The United States, Canada and many other countries usually do not require a quarantine period. You need a health certificate from an Island Veterinarian which will show that the animal is in good health and has had the required vaccinations.

United States: Saint Martin/Sint Maarten are rabies-free countries listed in the following document: Prevention of Specific Infectious Diseases. Print this and also Bringing an Animal into the United States and carry them with you. You may be required to "quarantine" in your home until the rabies vaccination is 30 days old.

Please consult a veterinarian for requirements specific to your destination.

Once you have made the decision to adopt:

1. Call your airline's Island Office and tell them you want to bring an animal with you. Give them your departure date and flight information. They will check to see if there is room in the pressurized hold or in the cabin (some small animals can fit in an under the seat carrier in the cabin with you). Ask about crate size and weather restrictions. If there is room, say that yes, you would like to book a ticket for the cat/dog. Tickets average $80 - $100. The proper carriers/kennels are often available directly from the veterinarian or can sometimes be purchased at ACE Hardware. The crate should be large enough for the animal to turn around in, and for a cargo-hold shipped dog, the dog must also be able to stand up comfortably.

2. Take the animal to an Island Veterinarian. Appointments are not required-- just show up and wait your turn. The veterinarian will examine the cat/dog for general health and administer a Rabies vaccination (distemper is not required, but is recommended). Island animals usually have intestinal parasites, so make sure you get worming medication and start it right away (may cause diarrhea). You will need to ask for bloodwork to test for heartworm and tick fever (Erlichia). If positive, tick fever is easily treated with antibiotics. Heartworm treatment should be undertaken when you get home. Forms necessary for travel will be issued. Discuss the possible use of a tranquilizer for the flight. Consider the dog/cat's temperament when deciding whether to tranquilize. A full dose is not recommended. A half dose will just take the edge off and the dog/cat will remain awake but in a bit of a daze. It is best not to give food or water the day of your flight if it is an early one. For later flights water only the day of travel. Exception: puppies/kittens water + light breakfast OK.

3. Supplies/Preparation: You will need appropriate food, leash/collar for a dog, collar, cat litter and a pan for a cat. Travel supplies: appropriate crate, water & bowl(or cup), paper towels/moist wipes, replacement bedding and a plastic bag for soiled bedding. Name, address and telephone should be written on the kennel with a magic marker in large letters. Temporary ID tags should be attached to the dog collar with final destination name, address and telephone number in case the kennel gets lost or the dog escapes from the kennel. Cats too should have temporary ID on their collars as there is always the chance that they may escape if the door is opened and the cat is startled. Info can be written on a strip of paper covered with scotch tape and fashioned into a ring then slipped onto the collar. To prevent someone from opening the kennel, thread wire or string or a cable tie through the holes of the kennel close to the door latch and around the door. It will keep curious employees from opening the kennel just to pet the animal. If the dog/cat is in need of help or attention, the fastener can easily be cut or broken.

Other advice based on experience: Dogs should always be leashed when outside, cats kept inside. We have found that Island Cats and Dogs are instinctively clean. Some diarrhea is normal due to a change in food and/or worming. Cats know what the litterbox is for (keep it clean). Dogs will whine/beg at the door to be taken out-- leash walk and reward with a treat when done. Set up the crate like a den. Start by feeding in the crate. Make a soft bed inside and leave the door open. Once the "den" has been accepted, close the door for short, then gradually increasing periods of time. This will acquaint the dog/cat with a familiar, safe place to be while traveling.

For information on airline regulations, click here.

If you do adopt, please fill out an Adoption Notification Form. Thank you.

Questions? Contact Us and/or check the office bulletin board to see if there is a Volunteer in residence.