The quarantine kennels located at Paraquita Bay are equipped with air conditioning and shutters to secure the animals at night. Photo: VINO

A few months ago, the Department of Agriculture built quarantine kennels which will be used to keep such animals in the event that they enter the Territory undocumented. However, such a practice is not encouraged.

The undocumented animals are those that do not have their documents to prove their health status and as such are considered a risk to the Virgin Islands.

Presently the Virgin Islands is free of many infectious diseases including Rabies that are present in many countries. Quarantine is an essential measure created and enforced in order to protect the health of animal and human population in the territory.

The kennel which can presently house up to six animals separately, are located at Paraquita Bay but according to Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Michael Montrose, they would have been better suited at the ports of entry for easy access.

However, the current location is better than what was done before and is even equipped with air conditioning and also shutters to keep them secured during the night.

Dr. Montrose sees the quarantined kennels as a “big improvement” from what the Virgin Islands had to offer before and noted the importance for such a facility not only to treat animals humanely but more so to ensure that diseases are not brought into the VI population.

“Most of our animals are coming from the US, most of our dogs and cats. At least 50 percent of cruise ship comes with an animal or another ... and in case something happens we need to have means to quarantine,” he said.

If an animal enters the VI without the right documents, they are taken from the owners and kept in the kennel until the owner is ready to leave the Territory. Owners are allowed to visit the animals.

While the kennels also cater for undocumented animals, they are also used for emergency disease purposes where if an animal is found to have a certain disease it can be quarantined. It is also used by the Police to house animals that are involved in court matters such as dogs and fighting cocks.

Since the kennel was built, only one animal has made use of the facility, it is what is known as a fighting cock which was confiscated by local authorities. He is currently the only guest at the facility and enjoys his regular meals and professional treatment.

Meanwhile, the procedures for bringing in animals to the Virgin Islands are persons must request a copy of "conditions of importation" and an import permit application form" from the Department of Agriculture.

In addition, when the animal enters the Virgin Islands, an officer from the Department of Agriculture will meet its owner and animal at the port of entry for inspection and veterinary clearance.

For more information on the procedures persons can contact 1-284-495-2532 Ext. 6123 or 6124, or 1-284-495 2110.