Practical Cuba
Taking a Pet to Cuba
Cuba does admit accompanying pets, subject to veterinary documentation checked on arrival. The paperwork is the manageable part; the airline routing and what you can buy once you are there are the parts that catch people out.
How it works, not what it costs — reviewed 2026-08-24.
The documentation
Expect to need an official veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel, and proof of current rabies vaccination. Requirements are set by the Cuban authorities, are checked at the border by the veterinary service, and do change.
Because the specific window for the health certificate and the accepted vaccination schedule vary, the only safe source is the Cuban mission accredited to your country, consulted in advance — see our embassies directory. Do not rely on a summary, this one included, for the exact dates.
Getting there is the constraint
Not every airline serving Cuba carries animals, and those that do differ on whether the animal travels in the cabin or as manifested cargo, with different paperwork for each. Seasonal embargoes on hold carriage in hot weather are common and apply to Caribbean routes.
Check with the specific carrier, on the specific route, before you book anything else. A connection through a third country may add that country's transit requirements on top of Cuba's.
Once you are there
Veterinary care exists and Cuban vets are competent, but the supply constraints described on our healthcare page apply to animals as much as to people. Specific medications, prescription diets and branded flea and tick treatments are not reliably available.
Bring the full course of anything your animal needs, plus a margin. Accommodation is the other consideration: resorts generally do not accept pets, and casas particulares vary entirely by host, so confirm before booking rather than on arrival.
Related practical pages
Frequently asked questions
- Can I bring my dog to Cuba?
- Yes, with veterinary documentation including a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Confirm current requirements with the Cuban mission for your country.
- Is there quarantine for pets entering Cuba?
- Entry is based on veterinary documentation checked on arrival rather than routine quarantine, but requirements change — verify with the accredited mission before travelling.
- Can I buy pet medication in Cuba?
- Not reliably. Bring the full course of anything your animal needs, with a margin for delays.