Shipping Your Dog or Cat from the USA to Aruba

From our Caribbean pet shipping guide, which covers each island separately — because each one sets its own import rules, and the differences are real.

At a glance

Aruba — a different routing pattern, and real flexibility when it counts

Aruba is the one island in the Caribbean group we typically route through Amsterdam on KLM rather than through Miami, reflecting Aruba's Dutch ties. The standard rabies wait is 30 days. We've also seen firsthand that Aruba's veterinary authority can grant case-by-case waivers — one puppy was three days short of the 30-day wait, and with the right supporting documentation (showing the shortfall still met EU and US CDC equivalency standards, plus a voluntary home-quarantine commitment), we secured a written exception. That's not something to count on, but it's worth knowing this kind of flexibility exists when a case is close.

What doesn't vary: the basics

Across virtually every island in the region, you'll need an ISO-standard microchip implanted before your pet's rabies vaccination, a USDA-endorsed health certificate, and — for most islands — an import permit from that island's agriculture or veterinary authority.

Worth knowing

• Always confirm quotes include what you think they include. Import/customs quotes and full-service totals aren't the same thing — we itemize this clearly for every Caribbean booking.
• Requirements differ by island. Aruba's 30-day rabies wait is not the same as Barbados's 35 days — details like this don't carry over from one island to the next.
• "Why does Aruba route through Amsterdam instead of Miami?" Aruba's cargo ties run through KLM's network.

This reflects our own USA→Aruba shipment history combined with USDA APHIS and government requirements as of September 2026. Island rules change, so confirm current requirements with us directly before finalizing any part of your move. Nothing here is legal advice. For every other island, see the full Caribbean guide.