Bringing Pets to Cyprus

Animals coming into Cyprus require a European Pet Passport. The passport can be obtained from your local vet and requires that your pet is micro-chipped, has had rabies vaccinations and a blood test.

The British (Forces) Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) in Episkopi runs an import/export clinic. They are available to provide you with all the information and to help you bring in or take home your pet. For more details check the BARC Web site - www.barc-cyprus.org . BFAWS (British Forces Animal Welfare Service) in Dhekelia also provide kenneling service.


Shortage of Quarters

Families are sometimes put into hirings in Cyprus because of a shortage of quarters in some locations. However, some landlords will not accept pets. You should contact the Garrison/Station housing office well before you come to Cyprus and explain that you want to bring a pet with you.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

This came into force in the UK on 12 August 1991 and its main provisions are to be observed in the SBAs. It is, therefore, an offence for Service personnel, UKBCs and their dependents to have is their possession or custody:

a Pit-bull Terrier
a Japanese Toea
a Dago Argentina
a Fila Braziliero or
any other type of dog which may be designated as one bred for fighting.
Registering your Dog


If you bring a dog to Cyprus it must be registered. If you live on the SBA your local SBA Police Station will register your dog and provide you with a registration/identity tag. The cost of registration, which is not great, varies depending on the sex of your dog and whether or not the animal is neutered.

Cyprus Pet Culture

Be aware that Cyprus is not an animal-loving nation by British standards. Many Cypriots are very wary of dogs so you will need to be sensitive to this. Certain areas are prohibited to dogs, including all beaches and the sea. Not many bars or hotels will accept dogs.

Dangers


At certain times of the year you need to be on the look out for snakes, some of which are poisonous. There is also a danger of chemical poisoning, especially near farmland. It is reommended that you seek advice from the local vet about these matters and train your dog never to scavenge food from the roadside/open land as it may be poisoned.
Vet Care

CDASU (Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit) based in Episkopi provides total vet care for pets of soldiers/UKBCs when military commitments permit. Treatment is charged at similar rates to those of a UK vet. There are also several, local, Cypriot vets in convenient locations to the bases.

Kennels

There are commercial kennels near all the bases on Cyprus. Get recommendations from local pet owners and vets for which kennels to use or avoid. CDASU, BARC and BFAWS (British Forces Animal Welfare Service) in Dhekelia also provide kenneling service. These options book up quickly!