before arrival |
| Quarantine | BAI pages state no quarantine period; pets without the required papers may be quarantined |
| Age and number | At least 18 weeks old when you apply; no limit on the number of pets from 2027 |
| Arrival fees | Php 100 clearance, Php 55 lodgement, Php 250 inspection per pet for the first 2 and Php 300 after; cash in pesos |
| Plan ahead | About 2 months from a first rabies vaccine, plus lab time |
Step-by-step timeline
- 2+ months beforeRabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older. If it is the first one, wait at least 30 days before the blood sample; with a valid earlier vaccine, the sample can be taken any time.
- After the vaccineBlood sample for the antibody test by FAVN or RFFIT. If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, revaccinate and retest after 14 days. The result stays valid for life as long as no booster is late.
- Weeks beforeComplete Form 1 for each pet, with Section VI endorsed by a government-accredited vet, and apply for the SPSIC online with photos of each pet. Processing takes up to 11 days.
- 10 days beforeGovernment health certificate (IVHC) from the departure country, in English or with an English translation. Parasite treatments must still be valid on arrival.
- ArrivalShow the SPSIC, Form 1 and the original certificate, have the pet inspected and pay the fees in cash in Philippine pesos.
Dogs vs cats
Dogs and cats follow the same rules from 2027; the extra vaccines (distemper, parvovirus and others for dogs, panleukopenia for cats) are no longer required, only rabies. Pets must be at least 18 weeks old when you apply, and pregnant animals are not allowed. BAI pages list no banned breeds.
Common mistakes
- Letting a rabies booster lapse, even by a single day. The antibody result becomes invalid and the vaccine and test must be done again.
- Names that do not match. The importer's name on the SPSIC must be the same as on Form 1 and the health certificate.
- Using an ELISA antibody test. Only FAVN and RFFIT are accepted.
- Assuming the SPSIC can be extended or reused. It is valid for 60 days and one shipment only.
Official source: BAI: new requirements for bringing dogs and cats to the Philippines (from 1 January 2027)
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rabies titer test to bring my dog to the Philippines?
Yes, for clearances approved from 1 January 2027: 0.5 IU/ml or more by FAVN or RFFIT. A clearance approved by 31 December 2026 can still be used within its 60 days without one.
How long does the Philippine pet import permit take?
The SPSIC takes up to 11 days to process once all documents are complete. It is valid for 60 days and cannot be extended.
Is there quarantine for pets arriving in the Philippines?
BAI's pages do not state a quarantine period. The Philippine Embassy in Berlin says pets without the required documents may be quarantined on arrival.
How many pets can I bring to the Philippines?
Under the 2027 rules there is no limit. Under the older rules the limit was 3 animals per year.
Sources
- BAI: new requirements for bringing dogs and cats to the Philippines (from 1 January 2027)
- BAI: bringing dogs and cats into the Philippines (rules until 31 December 2026)
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.