Barbados Becomes More Pet-Friendly To Increase Tourism

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Government of Barbados allows the entry of pets from all over the world since January, in order to increase tourism and to benefit from the income generated from this new regulation, according to reports in local newspapers.

The announcement was made by the vet of the country's agriculture ministry, Mark Trotman, who noted that, previously, pets could only enter the island from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and some Caribbean islands. The new regulations would allow these animals to come into Barbados from anywhere in the world.

The new legislation is a response to the many requests that the Barbados government has received from foreigners wishing to live in Barbados and wanting to take the whole family with them, including their pets.

Trotman explained that there was also a great demand from people who wanted to take their pets with them to the island during their visits. He added that this could provide a boost to the vet sector as citizens from these countries could use the services of Barbadian vets.

When the animals arrive in the island, they are examined by the officials of the Animal Shelter at the Grantley Adams International Airport who are the ones to authorize the animal’s entry into the country.

The visitor or new resident must pay $25 (21 euros) for an import permit which is valid for six months, and a fee of $60 (50.7 euros) once the pet arrives at the airport. Every dog or cat owner must also submit the pet’s health certificate, issued in their country of origin.

A microchip for identification purposes will be placed on each animal which should also have the relevant immunizations prior to their arrival in the island.

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, The Only Cruise Ship That Lets You Bring Fido

A bulldog poses for a picture on the deck of the Queen Mary 2. Photo by Cunard Cruise Line.

For true animal lovers, the hardest part of traveling is leaving your four-legged friend behind. When Gemma Whitehouse, director of the philanthropic organization, Amanzi Travel, had the opportunity to live in Vancouver for a year, leaving her black labs, Boo and Manzi, home in England was simply out of the question. Not wanting to deal with the hassles of flying, she took advantage of a unique program offered on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, the only cruise ship to allow pets onboard.

Cunard has a long history of being a pet-friendly line, having hosted canine celebrities from Rin Tin Tin to Elizabeth Taylor’s puppies. QM2 features a fully equipped onboard kennel, with space for 12 dogs, a playroom and designated outdoor walking areas. The line doesn't allow pets free rein on the ship, but it does offer owners four visiting sessions a day, including a long one in the afternoon, during which dogs can play with their owners on deck.

Kennel fees range from $500 for dogs under 25 pounds, to $700 for larger dogs. Fees for cats, which need two kennels, cost $1,000. Weight restrictions apply, and mastiffs, greyhounds, Great Danes and other large breeds are not allowed. Cunard also requires rabies vaccination paperwork, a recent tapeworm treatment and a U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved pet certificate.

Though thrilled to be able to travel with Boo and Manzi, Whitehouse was also anxious, since her dogs had never been in kennels before. Cunard provides everything a pet would need, including: beds, food, blankets and even scratching posts for cats. Still, Whitehouse found herself nervous. She packed her dogs' beds and some toys, along with a thunder shirt -- a compression vest used to calm high-anxiety dogs during storms -- for nervous Boo, in order to give them familiar smells.

Once Whitehouse boarded, any lingering doubts she had were quickly put to rest by Jojo, the kennel master.

According to Whitehouse: "Boo and Manzi made friends with all the other dogs onboard, and were super friendly to the other passengers. But, to be honest, I think their best friend on the cruise was Jojo, since he fed them. Typical Labradors!"

When Whitehouse arrived in New York with Boo and Manzi a year later for her return cruise, Jojo greeted them on the dock with a big smile. Too excited to behave, Boo and Manzi pulled their leashes right out of Whitehouses' hands to rush over and greet their old friend.

Whitehouse with Boo and Manzi.

Contributed By Thomas Faddegon
BonVoyageMag.com
A publication of Cruiseline.com