The Philippines sits on the moderate end of the complexity spectrum — a far cry from destinations like Japan or Australia. No titer test, no 180-day wait. The main planning item is the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC), the Philippines’ import permit, which must be secured before your pet can travel. Start the process 6–8 weeks before your target travel date and you’ll have comfortable room to work.
Complexity level: Moderate
Recommended start time: 6–8 weeks before travel
Titer test required: No
Post-arrival quarantine: None for compliant documentation; confirm current conditions with BAI
Is the Philippines Difficult for Pet Relocation?
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What the Process Actually Looks Like
The Philippines is a popular destination for expats, military families, and retirees — and getting a pet there from the US is more manageable than most people expect. There’s no titer test, no lengthy waiting period, and typically no mandatory quarantine. The process hinges on one thing: the import permit. Get that in hand first, and the rest moves smoothly. Here’s an honest breakdown of what the process involves, how long it takes, and how Global Tails guides and coordinates each step
Moving Your Pet to The Philippines
How Will Your Pet Travel?
In-cabin is the most comfortable option and is available for small pets that can fit in a soft-sided carrier tucked under the seat in front of you. Each airline sets its own size and weight limits, but a combined carrier-and-pet weight of around 20 lbs is a common ceiling. You’ll book directly with your airline and reserve a spot — most airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight. We’ll guide you on what to request and confirm.
In-cabin
Excess baggage (also called checked baggage) means your pet travels in the cargo hold on the same flight as you. This is the typical option for medium-sized dogs and cats that are too 1 large for the cabin. You’ll book directly with your airline — confirm weight limits for pet plus crate with your carrier, as it varies. Two important restrictions apply: airlines generally do not accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds — such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, or Persian cats — as excess baggage due to breathing risk. Many carriers also restrict breeds classified as aggressive or “strong” from the cargo hold entirely. If your pet falls into either category, manifest cargo is the path forward.
Excess baggage
Manifest cargo is the unaccompanied option — your pet travels as freight, on a flight that may or may not be the same as yours. This is the right choice for larger pets, restricted breeds, or situations where the owner isn’t flying at the same time. Global Tails handles the cargo booking and check-in at the cargo facility, and coordinates the handoff with the receiving agent in the Philippines.
Manifest Cargo
Customs clearance at the destination can typically be handled by the owner upon arrival. Because Global Tails is US-based, we’re not able to assist directly with in-country clearance — but we can connect you with a preferred clearance agent at the destination if you’d rather not handle it yourself. Their fees apply independently.
Step-by-Step: How Pet Relocation to The Philippines Works
Step 1 — Microchip
Your pet needs an ISO-standard microchip. Everything else is built on this. If your pet is already chipped, we’ll verify it reads correctly. If not, this is the first appointment to schedule. Your pet also needs to be at least 4 months old (120 days) at the time of the SPSIC application
Step 2 — Vaccinations
Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian. Beyond rabies, the following are also required:
• Dogs: DA2PPL (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, leptospirosis)
• Cats: FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
All vaccinations must be completed at least 14 days before submitting the SPSIC application and must remain valid through your pet’s arrival date in the Philippines. If your pet’s vaccines are already curren
Step 3 — Antiparasitic Treatment
Internal and external parasite treatment is required, and must be completed at least 7 days before submitting the SPSIC application. The treatment must also remain valid through your pet’s arrival date. Your vet needs to document the product used, the date, and the dosage — those records travel with your pet. We’ll tell you exactly what to ask for at the appointment.
Step 4 — Apply for the SPSIC (Import Permit)
The SPSIC is issued by the Philippines’ Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and must be approved before your pet travels. Applications go through the BAI online portal. You’ll need to submit:
• Vaccination records
• Antiparasitic treatment records
• Microchip proof
• A photograph of your pet
• Pet passport (if available)
Global Tails coordinates the SPSIC application on your behalf. One thing to know: the Philippines limits 3 pets per importation. If you’re moving more than three animals, we’ll plan for the additional permits up front.
Step 5 — Health Certificate and USDA Endorsement
The health certificate (HC) is issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDAAPHIS through the VEHCS system (Veterinary Export Health Certification System). This is the official document that presents at Philippine customs.
The timing here is precise: the health certificate must be issued within 10 calendar days of departure and must be valid at the time of your pet’s arrival. In practice, we aim to have the HC issued around 7 days before departure — that leaves room for APHIS processing while keeping the document well within its validity window.
USDA processes endorsements Monday–Friday, 7am–4:30pm CT, excluding federal holidays. Allow 2–3 business days.
Step 6 — Travel Day
Your pet’s SPSIC and endorsed health certificate must physically accompany them. Upon arrival, BAI officials typically conduct an inspection at the port of entry. When documents are in order, this is straightforward.
Pets must enter through an airport with a BAI quarantine station. Currently confirmed entry points from the US are NAIA (Manila) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).
For cargo shipments (unaccompanied pets), we coordinate with a receiving agent on the Philippine side to make sure the handoff is covered.
What Documents Travel With Your Pet
SPSIC (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from BAI)
USDA-endorsed health certificate (via VEHCS)
Vaccination records
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Antiparasitic treatment records
Airway Bill (AWB) — manifest cargo only
Common Questions
6–8 weeks works for most cases. The SPSIC application is the main pacing item — BAI processing plus any follow-up documentation they request. If your pet still needs vaccinations or antiparasitic treatment, add a couple of weeks to that so the records are ready before you apply
The Philippines doesn’t have a standard mandatory quarantine for pets arriving with a compliant SPSIC and health certificate. BAI may inspect your pet on arrival, but that’s typically a brief document check. We recommend confirming current quarantine conditions with BAI at the time of your SPSIC application, as requirements can change.
Yes — up to 3 pets per importation. If you’re moving more than three, they’d need to be processed as a separate importation with separate permits. Let us know your full situation and we’ll plan around it
We’re not aware of breed restrictions for the Philippines, but we confirm with BAI before every case — rules can change without notice
The Philippines is classified by the CDC as a high-risk country for dog rabies, which means there are additional requirements for bringing a dog back to the United States in the future. This doesn’t affect the move to the Philippines, but it’s worth knowing now so you can plan ahead. We can walk you through what that return process looks like before you go
We coordinate the SPSIC application, vet scheduling, APHIS endorsement, and airline or cargo booking. A few steps happen on your end with your local vet — the initial vaccination appointment and antiparasitic treatment. We’ll tell you exactly what to ask for and when to schedule it.
A Note on Timing
The piece that catches clients off guard most often is the health certificate window. The HC must be issued within 10 calendar days of departure — so we can’t get it done too early. The sequence is: SPSIC approved first, then HC and APHIS endorsement fitted into the 10-day window before your travel date. We’ve coordinated this many times and know exactly how to sequence it. Starting 6–8 weeks out gives us the room to do it cleanly
Ready to Get Started?
We’ve moved pets to the Philippines before. The best first step is a conversation.
Requirements sourced from the Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and USDA-APHIS. Last verified: May 2026. Requirements can change without notice — we verify current conditions for every case before proceeding