Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS)
When Traveling can I bring in meat and food items in my luggage?
Individual traveling passengers are allowed to import eligible meat and meat products from eligible countries, intended for personal consumption up to a maximum of 5 kg (11 lbs.), without an import permit or sanitary certificate provided the original packaging is intact and the packaging bears the inspection mark/icon from the competent government authority in the country of export.
Cooked or frozen seafood of up to 20 lbs. is allowed for personal consumption, providing that there is proof of purchase and/or inspection.
Game meats from eligible countries would require an import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture regardless of the quantum or processing.
Fresh fruits and vegetables would require an import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture regardless of the quantum.
You are allowed to travel with other cooked /processed foods products for your personal consumption, the attached brochure will also provide more information.
You can also let us know the country that you will be traveling from so that we can provide specific guidance.
Please feel free to contact AHIS on 1-345-946-2967 / 1-345-949-7909 or email ciagricultureimports@gov.ky if you need more information.
When Traveling What Items MUST be Declared with Customs and Border Control?
- Bringing back Agricultural Products in Luggage
- Bringing back Processed Food in Luggage – Commercially processed, canned, cooked, shelf-stable foods are allowed. Home-canned products are not allowed entry because canning practices can vary and may not remove all pest and disease risks.
All listed products MUST be declared to Customs and Border Control for an Agricultural Inspection on arrival to determine pest presence and any other Regulations might be in place for the products.
Can I get more information on what I can bring into the Cayman Islands?
Yes
Please clink the link to view all of the frequently asked questions for AHIS: FAQs AHIS 2022 pdf
Can I purchase seeds online and Import them for planting?
Yes, all seeds for propagation regardless of the quantity require a valid Import Permit. Certified and sealed commercially packaged seeds from authorized seed companies are allowed without a phytosanitary certificate from the country of export. Loose seeds, weed species, invasive and exotic species are further regulated.
Email: ciagricultureimports@gov.ky for the permit application.
How do I import Chemicals into the Cayman Islands?
To import chemicals into the Cayman Islands you will have to provide the following information and documents and email them to the listed persons for review and approval.
Please provide the following for each chemical you would like to import:
- The MSDS sheet
- Label Instructions
- Quantity (how many you are importing in)
- Use (what will the chemical be used for)
- Storage (where will the chemical be stored)
Email the above information and documents to the below persons:
Email: ciagricultureimports@gov.ky / 1-345-947-2967 for other permit application forms and more information.
Can I import processed tea and coffee?
Yes
all food items MUST be declared to Customs and Border Control for an Agricultural Inspection. Products should be commercially packaged.
Can I get more information on what I can bring into the Cayman Islands?
Yes
Please clink the link to view all of the frequently asked questions for AHIS: FAQs AHIS 2022 pdf
Where is the Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS)?
Located in Grand Cayman on 34 Roberts drive road next to the Customs Border control Warehouse. Map located on contact’s page.
AHIS – call 345-946-2967 or email: ciagricultureimports@gov.ky for more information or directions.
What does the Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS) do?
Protecting the flora and fauna of the Cayman Islands from the introduction and establishment of pests and diseases through a strong National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Regime.
Promote the safe use, handling and storage of pesticides and of the regulation of importation and distribution of these products.
Animal Welfare & Control Services (Dog Pound)
When can I visit or collect a dog?
Visitation and Collection dates are:
Monday – Friday from (12:00pm – 1:00pm & 3:30pm – 4:30pm)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Contact the Animal Welfare Officer before arrival on 345-916-3051 or 345-947-3090
Where can I receive a dog license from the Government?
Dog Licenses can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture on 181 Lottery Road Cayman Islands or from the Animal Welfare and Control Officers on duty.
The dog licenses are free and will require you to complete the dog license form for each of your pets.
Under the Animals Law (revision 2015) dogs are required to have a government tag of identification or the owners will be fined an amount of $500.00 per animal.
Where to report animal cruelty or animal welfare issues?
To make a report, please submit to one of the following:
Reporting Animal Cruelty – email: reportanimalcruelty@gov.ky
Report straying dogs or possible animal welfare issues – Call or email the Department of Agriculture on 345-947-3090 / 345-916-3051 or email agriculture@gov.ky.
Report dog attacks or dogs out of control – Call 9-1-1 or the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service:
- George Town Police Station – 345-949-4222
- Bodden Town Police Station – 345-947-2220
- West Bay Police Station – 345-949-3999
- Cayman Brac Police Station – 345-948-0331
- Little Cayman Police Station – 345-948-0100
To make an anonymous report about possible animal welfare issues, dog attacks, or dogs out of control – Contact Cayman Crime Stoppers – call 800-TIPS or the website www.crimestopper.ky.
How to be a Responsible Dog Owner?
Please see link for the Responsible-Dog-Ownership.pdf
Or visit the Pamphlets page under Animal Welfare and Control Services (Dog Pound) Section click on the Responsible Dog Ownership pdf.
Can I adopt a dog at the Department of Agriculture?
Yes, stray dogs that have been brought in and processed can be placed for adoption after 7 days, under the Animals Law (revision 2015).
You must go through a home inspection, pay the adoption fee, and other processing requirements, before the dog can be released into your care.
Email: agriculture@gov.ky or call 947-3090 for more information.
Are puppies available to adopt at the Department of Agriculture?
No, any puppies collected by the Animal Welfare Officers are handed over to local animal charities for adoption through them.
Some charities are:
- Humane Society
- One Dog at a Time
- Must Love Dogs
- C.A.R.E (Cayman Islands Rescue Enthusiasts
When can I visit the Dog Pound to adopt a dog?
Visitation and Collection dates are:
Monday – Friday from (12:00pm – 1:00pm & 3:30pm – 4:30pm)
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Contact the Animal Welfare Officer before arrival on 345-916-3051 or 345-947-3090
Veterinary Services
How to export your pets to the UK/EU?
All dogs/cats must have microchips and current rabies vaccination to be eligible to travel to the UK/ EU. There is also a 21-day waiting period after the most recent rabies vaccination before your pet(s) would be eligible to enter the EU. You must complete the Rabies Vaccination information sheet and send it to DOARabiesVaccines@gov.ky so that an appointment will be booked for your pet(s).
Rabies vaccination costs CI$25/pet and is payable in cash, CI cheque or debit cards.
EU and UK export health certificates for dogs/cats are valid for 5 days (120 hours to be exact) from the date and time of the tapeworm treatment at your local Vet Clinic. Example: The health certificate issued on 16th August is valid for EU entry until 21st August.
Once you have booked an export appointment at a local Vet Clinic, you must book an appointment with Department of Agriculture to endorse the EU health certificate by calling DoA at (345) 947-3090 or email us on ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky. DoA do not need to see your pet(s) during the endorsement appointment, just the original EU health certificate along with copies of your pets’ proof of microchip implantation date and current rabies vaccination certificates.
If your pet(s) are traveling in- transit via USA, the Cayman Islands local Vet Clinic will email DoA the North American health certificates for endorsement (after the examination).
Export permit $20 KYD per pet and the endorsement fee $20 KYD.
Do Cruise ship travelers with pets need an import permit?
Cruise Ship Travelers must apply for a single entry import permit in order for their dog or cat to disembark the cruise ship and set foot on Cayman Islands soil.
Application – Conditions Governing the Importation of dogs and cats into the Cayman Islands click here or visit the forms section on the import and export services page.
Is the titre test mandatory for importing pets into the Cayman Islands?
Yes, a current titre test is mandatory for all dogs and cats entering the Cayman Islands, regardless of traveling via cruise ship or airplane, or the rabies-risk status of their country of origin or export.
Note that Section I of the import requirements states that service and support animals must meet the same entry requirements as regular pets
Application – Conditions Governing the Importation of dogs and cats into the Cayman Islands click here or visit the forms section on the import and export services page.
Where can I learn more about the Importation and Exportation of Dogs and Cats?
Click the link to the Import and Export FAQs pdf.
Is there a flight ban for pets traveling in the summer months?
Our veterinary services team always recommend pet owners to check with the airline on pet flight ban’s (to Canada, Europe, etc) for official guidance as they have no control on those.
Make sure to communicate all relevant information to our veterinary services team to ensure you will get your pets import and export permits on time.
What are the initial documents I need to submit for importation of my pet?
In the Conditions Governing the Importation of Dogs and Cats into the Cayman Islands PDF, complete the following pages:
For dogs: completed, signed, and dated pages 6 & 7 of our requirements.
For cats: completed, signed, and dated page 6 of our requirements.
There is a checklist on page 8 which provides further guidance of documents to be submitted if on hand at the time of application and breed determination form submission.
What are the payment options for pet importation fees?
For local payment, you can pay the import fee (CI$50.00/pet) in cash, credit / debit card or Cayman Islands cheque.
For international payment, you can pay the import fee (US$61.00/pet) in the form of an:
- International Money Order,
- Cashier’s cheque,
- or Manager’s cheque made payable to the Cayman Islands Government.
Refer to section B8 of our import requirements for further details.
Will a Dog or Cat have to be spayed/neutered before import?
No, the cat or dog does not have to be spayed or neutered before importing them into the Cayman Islands.
Are There Any Prohibited Dog Breeds That Are Not Elgible For Import In The Cayman Islands?
Please see link for the current list of prohibited dog breeds that are not eligible for importation into the island.
Do Cruise Ship Travelers with pets need an export permit?
Cruise travelers do not need an export permit to leave the island since they would only be on island for 8 hours or less, however they must apply for a single entry import permit in order for their dog or cat to disembark the cruise ship and set foot on Cayman Islands soil.
Application – Conditions Governing the Importation of dogs and cats into the Cayman Islands click here or visit the forms section on the import and export services page.
Where can I learn more about the Importation and Exportation of Dogs and Cats?
Click the link to the Import and Export FAQs pdf.
Do I need to travel with the original export permit/endorsed health certificate?
Yes
you must travel with the original export permit/endorsed health certificate issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture for review by the border control of your destination country and the commercial airline
You must obtain the Health Certificate from your local vet for traveling to the UK and Canada then the Health Certificate must be endorsed by the Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services team. This will be your export permit to go to Canada and the UK.
email: ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky for more information
What are the payment options for pet exportation fees?
For local payment, you can pay the export fee (CI$20.00/pet) in cash, credit / debit card or Cayman Islands cheque, upon collection of your export permit/endorsement of your health certificate.
What are the requirements to get a pet passport?
Your pet(s) must complete three round trip travels (single entry import permit and export permit) without running into any issues before being eligible for a pet passport.
Please refer to section F of our importation requirements for more details on pet passports.
email: ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky and the auto reply will have the application form to complete and send back.
As a pet passport holder what do I submit for the Import Permit?
As a pet passport holder, you are still required to submit the following documents to email: ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky to be reviewed and approved.
Your email to ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky should contain the following information:
- Copy of the Titre results
- Rabies Vaccination results / certificate
- Health Certificate from local veterinary clinic (please travel with the original document)
- Reference the Pet Passport Number in the email
- Provide the flight details (Airline, time, date, etc)
What are the payment options for pet passport fees?
For local payment, you can pay the pet passport fee (CI$150.00/pet) in cash, credit / debit card or Cayman Islands cheque, upon collection.
Where can I learn more about the Importation and Exportation of Dogs and Cats?
Click the link to the Import and Export FAQs pdf.
How do I book an appointment to get my pet vaccinated against rabies before traveling?
Please call (345) 947-3090 or send us an email at doarabiesvaccines@gov.ky to book an appointment for your pet’s rabies vaccination.
It is preferred that clients send us an email, so that we can provide current advice/guidance, as well as an information sheet for clients to complete prior to making the appointment.
Any previously issued rabies vaccination certificates should also be provided to us via email.
What are the operating hours of the rabies vaccination clinic?
The Department of Agriculture’s rabies vaccination clinic is currently held by scheduled appointments only on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Please email doarabiesvaccines@gov.ky to receive and complete the information sheet to book an appointment.
What are the payment options for the rabies vaccination?
For local payment, you can pay the rabies vaccination fee (CI$25.00/pet) in cash, credit / debit card or Cayman Islands cheque, on the day of your appointment.
If your pet needs to be microchipped the Veterinary Services will need to administer prior to your appointment day. The fee for the microchip is (CI$50.00/pet) can be paid in cash, credit / debit card or Cayman Islands cheque.
What is the Department of Agriculture Abattoir?
The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture provides an abattoir facility and services for the slaughter and dressing of livestock fit for human consumption in compliance with relevant national legislation, policies, procedures, and international standards. Currently, the abattoir services cattle, goat, and pig farmers to assist with the provision of wholesome beef, chevon (goat meat), and pork for Cayman Islands residents and tourists.
How are the animals slaughtered at the DoA Abattoir?
The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture provides an abattoir facility and services for the slaughter and dressing of livestock fit for human consumption in compliance with relevant national legislation, policies, procedures, and international standards.
The animals at the abattoir facility are stunned prior to bleeding-out and slaughtered.
How do I arrange for slaughter services from the Abattoir?
To arrange for slaughter services, persons should call 345-926-2212/ 345-947-3090. Alternatively, bookings can be made through the Department’s website, by completing the schedule a service form at the bottom of the page.
Abattoir clients should provide the following information when arranging slaughter services:
- Name
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Type and number of livestock to be slaughtered
- Preferred date for delivery of carcasses/meat
- Preferred delivery location
For more information about the Department’s abattoir, please contact the Senior Veterinary Officer (Acting) on 345-947-3090 / 345-925-3920 or samantha.dorman@gov.ky.
What sections fall under the Veterinary Services Dept.?
The sections that fall under the Verterinary services team in the Department of Agriculture are:
- Pet Import and Export services
- Abattoir services
- Animal Welfare & Control Services (Dog pound)
- Livestock Extension services
- Large-animal veterinary services
- Rabies Vaccination clinic
General FAQs
Where is the Department of Agriculture located?
The Department of Agriculture locations:
Grand Cayman
| Section | Address |
| DoA Main Building | #181 Lottery Rd, BT |
| Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS) | #34 Owen Roberts Dr, GT |
| (AHIS) Airport Office | Owen Roberts Intl. Airport (Arrivals Hall) |
| Agriculture Veterinary Services | #181 Lottery Rd, BT |
| Animal Welfare & Control Services (Dog Pound) | Agricola Dr., BT |
| Agriculture Retail Warehouse | Agricola Dr., BT |
| Accounts – DoA main bldg. | #181 Lottery Rd, BT |
| Abattoir | Lottery Rd, BT |
Cayman Brac
| Section | Address |
| Sales Office | 48 Spot Bay Rd., Cayman Brac |
| Stationery Warehouse | Bluff, Cayman Brac |
How to contact the Department of Agriculture?
Department of Agriculture Contact List
| Department of Agriculture – Contact Details, Location, & Open Hours – GCM | ||||
| Section | Contact number | Open Hours | Address | |
| DoA Main Building | agriculture@gov.ky | 345-947-3090 | 8:30 – 5:00 (Mon-Fri) | #181 Lottery Rd, BT |
| Agricultural Health Inspection Services (AHIS) | ciagricultureimports@gov.ky | 345-946-2967 | 8:00 – 4:30 (Mon-Fri) | #34 Owen Roberts Dr, GT |
| (AHIS) Airport Office | ciagricultureimports@gov.ky | 345-949-7909 | 8:00 – Last Flight (Mon-Sun) | Owen Roberts Intl. Airport (Arrivals Hall) |
| Agriculture Veterinary Services | ci.agricultureVS@gov.ky / doarabiesvaccines@gov.ky | 345-947-3090 / 345-916-2218* | 8:30 – 5:00 (Mon-Fri) | #181 Lottery Rd, BT |
| Animal Welfare & Control Services (Dog Pound) | agriculture@gov.ky | 345-947-3090 / 345-916-3051 | 8:30 – 5:00 (Mon-Fri) | Agricola Dr., BT |
| Agriculture Retail Warehouse | agriculture@gov.ky | 345-947-3090 / 345-916-8507 | 8:15 – 4:30 (M, T, Th, F)
8:30 – 1:00 (Sat) |
Agricola Dr., BT |
| Accounts | ci.agricultureaccounts@gov.ky | 345-947-3090 | 8:30 – 5:00 (Mon-Fri) | #181 Lottery Rd, BT |
*After-hours Emergency Veterinary Service Number
| Department of Agriculture Section Contact Details – CYB | ||||
| Section | Phone | Open Hours | Address | |
| Sales Office | – | 345-948-0522 | 8:30 – 4:30 (Mon-Fri) | 48 Spot Bay Rd., Cayman Brac |
| Stationery Warehouse | – | 345-948-1411 | 8:30 – 4:30 (Mon-Fri) | Bluff, Cayman Brac |
| Animal Health Assistant | Judith.ebanks-oyog@gov.ky | 345-925-5765* | 8:30 – 4:30 (Mon-Fri) | 48 Spot Bay Rd., Cayman Brac |
| Agricultural Assistant | Shariffa.chantilope@gov.ky | 345-916-5144* | 8:00 – 5:00 (Mon-Fri) | Bluff, Cayman Brac |
*After-hours Emergency Veterinary/Agricultural Service Number
For crop husbandry advice contact 947-3090, leave your name, number, and a brief message, and our Agronomist will contact you to answer your questions or visit your garden.
Who do I contact for Terrestrial Biodiversity in the Cayman Islands?
The Department of Environment
They have a small Terrestrial Resources Unit, which deals with the protection of terrestrial biodiversity in the Cayman Islands, on behalf of the Cayman Islands Government.
For further information call: Department of Environment (345) 949-8469 or email: doe@gov.ky.
For urgent/emergency situations relating to wildlife animals call (345) 925-7625.
Visit their webpage for more information: www.doe.ky.
Who do I contact for reporting Dead Animals on the Public Road?
The Department of Environmental Health.
Their Solid Waste Management Unit is the collection, transportation, processing/disposal, managing, and monitoring of solid waste materials.
For more information call: (345) 949-6696. or email: dehcustomerservice@gov.ky.
Visit their webpage: www.deh.gov.ky
Who to contact for Beehive removal?
Should you need a bee hive removed, please contact one of the following private individuals:
- Cayman Bee Farm Ltd – (345) 925-2337
- Kent Strad – (345) 324-1500
- Raegan’s Honey (Jamaal Solomon) – (345) 926-4411
- Otto Watler’s Pure Cayman Honey (Winston Anderson) – (345) 327-6284
What are DOA's prices for plants?
Please click the link to see our Plant Nursery Price list for 2023.
For further information call: (345) 947-3090 or email: agriculture@gov.ky.
Visit our social media pages Instagram and Facebook @AgricultureCayman.
