Taking Your Dog to the Philippines
Use this 2026 guide to plan microchipping, rabies vaccination, SPSIC import permit, health certificate endorsement, and your return to the U.S.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Philippines
ISO Microchip
The dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip readable by an ISO-compatible reader. If your dog has a non-ISO chip, you must bring your own scanner. Proof of microchip is required for the SPSIC application.
Must be implanted before documents are submitted for the SPSIC; best completed before rabies vaccination so records match throughout the process.Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs unless the dog is coming from a rabies-free country and the waiver is specifically attested by the veterinary authority in the export health certificate. For dogs, the initial rabies vaccination must be given not less than 14 days before SPSIC application, and all vaccinations must remain valid through arrival. Dogs must be at least 84 days old for rabies vaccination.
Initial vaccine: at least 14 days before SPSIC application; boosters may allow immediate shipment if still valid through arrival.Core Dog Vaccinations
At least one dose of canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, canine parvovirus, canine parainfluenza, and leptospirosis vaccination must be administered before import.
At least 14 days before SPSIC application.Rabies Titer Test
The Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry pet import guidance does not list a rabies antibody titer test as a standard requirement for personal dog importation.
Not required under the current BAI pet import guidance for standard personal imports.Health Certificate
Your dog must travel with an Export Permit/International Veterinary Health Certificate issued by the veterinary authority of the exporting country. For U.S. departures, APHIS states the health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS before travel. The certificate must be in English or accompanied by an English translation and match the SPSIC details.
Must be issued within 10 calendar days before export/departure.USDA APHIS Endorsement
For dogs departing from the United States, the export health certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS after it is completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
Complete after the vet exam and before departure; plan several business days for endorsement processing.Import Permit (SPSIC)
You must obtain an approved Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry before travel. The application requires vaccination and antiparasitic records, proof of microchip, a photo of the actual pet, and pet passport if available. One-time importers may list up to 3 pets on one SPSIC.
Must be approved before travel; permit validity is 60 days from issuance.Parasite Treatment
Preventive medication against internal and external parasites must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Antiparasitic records are part of the SPSIC application.
Treatment must be given not more than 91 days and not more than 7 days before SPSIC application.Age and Pregnancy Restrictions
Only dogs 120 days and older at the time of SPSIC application are allowed for import. Pregnant pets are not allowed at the time of SPSIC application.
Dog must be at least 120 days old when you apply for the SPSIC.Quarantine Period
BAI states that if all required documents are presented on arrival and requirements are met, the animal can be released the same day at the port of entry. The standard pet import guidance does not list a routine post-arrival quarantine period for compliant personal imports.
No routine quarantine stated for compliant entries; clearance occurs at arrival inspection.Banned Breeds
No breed-specific ban is listed in the current BAI pet import guidance reviewed for standard dog imports. Airline breed restrictions may still apply, especially for brachycephalic or restricted breeds.
Check airline rules before booking.Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam for export health certificate | $75-200 | Typical U.S. accredited-vet exam pricing varies by clinic and region. |
| Rabies vaccination (if needed) | $25-60 | Only needed if your dog is not currently valid for rabies. |
| Core booster vaccines (if needed) | $40-120 | May include distemper/parvo combo, leptospirosis, and related boosters if not current. |
| Microchip implantation (if needed) | $25-75 | ISO-compatible microchip recommended. |
| Rabies titer test | $0 | Not listed as a standard requirement for personal dog import to the Philippines. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $38-173 | USDA APHIS endorsement fees vary by certificate type and processing method. |
| Philippines SPS Import Clearance and arrival fees | $7-9 | Official BAI fees are PHP 100 SPS Import Clearance, PHP 55 lodgement fee, and inspection fee of PHP 250 for each of the first 2 pets or PHP 300 for each succeeding pet; converted approximately to USD at about PHP 56 = USD 1. |
| Airline pet fee (in cabin, where allowed) | $200 each way | Example current major-airline international in-cabin pet fee from Delta; many Philippines itineraries or large dogs must travel as cargo instead. |
| Airline cargo or checked-pet transport | $400-1,500+ | Varies widely by route, kennel size, season, and carrier; confirm directly with your airline or pet shipper. |
| Total | $617-2,137+ |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
CDC rules apply when you bring your dog back to the United States. All dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must appear healthy, be at least 6 months old at entry, and have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner. If your dog has been only in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries during the 6 months before return, the required document is the CDC Dog Import Form receipt. If your dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies during the 6 months before return, additional rules apply. For U.S.-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries, CDC requires the CDC Dog Import Form receipt plus a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the U.S. and endorsed by USDA. USDA-endorsed export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025 are no longer accepted instead of that CDC form. Because CDC requirements depend on where your dog has been in the previous 6 months, confirm the Philippines' current rabies-risk classification and prepare the correct CDC paperwork before your outbound trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog to the Philippines?
Yes. You must secure an approved Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry before travel. The permit is valid for 60 days, and one-time importers can include up to 3 pets on one SPSIC.
How early does my dog's rabies vaccine need to be done for the Philippines?
For an initial rabies vaccination, the vaccine must be given at least 14 days before you apply for the SPSIC. Rabies vaccination must still be valid on the date your dog arrives in the Philippines.
Does the Philippines require a rabies titer test for dogs?
Not under the current BAI pet import guidance for standard personal dog imports. The published requirements focus on microchip, rabies and core vaccines, parasite treatment, SPSIC approval, and the export health certificate.
When does the health certificate need to be issued?
The Export Permit or International Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued within 10 calendar days before export or departure. If you are leaving from the United States, the certificate must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS before travel.
Is parasite treatment required for dogs entering the Philippines?
Yes. Preventive treatment against internal and external parasites must be administered by a licensed veterinarian not more than 91 days and not more than 7 days before the SPSIC application.
Will my dog be quarantined on arrival in the Philippines?
The current BAI pet import guidance does not describe a routine quarantine period for compliant personal imports. If you arrive with the approved SPSIC and original export health certificate and meet the requirements, BAI says the animal can be released the same day after inspection and payment of fees.
Are there breed bans for dogs entering the Philippines?
The current BAI pet import page reviewed for this guide does not list breed-specific bans for standard dog imports. However, your airline may restrict certain breeds, especially snub-nosed dogs or dogs that must travel as cargo.
What do I need to return to the U.S. with my dog after visiting the Philippines?
At minimum, your dog must be healthy, microchipped, and at least 6 months old, and you will need the CDC Dog Import Form receipt. If your dog has been in a country CDC classifies as high risk for dog rabies within the previous 6 months, you may also need the CDC Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination form endorsed by USDA before you leave the U.S.