What you need before you fly
An import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture
Every dog entering The Bahamas needs an import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture in Nassau. Apply in advance — permits are typically valid for one year from issue and must be presented on arrival with your dog. There is a small application fee, payable in Bahamian or US dollars.
Rabies vaccination, at least one month old
Dogs over three months must be vaccinated against rabies no less than one month and no more than ten months before arrival. Bring the original certificate; a copy is not accepted at the airport.
A veterinary health certificate
Within 48 hours of travel, a licensed vet must certify that your dog is free of infectious disease and has been treated for internal and external parasites. Carry the signed original.
Airline and crate rules
Most carriers flying into Lynden Pindling International require an IATA-compliant crate and will refuse travel in extreme heat. Check the cargo or in-cabin policy for your specific flight — the rules differ between cabin, checked and cargo.
On the ground in Nassau
Taxis are not obliged to take dogs, so agree it when you book. Dogs must be leashed in public and are not permitted inside food-service areas, resort pools or the national parks' marine zones. Bahamas Humane Society in Nassau can advise on local vets and boarding.
Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the Department of Agriculture and your airline before booking flights.
Dog-friendly stays
Villa · Sandyport
Sandyport Canal Villa
Private canal-front villa with a fenced garden — dogs welcome by prior arrangement with the owner.
Dog fee: Cleaning supplement, typically $150 per stay
Luxury Condo · Paradise Island
Harbour View Luxury Condo
Small dogs accepted in most units; confirm with the building manager before booking.
Dog fee: From $50 per stay
Boutique Hotel · West Bay
Orange Hill Beach Inn
Ground-floor garden rooms take one small dog; not permitted in the restaurant or pool area.
Dog fee: From $40 per night
Vacation Rental · Downtown Nassau
Heritage House Nassau
Whole-home rental with a walled courtyard; one dog permitted on request.
Dog fee: From $75 per stay
Dog-friendly experiences
Beach · Paradise Island
Cabbage Beach
Open public beach — dogs are common early morning and late afternoon; keep them leashed near the resort stretches.
Water Sports · West End
Clifton Heritage Underwater Sculpture Snorkel
The park's trails and shoreline are dog-friendly on a leash; dogs stay ashore during the snorkel portion.
Culture · Downtown Nassau
Old Nassau History & Rum Walk
Well-behaved leashed dogs can join the outdoor walking sections; the distillery interior is people-only.
Shopping · Downtown Nassau
Straw Market & Bay Street Shopping
Leashed dogs are generally fine on Bay Street and around the market's outer aisles.
Culture · Nassau
Cuddle a Potcake Puppy
It is a session with rescue dogs — the puppies are the point. Your own dog stays home.
Dog-friendly tables
Bahamian · Arawak Cay
Arawak Cay Fish Fry
Open-air picnic tables — leashed dogs are a normal sight at the outer shacks.
Mediterranean · Sandyport
Olives Meze Grill
Dogs welcome at the canal-side outdoor tables, not indoors.
Caribbean · West Bay
Compass Point Beach Bar
Beach-bar terrace and sand seating welcome leashed dogs.
Bringing a dog changes which neighbourhood suits you. Tell the concierge and we'll build the days around it.