Pet Travel Guide: Bringing Your Furry Friend from Cebu City to Bohol

Pet Travel Guide: Bringing Your Fur Baby from Cebu City to Bohol


Hi everyone! In August 2024, my partner and I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Cebu City to embrace a simpler life in Panglao, Bohol. Of course, we're bringing our beloved fur baby with us. To ensure a smooth journey, we had to file some necessary permits and research the best ferry options.


In this blog, we'll cover:

  • Step-by-step guide to filing permits for your pet
  • Recommended ferry for you and your fur baby
Get ready to take some notes or screenshots!

REQUIREMENTS

1. Update Vaccines

First, ensure your pet's vaccines are up to date. If not, you can get them updated when you file for the health certificate.

2. Health Certificate

Duration: Less than 5 minutes
Cost: ₱200

Visit your pet's veterinarian at least 4 days before departure to obtain a health certificate. Book your appointment in advance, and let the vet know where you'll be traveling with your pet.

3. PET CRATE

Important: The ferry will not allow you to board with your pet unless you have a crate. Make sure to bring a suitable crate with a water feeder for your fur baby.

Since Shubbi was placed outside, far from the tourist class cabin, we made sure to teach him how to drink from the water feeder. We also attached a mini fan to his crate to keep him comfortable during the journey.

4. Transport Permit (Online)

Duration: 1-2 days for approval
Cost: FREE


Steps After Getting the Health Certificate:

-Create an Account: Visit the Bureau of Animal Industry website and create an account.
Follow the Steps: Use the tutorial PDF to guide you through the application process.
Important: For the requirements section, submit a total of three documents:

-Health Certificate: Submit as "Health Certificate," including your veterinarian's name and license with a photo of the certificate.

-Vaccination Card (Pet Details): Submit a photo showing your pet’s name, birthday, and other details as "Vaccination Record."

-Vaccination Card (Updated Vaccines): Submit a photo of your pet’s complete and up-to-date vaccines, also as "Vaccination Record."

*Keep an eye on your email during the process, as they may assist if there are errors or changes needed in your submission.

After Approval: Print two copies of the documents.
 

BOOK your FERRY

Ferry Booking Options 

When booking your ferry, you have two options:

1. Fast Craft (1 Hour+) via OceanJet (pier 1)




  • Pros: Fast travel time—only 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach your destination.
  • Cons: Pets are not allowed in "TOURIST CLASS" or "BUSINESS CLASS" and will be placed in the luggage area if booked under these categories.
  • Cost per person: ₱800 (Tourist Class, air-conditioned)
  • Cost per dog: ₱320 (weighed with crate)

Note: We booked our tickets under the "OPEN TOURIST" to ensure our dog could be accommodated in the designated pet area within the open tourist section. Make sure to remind the crew to place your dog in the open-air space as per your booking.


2. RoRo (4 Hours) via Lite Ferries (pier 1)




  • Pros: There’s a designated area for your fur baby, where staff or pet owners can easily see and visit them for feeding and giving water. This area is separate from passengers' bags and boxes.
  • Cons: The ride takes 4 hours.
  • Cost per person: ₱520 (Tourist Class, bunk bed + air-conditioned)
  • Cost per dog: Small dogs travel for free.

*Important Reminder: Don’t forget to print your tickets and permits—they'll be required at several points during your journey.

*Going Back to Cebu -The process for returning to Cebu is the same. Visit a vet clinic in Bohol to obtain a health certificate, and don't forget to update your pet's vaccines if needed. You'll also need to apply for another transport permit online.