Pet Travel from the UK to the Philippines: Dog & Cat Import Requirements

Step 1 – Microchip

Your pet must be identified with a microchip.

The Philippines requires an ISO-compatible microchip that can be read using an ISO-compatible scanner. If your pet has a non-ISO-compatible microchip, you will need to provide a suitable microchip scanner that can read it.

Make sure the microchip number is recorded correctly on your pet’s veterinary records and travel documentation.

Step 2 – Vaccinations

Your pet must have valid vaccinations that remain valid through the date of arrival in the Philippines.

Dogs

Dogs must be vaccinated against:

• Rabies

• Canine distemper

• Infectious canine hepatitis

• Canine parvovirus

• Canine parainfluenza

• Leptospirosis

For a first rabies vaccination, it must have been administered at least 14 days before applying for the SPSIC. Dogs should be at least 84 days old when vaccinated against rabies.

If your dog is receiving an annual rabies booster while the previous vaccination remains appropriately maintained, the Philippines permits shipment without the 14-day waiting period following the booster.

The other required canine vaccinations must have had at least one dose administered at least 14 days before the SPSIC application.

Cats

Cats must be vaccinated against:

• Rabies

• Feline panleukopenia

• Feline viral rhinotracheitis

• Feline calicivirus

For a first rabies vaccination, it must have been administered at least 14 days before applying for the SPSIC. Cats should be at least 84 days old when vaccinated against rabies.

For annual rabies boosters, the same provisions regarding immediate shipment following the booster apply.

The other required feline vaccinations must be administered at least 14 days before the SPSIC application.

Keep your pet’s vaccination records, as these will be needed to demonstrate that the requirements have been met.

Step 3 – Internal & External Parasite Treatment

Your pet must receive preventative treatment against both internal and external parasites from a licensed veterinarian.

For the SPSIC application, this treatment must have been administered:

No less than 7 days and no more than 91 days before the SPSIC application.

Make sure you receive veterinary evidence showing the date of treatment and product used, as this may be required when completing the export documentation.

Step 4 – Apply for the SPS Import Clearance (SPSIC)

Before travelling, you must obtain an approved Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

The SPSIC is valid for 60 days, so your application should be timed appropriately for your intended travel date.

At the time of application, dogs and cats generally need to be at least 120 days old.

Pregnant pets are not permitted under these requirements. If a pet has recently given birth, the SPSIC may be issued provided she gave birth at least 12 weeks before travel and a licensed veterinarian certifies that the mother and puppies/kittens are healthy and fit to travel.

Your pet should already meet the relevant vaccination and parasite-treatment requirements before you submit the SPSIC application.

To complete the whole application follow the instructions in this video.

Step 5 – Apply for the Export Health Certificate

Your pet will need an Export Health Certificate (2930EHC) for travel from Great Britain to the Philippines.

The certificate must be completed and certified by an Official Veterinarian (OV).

You should arrange this in advance, but the final veterinary examination and certification must take place close to your departure date.

The Philippine requirements state that the accompanying export/international veterinary health certificate should be issued within 3 calendar days before departure.

Step 6 – Official Veterinary Examination

Your dog or cat must be examined by an Official Veterinarian no more than 72 hours before export.

During this appointment, the OV will examine your pet to ensure they are healthy and fit to travel and will review the supporting documentation, including their:

• Microchip details

• Vaccination history

• Parasite treatments

• SPSIC/import documentation

Provided all requirements have been satisfied, the OV can complete and certify the 2930EHC.

Because the UK certificate requires the clinical examination to occur within 72 hours of export, we recommend arranging your final EHC appointment within this window rather than relying on the wider 10-day Philippine certificate requirement.

Step 7 – Travel to the Philippines

Before leaving for the airport, check that you have all of your pet's original travel documentation with you.

Your pet should travel in accordance with your airline's requirements and applicable IATA standards.

Requirements can differ depending on whether your pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage or as manifest cargo, so you should confirm your airline's requirements well in advance.

Most importantly, keep the original Export Health Certificate and approved SPSIC accessible rather than packing them somewhere you cannot reach on arrival.

Step 8 – Arrival in the Philippines

When you arrive in the Philippines, you will need to present your pet and documentation to the Bureau of Animal Industry Veterinary Quarantine Officer (VQO) at the international port of entry.

Hand-carried or checked-in pets

You should present:

• Printed copy/copies of the approved SPSIC

• Original EP/International Veterinary Health Certificate, which for pets travelling from Great Britain is the relevant certified export documentation

Pets arriving through the cargo terminal

You should present:

• Printed copy/copies of the approved SPSIC

• Original EP/International Veterinary Health Certificate

• Air waybill stamped by the airline indicating arrival

The relevant SPSIC and inspection fees can be paid at the Veterinary Quarantine Office on arrival.

The stated fees are:

• SPS Import Clearance – ₱100

• SPS Lodgement Fee – ₱55

• Inspection – ₱250 per pet for the first two pets

• Additional pets – ₱300 per pet

Provided all of the required documentation is complete and accepted by the Veterinary Quarantine Officer, the animal(s) can generally be released on the same day.

Ready to Start Your Pet’s Philippines Travel Paperwork?

If you’re planning to travel from the UK to the Philippines with your dog or cat, we can help make the process clear, organised, and stress-free.

Complete our enquiry form and we’ll review your pet’s details, travel dates, vaccination history, and certification requirements so we can guide you through the next steps.

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