Traveling to Aruba with a Dog

As some of you know, I adopted a dog in January 2026. I lost my previous dog in March 2023, and after about 2+ years, I finally felt ready again and started looking in shelters.  I specifically wanted a small dog that could travel in-cabin with me since I go to Aruba so often—and I truly hit the jackpot with this little guy.

His name is Kuzco, he’s a 1.5-year-old Yorkipoo weighing about 10 lbs, and he has the best personality. He just wants to be included in everything we do… which is perfect, because he’s about to become a frequent flyer!

Preparing to Fly with a Dog

I had never flown with a dog before, so this has definitely been a learning process for both of us. We started travel crate training early—about 3 weeks after I brought him home.

Luckily, he liked his travel carrier right away, which made things much easier. I would have him hang out in it next to me on the couch while I worked or watched TV, giving him treats so he associated it with something positive.

Over time, I worked up to zipping it closed for longer periods and even rolling him around in it on top of my suitcase (yes, really 😂). Now he’s a total pro.

Bringing a Dog to Aruba (What You Need)

The process to bring a dog to Aruba is actually pretty straightforward—but also a little confusing and stressful if you don’t know the steps. So I’m breaking it down to make it easier for you.

Requirements for Dogs Traveling from the U.S.:

• Your dog must have lived in the U.S. for at least 6 months

  • Puppies must be born in the U.S.

• A microchip (you’ll need the number multiple times)

• A valid rabies vaccination

  • Must be given after microchip insertion

  • If it’s the first rabies shot, it must be given at least 30 days before travel

  • 3-year vaccines are fine if still valid

• A USDA-endorsed health certificate

  • Must be issued within 14 days of travel

• A completed Aruba import permit application must be submitted to: vetservice@dvg.aw also with the approved USDA Health Certificate.

Timing is Everything

Pay close attention to timing—it’s one of the most important parts.

• Aruba requires paperwork within 14 days of travel

• United Airlines: 14 days

• American Airlines: 10 days

Once you have your travel dates, schedule your vet appointment accordingly—and make sure your vet is USDA-certified. Also ask if they can submit paperwork electronically. If not, you may need to overnight documents for approval.

My Real-Life Timeline

I traveled on Monday, May 11, so I scheduled my vet appointment for Monday, May 4.

I received my USDA-approved health certificate back by Wednesday afternoon (May 6). My vet printed it, and I picked up a physical copy.

From there, I used the Genius Scan app to scan the 2 page USDA certified document  into PDFs, including the Aruba import form, which you can get HERE.

I emailed both documents to the Aruba vet at vetservice@dvg.aw (this must be done at least 2 business days before travel).

Pro tip:

Put your travel date in the subject line.

I sent mine after hours on Wednesday and had approval by 6:30 AM my time (AZ), 930am Aruba time the next morning—super fast!

What to Bring With You

I recommend bringing printed copies of:

• USDA-approved health certificate

• Aruba-approved import permit

• Rabies vaccination record

• ED card approval since you have to check in with the airline in person with a dog (Screenshot is ok!)

Also keep digital copies on your phone just in case.

Learn From My Mistake

Do NOT forget to email your USDA-approved form to the Aruba vet. I did… and it was an expensive mistake.

We were supposed to fly Friday, May 1, and I realized around 10 AM (Arizona time) that day that I missed this step. I emailed everything over in a panic, thinking maybe I’d still get it back in time…

Then my friend Elise texted me:“Girl… it’s a holiday in Aruba. Government offices are closed.”

Yep. It was Labor Day. 🤦‍♀️

At that point, I knew it wasn’t happening. I wasn’t about to risk Kuzco getting quarantined, so we canceled our flights and rebooked for the following week.

Travel Day Adjustments

I also ended up switching from United Airlines to American Airlines for better flight options (getting to Aruba from the West Coast is no joke).

I flew through Miami, staying overnight, and giving Kuzco plenty of time for a long walk & sniffari (a slow sniffing walk) before both flights so he was nice and tired.

Checking In at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport, you'll need to check in at the airline's Special Services desk rather than using the regular self-service kiosks. Be prepared to provide all of your paperwork, including your USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies vaccination documentation, and your Aruba ED Card.

I had my USDA form and rabies paperwork printed out, while my ED Card was simply saved as a screenshot on my iPhone. You will not need the Aruba Vet approved form until arrival in Aruba.

I flew American Airlines, and they weighed Kuzco inside his carrier to ensure the combined weight was 20 pounds or less, which is their requirement for in-cabin pets. Interestingly, they did not provide a tag for his carrier.

Because my flights were on two different days due to an overnight layover, I had to check in again with Special Services at the Miami airport. They reviewed all of my paperwork a second time and an agent asked to see Kuzco to make sure he appeared healthy before issuing my boarding pass.

One thing to watch out for: they initially tried to charge me a second pet fee in Miami. Don't let that happen! The pet fee is charged per reservation, not per flight segment. Once I explained that I had already paid, they corrected it and I was on my way.

Let’s Talk Costs 

This is the part everyone wants to know—what does it actually cost to bring your dog to Aruba?

Vet fees

• Vet exam: $98

• USDA paperwork (vet prep): $195

• USDA endorsement fee: $101

• Dog meds (10 pills): $14.50

So all in, you’re looking at roughly $400–$450 on the vet/USDA side.

Airline Fees

Both American Airlines and United Airlines charge $150 each way to bring your dog in-cabin.

Since this is international travel, you must call the airline to add your pet to your reservation—you can’t do it online. I highly recommend doing this the same day you book your flight. There are limits on how many pets are allowed per flight, and you definitely don’t want to deal with that stress later (trust me 😅).

A couple of differences:

• United: You pay the pet fee ahead of time

• American: You pay at check-in

• You will see your dog added to your booking in both apps

Also, for both airlines, I wasn’t able to check in online—I had to check in at the airport in person. I arrived a little earlier than usual just to give myself extra time for that process and I made sure to also have a digital copy of my approved ED card.

Arriving in Aruba

When I arrived with Kuzco, I got a stamp on my passport and headed to leave the airport.  They were scanning luggage that day, so I scanned my suitcase and then showed the paperwork to 2 different immigration officials.  I showed the USDA Paperwork, the Rabies certificate and the Aruba Vet approval paperwork. And then was on my way! Only took 1 minute!

Returning Home to the U.S. with Your Dog

Good news—heading back to the U.S. with your dog is actually a bit easier than getting into Aruba.

What You’ll Need

1. CDC Dog Import Form (Free)

You’ll need to fill out the online CDC Dog Import Form before returning to the U.S.

Once completed, you’ll get a receipt via email. You can show this on your phone, but I highly recommend printing a copy just to be safe.

• The form is free

• It’s valid for 6 months

• It can be used multiple times as long as your dog hasn’t been in a high-risk rabies country

• You can fill it out the day of travel, but I’d do it a few days in advance just to have it done

  
  

2. Aruba Vet Health Certificate (“Fit to Fly”)

Before leaving Aruba, you’ll need to visit a local vet to get a health certificate stating your dog is healthy and parasite-free.

• Must be done within 10 days of travel

• Local vets are very familiar with this process.  I’m planning on using Contreras veterinary Services Shaba 2, Noord (across from Do It Center Shaba)

  
  

  *I should mention that someone that follows me DM'd me and said she brings her small dog here all the time and she has never needed this form. Still researching this and will update if I find out more! But please feel free to leave info in the comments below if you have any!

  
  

3. Microchip + Rabies Vaccine

• Your dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip

• Rabies vaccine must be current

• If it’s their first rabies vaccine, it must be given at least 28 days before travel

  *You already met this requirement to get the dog to Aruba

  
  

4. Age Requirement

• Your dog must be at least 6 months old to enter the U.S.

  *You already met this requirement to get the dog to Aruba

  
  

A Few Extra Notes:

• Your dog must appear healthy upon arrival

• The person traveling with the dog (you!) is responsible for completing the CDC form

• Make sure the country of departure (Aruba) matches what’s listed on your form

Overall, the return process is pretty straightforward—just don’t forget that quick vet visit in Aruba before you head home, and you’ll be good to go!