Hopkins Belize welcomes pets and has a strong, friendly and helpful animal community. The village is located on the southeastern coast of Belize, near the Southern Barrier Reef and top jungle attractions.
There are many things to see and do in Hopkins Belize, including a day trip to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for hiking, waterfall rappelling and tubing. Another place to see wildlife is on a guided tour of the Maya ruins at Caracol.
Health Certificate
Health certificates provide proof that your pet is fit and healthy to travel, an essential document required by international travel.
A health certificate for your pet typically contains information such as their name, microchip number, date of examination and what country they will be traveling to. It will also contain a statement from their vet certifying they have examined them for infectious diseases that could pose a risk to other pets or people (zoonotic diseases).
If traveling from the US to Belize with your pet, it’s advisable to arrange their health exam at least six months in advance of departure in order to meet USDA-APHIS office timelines which may differ based on destination.
For faster and more reliable results, Modern Animal can refer you to an experienced veterinarian with experience issuing international health certificates. Modern Animal is more than happy to assist with paperwork for international health certificates as well as provide referrals who understand each country’s regulations.
Cost: The cost of an international health certificate depends on your destination but generally ranges between $150-$750. This covers vaccinations or tests necessary for your pet’s destination as well as preparation time and effort spent completing paperwork for international travel.
Belize is an incredible way to escape the daily bustle back home. As it speaks English and runs on American Dollars, making travel easy for Americans; with advance planning bringing your dog can even be cost effective! Just do some research beforehand to know what fees may arise with a healthy pet traveler status.
Rabies Shots
Rabies is a potentially fatal virus transmitted between animals and humans through bites, scratches, and licks to broken skin or mucous membranes. Once symptoms arise it usually proves fatal. There are vaccines available against rabies; typically before travel occurs; but they can also be administered post exposure.
Vaccines contain albumin, which is derived from blood. Therefore, there is a small risk that viruses from donors could pass to those receiving the vaccine and lead to conditions like Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). However, these risks are extremely low; their benefits far outweigh any possible dangers from vaccination.
If you have questions or require information on rabies vaccines, consult with either your healthcare provider or call the CDC Vaccine Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. Additionally, they offer a FAQ page which addresses many frequently asked questions related to these vaccines.
Rabies is typically transmitted through bites and scratches from an infected animal, although other methods exist such as organ transplantation and direct contact with bats. The incubation period depends on both its route of entry and its presence within peripheral nerves.
Any person suspecting they have been exposed to rabies should immediately wash their wound and seek medical help as soon as possible. Doctors typically recommend an immediate dose of an immune globulin as soon as exposure has taken place; other risk factors might include whether or not provoked, victim’s age, circumstances surrounding bite or exposure etc.
As part of their travel preparations, travelers should also take steps to avoid wildlife and wash any bites or scratches as soon as they occur. Consultations with a physician regarding potential animal exposure risks is highly recommended when traveling – particularly among veterinarians, field biologists, spelunkers or animal handlers who could come in contact with wildlife during their adventures.
Crate Size
Pet crates are hard-sided cages designed to provide safe and comfortable homes for pets. Available in various materials and styles, pet crates often take the form of box-shaped structures with swinging doors on one side; metal ones are popular while plastic or fabric options also exist. Many people choose crate travel as it provides an environment in which their animal feels secure – as well as sleeping spaces or places they can retreat should they feel anxious or stressed out during travel.
Consider both your animal’s weight and temperament when purchasing a crate for them. Smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians generally weigh under 30 pounds and should fit nicely into an 18 inch long by 18-24 inch wide crate, while larger dogs may require larger travel crates.
Airlines offering flights to Belize should provide information about their rules regarding carrier crates for your dog. United Airlines provides clear instructions on their website for measuring both height and length in order to select an appropriate size crate.
Always opt for a soft tape measure like those used for human clothing measurements rather than hard household tape measures as these may irritate animals while measuring. Take extra care when measuring their tail as this will likely hang down once the crate is closed and ensure there’s plenty of room in their crate – otherwise travelling can become cramped for your pet!
No matter if it’s by air or road, prior to traveling with your pet you should crate train them so they are comfortable being inside their crate during travel and quarantine or vet appointments. Inquire with your veterinarian regarding ways of relieving travel anxiety for your pup such as chewing or panting techniques while practicing calming techniques prior to starting their journey.
Fees
Cost of transporting pets to Hopkins Belize will depend on their country of origin. You should inquire with your airline as to their specific requirements; typically this means having your animal examined by a vet who provides them with a certificate approved by USDA; Some countries also may impose quarantine or vaccination requirements before travelling with their animals.
As part of your pet travel preparations, it is a good idea to compile a list of any medications your animal takes; this will come in handy should any complications arise during transportation. Also keep handy the contact numbers for both veterinarians and emergency animal hospitals in your area.
If your pet will be traveling as cargo to Hopkins Belize as cargo, be sure to read up on the airline policies on their website before booking their flight. Some airlines require health certificates issued 15 days or less prior to travel while others have different restrictions for quarantine periods and length. Policies may change at any time so contacting them early in planning is key!
Once you arrive in Belize, after passing through Customs you must bring your pet directly to the BAHA office for inspection and to be approved. After review of health and vaccination records by their agent, your pet should be approved for entry and you’ll have to pay a fee and fill out some paperwork before traveling home with them.
Hopkins businesses are known to be very pet-friendly. Many offer treats or have on-site restaurants where dogs are welcome. Bring along some familiar toys and bedding from home so they feel at home while away.
If you’re in Hopkins and searching for accommodation that allows pets, PetFriendly provides an invaluable online resource. Travelers can search hotels, apartments, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, eco-friendly homes, inns and resorts that accept animals using its intelligent filter to quickly find relevant results tailored to both themselves and their furry friend’s needs.
