Island Med Student

I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for sometime. I’ve received many emails asking me about bringing a dog to Dominica, as well as adopting one while in Dominica. Here are some answers to FAQs:

1) Should I bring my doggy to Dominica?

If you can’t see yourself living without your doggy (or other pet), then I would bring them with you to Dominica. It is absolutely do-able, and I know many people who have. Is it easy? Not entirely, but it’s possible. You will have to keep in mind that you will be very busy studying for many hours at a time. If you absolutely MUST study at the library, or on campus, you might want to re-think. If you can study at home, and be around to walk and take care of your dog, then it’s going to be much easier on you and the doggy.

2) How do I get my doggy to Dominica?

Well, first of all, you have to go to a vet and get a clean bill of health, as well as a list of all their vaccinations. I’m not sure of the complete list, but I know rabies is required. It’s likely that they already have all of their required vaccinations. You can bring your dog via American Airlines or Amerijet. There may be other ways, but I am not aware of them. American Airlines has a weight restriction, and other rules. You can read about them all here. Amerijet is a cargo plane, and is good for larger dogs (or if you are traveling in the hotter months, as it is air conditioned.) This is what I used to get my doggies home from Dominica, and it worked very well. You can read more about Amerijet’s policies here.

3) Do I need to bring dog supplies with me to Dominica?

Yes, some of them. In Dominica, you can find the common types of dog food (I know they have Pedigree), but if your pet requires any special type of food, you might want to consider bringing it with you or getting it shipped. As for treats, I was able to find “some” (dog biscuits, some Beggin Strips, etc.) but not “all” the variety that you can find in the States. If your dog has special needs, again, I would bring the treats with you. You can find some doggy supplies like leashes, bowls, toys, and other things. However, don’t expect the variety that you’re used to finding in the States. Bring what you have with you.

4) Will my doggy be okay in Dominica?

There is no reason that your dog will not be fine living in Dominica. You will find the same doggy hazards there, as you would in the States. All the same rules apply. Don’t leave your dog out in the heat. Don’t leave your dog tied up on a leash outside. Don’t let your dog run around without a leash (except for special circumstances). If you follow the same rules that you would normally follow, your doggy will be fine.

5) Will it be difficult to bring my dog back and forth to the States?

It won’t be a barrel of fun. However, it is possible. I opted to leave my dogs in Dominica when I left for vacations. There are plenty of folks who stay on the island, and I’m sure you can find some nice people (as I did) to take care of your doggy while you’re gone. Or, you can deal with the hassle and ship them back and forth.

6) Can I adopt a dog while in Dominica?

Sure! I adopted two! You will immediately notice that there are TONS of stray dogs running around in Dominica. If you have enough love in your heart to adopt one, and you’re willing to take on the extra responsibility that comes with doggy adoption, then do it! The doggies will be happy to have a new, loving home.

7) If I adopt a Dominican dog, what will I have to do to bring it back with me?

Basically, you have to go through the same steps that you would to bring one into Dominica. You need to get your dog fully vaccinated. (There is a vet, and a vet tech in Dominica who can provide you with all the proper vaccinations. Make sure you ask for documentation when you get them.) A few weeks before you leave, you have to get the vet to sign a clean bill of health (they come and inspect your doggy), and then you bring that with you to the airport. You can use American Airlines or Amerijet to get them off the island.

Okay, that’s all I can think of for now! If you have more questions, let me know, and I will add them to the list!