usda pet travel to colombia

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Navigating Pet Travel? Let APHIS Help.

When planning an international trip, we often want to bring the whole family – including our pets .  But, did you know taking Fido or Fluffy can be a complex, multistep process that requires advance planning and preparation?  To help make this process go smoothly, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a few simple steps to follow – and a comprehensive website to walk you through the process.

First. Advance preparation is key.  Each country has different animal health requirements that travelers must meet so it’s important to start the process early. Our website covers the requirements for more than 130 countries.  Check the APHIS Pet Travel Website for your destination country’s entry requirements. 

Second.  You will need a health certificate.  Almost all countries require a USDA-accredited veterinarian to issue (complete, sign, and date) an international health certificate within a certain number of days prior to your departure to confirm the health of your pet.  So, as soon as you know where you will be traveling with your pet, contact a local USDA accredited veterinarian to assist you with the process.  With 68,000 private, accredited veterinarians nationwide, it’s likely your vet might be one or can refer you to one. Accredited veterinarians work cooperatively with APHIS to protect U.S. animal health and can certify that your pet is healthy and able to travel.

Third.  Getting the health certificate endorsed.  After the health certificate is issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian, it will typically need to be endorsed (signed and “stamped”) by your local APHIS office .  This can be done by mail or, in some cases, in person.  APHIS Service Centers are set up to process your health certificate as quickly as possible – but keep in mind, we process many certificates each year so be sure to leave plenty of time for us to complete this process.  Endorsement fees for pet health certificates starts at $38, but will cost more if the destination country requires Federal review of test results.  Check the APHIS website here for additional information on endorsement fees. 

Lastly, don’t forget to check with your airline carrier to see if they have additional requirements to transport your pet.  Make sure you know how to collect your pet at the port of entry upon arrival in your destination country.  It’s also important to remember that various U.S agencies regulate the entry of your pet back into the United States – plan ahead and check those requirements on the website before you go.

We know navigating various country requirements for international pet travel can be challenging, and that’s why we’re here to help.  If you have any questions about the process at any step along the way, please contact the APHIS Customer Service Call Center at 844-820-2234 or your local APHIS Service Center for more information.

Bon Voyage , Fido and Fluffy!

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A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Dogs or Cats from the USA to Colombia: Rules, Requirements, and Pet Travel Tips for Weather

Transporting your beloved pet from the USA to Colombia requires careful planning and adherence to specific rules, regulations, and considerations. Colombia has regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of imported pets.

Here's an extensively detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

• 1. Research Colombian Importation Regulations: Start by researching the importation regulations established by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA). These regulations outline the necessary steps and requirements for bringing pets into Colombia. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines to ensure compliance.
• 2. Health Certificate and Vaccinations: Pets entering Colombia must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. The health certificate should indicate that your pet is in good health, free from contagious diseases, and up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure compliance with Colombia's specific vaccination requirements.
• 3. Import Permit and Documentation: To transport your pet to Colombia, you'll need to obtain an import permit from the ICA. The permit application requires the submission of the health certificate, vaccination records, and other supporting documentation. Begin the permit application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.
• 4. Microchip Identification: While not mandatory, it is recommended to have your pets microchipped before traveling to Colombia. Microchips provide a reliable method of identification and increase the chances of reuniting with your pet if they become lost during the journey.
• 5. Travel Crate and Comfort: Ensure that your pet travels in an appropriate travel crate or carrier that meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. The crate should be well-ventilated, secure, and spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarize your pet with the crate before the journey to reduce anxiety.
• 6. Airline and Travel Arrangements: Contact your chosen airline to understand their specific pet travel policies and requirements. Each airline has its own regulations regarding crate dimensions, health documentation, and fees. Make sure to comply with their guidelines to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for your pets.
• 7. Weather Considerations: Colombia has diverse climates, including coastal regions, mountainous areas, and tropical rainforests. Consider the following weather tips:
• - Temperature: Colombia experiences varying temperatures throughout the year. Be prepared for both hot and cold weather conditions, depending on the region you are traveling to. Pack appropriate clothing or blankets to keep your pet comfortable during travel and acclimation.
• - Humidity: Colombia can be quite humid, especially in coastal areas. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water and a well-ventilated crate or carrier to prevent overheating and discomfort.
• - Altitude: If you're traveling to high-altitude areas in Colombia, such as Bogota or Medellin, be aware of the potential effects on your pet's respiratory system. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is in good health and discuss any precautions or adjustments needed.
• - Insect Protection: Colombia is known for its tropical environment, so protect your pet from mosquitoes and other insects by using appropriate repellents and preventive measures. Consult with your veterinarian for suitable products.

By following these guidelines and seeking professional assistance from Across The Pond Pets, you can ensure a smooth and safe relocation for your furry companions as they embark on their new adventure in Colombia. Stay updated with the regulations provided by the ICA and consult with them directly for the most accurate information. With careful planning and preparation, you can make the journey enjoyable for both you and your pets as you settle into your new life in Colombia.

Get a Pet Travel Quote Our professional team's priority is the safety and well-being of your pet. From our Pet Transport specialist handling all travel logistics to our Pet Handlers handling caring for your pets during travel - the safety and well-being of your pets is our priority.

Questions about traveling with a pet?

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Home > Pet Passports > Colombia Pet Passport & Import Regulations

Colombia Pet Passport & Import Regulations

If regulations as stated here are met, there will be no quarantine for your pet when entering Colombia with the exception of a vaccination exception (see step 2). Regulations as stated here also apply to service, emotional support and therapy animals.

Import permit.

Colombia does not require an import permit for personal pets entering with their owners from any country; however, pets arriving to Colombia in the cargo hold must register with the Colombia Agriculture Institute.

Pet Microchip

Colombia does not require that your pet be identified with a pet microchip, but it is strongly recommended that you microchip your pet with a 15 digit ISO 11784 compliant pet microchip .

The microchip should be implanted by your veterinarian, veterinary hospital or trained nurse. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions how to register your pet's information in the manufacturer database.

Vaccinations

To enter Colombia, your cat or dog must be vaccinated for rabies more than 21 days prior to travel and before the vaccination expires.

Cats should be vaccinated against Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus. Dogs must be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus. Vaccination against leptospirosis is recommended but not required. If entering from a country outside the Andean Community, you pet should also be vaccinated against Parainfluenza and Coronavirus.

Pet dogs and cats whose rabies vaccination was not administered in the origination country must comply with home quarantine during which time a rabies vaccination will be administered by a licensed private veterinarian.

Rabies Titer Test

A blood titer test is not required to enter Colombia from any country.

Ticks and Tapeworm Treatment

Before your dog or cat can enter Colombia, it must have an internal and external parasite treatment. Actually, it is highly recommended that your pet be on a flea and tick prevention program prior to entering Colombia.

Pet Health Certificate

Within 10 days of travel, a licensed veterinarian in the origination country must then complete a veterinary pet health certificate (original and a copy). The certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals. The rabies certificate should accompany the health certificate for endorsement.

Entering Colombia by Air

Pets can enter the country at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota or the José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin during normal business hours. Pets can arrive in the cabin, checked baggage or air cargo. Those pets entering Colombia as accompanied checked baggage or air cargo must register with Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA).

When landing, you will collect your pet and head to ICA office in the airport where they will examine your pet and its documentation (which should be originals). There is a small fee for this service.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If your pet is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense.

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens over 4 months of age entering Colombia are subject to rabies vaccination requirements per step #2. There are no vaccination requirements for puppies or kittens under 4 months of age. Home quarantine will be required in this case.

• Traveling with a puppy

Banned Breeds

Imports of specimens of canine breeds Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Rottweiler or any crosses or hybrids of these breeds are not permitted to enter Colombia.

Exporting Pets Living in Colombia

Other animals.

All other animals will also require an Import Permit to enter Colombia. Birds will be subject to 21 days of home quarantine. Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Colombia. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations. .

• Search CITES database .
• Read More about CITES

Need More Assistance?

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com . We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 2:00 PM EST.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS???

Due to the high demand, we may be unable to respond to your  question quickly if posted below. If you need a fast response, you can post them directly to our Facebook page , blog , or forum . We will respond as soon as we can.

Please note that the accuracy of comments made from Facebook users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

How to Bring and Own Pets In Colombia

So, now you got your Colombian visa and you are wondering how to bring your pet to Colombia. Let’s start with some good news: You do not need a pet permit or passport to travel to Colombia with your dog or cat.

But there’s a catch. The process of bringing a pet to Colombia is not that different from owning one. All you need are a couple of health certificates, and you will be the happy owner of a furball. Coming back to traveling with a pet to Colombia, you need to follow a few rules and regulations.

Though you will find plenty of websites online offering you a guide , we don’t recommend reading those as the translation from Spanish to English can change the meaning of some of the laws. So, we bring to you a short guide written in English that will tell you all the specifications about traveling with a pet.

Documents Required to Travel With Your Pet

Ten days before your flight, you need to get a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian. The certificate must be issued by the country you live in and not Colombia. For example, suppose you are traveling from Canada or the US. In that case, the health certificate must be endorsed by the CFIA in Canada and the USDA in the US.

The veterinary health certificate in the US is called the APHIS Form 7001 . In Canada, it is called the Trilingual Animal Health Certificate , available in Spanish, French, and English. Even endorsement offices in the US offer rabies certificates and health certificates. Again, the certificate should be issued by the state you are traveling from with your pet.

Once you get the certificates, they are sent to Colombia for verification and returned to you in 48 hours. Don’t forget to add in the 10-day limit, or you will have to send the certificates for confirmation again. Moreover, you also need a vaccination certificate and a record of vaccination.

When it comes to a pet, such as a dog or a cat, you need to get it vaccinated for rabies 30 days before your travel. Colombia considers a vaccine valid for three years. In the case of dogs, they need to be vaccinated against several viral diseases, which include Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Hepatitis. Cats need to be vaccinated against Feline Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Feline Rhinotracheitis. Except for Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, you need to get your pet vaccinated against Coronavirus (Canine Coronavirus) and Parainfluenza, no matter where you are traveling.

Banned Dog Breeds in Colombia

The following dog breeds are not allowed to travel to Colombia. This ban also applies to dogs mixed with these breeds and purebreds.

Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

Bullmastiff

Dogo de Burdeos

Doberman Pinscher

De Presa Canario

Fila Brasileiro

American Staffordshire Terrier

Japanese Tosa

Mastin Napolitano

Dogo Argentino

Colombia Pet Import Regulations

Is an Import Permit Required? 

As mentioned earlier, you need a pet passport to travel with your dog or cat to Colombia.

While Colombia does not require you to chip your pet, we highly recommend using a 15-digit compliant pet microchip. Register your contact details and the chip number so that if you do lose your pet during travels, they can be easily found by the authorities.

Tapeworm and Ticks Treatment

Before entering Colombia, you should get your pet checked for external and internal parasites. While this is not a hard and fast rule, we recommend that you get your pet treated for this problem.

If your puppy or kitten is less than four months old, they won’t need vaccinations. First, though, you will be asked to quarantine for a while.

Traveling by Air With Your Pet

Pets are allowed to enter Colombia through José María Córdova International Airport, which is located in Medellín, or El Dorado International Airport, which is located in Bogota during business hours. You can check your pet as baggage in your cabin fly them via cargo.

Once you arrive in Colombia, you will take your pet to Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario Office (ICA) inside the airport. Your pet will be examined here, and their documentation will be checked for a small fee.

The Bogota ICA Office is open every day, round the clock and others are available from Monday to Friday. Opening hours are 8 AM to 5 PM.

In the case the checkup at the airport does not turn out to be good, a licensed veterinarian will be called to do a complete checkup once again, the cost of which will be borne by the owner.

What About Pets Other Than a Dog or Cat?

Let’s say that you have a pet parrot or turtle, and it is one of those rare breeds of which a few hundred remain in the world. Suppose you plan to take this pet to Colombia. In that case, you need to ensure that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In this case, a permit will be required to bring your pet onboard the flight. There are around 180 countries that enforce the CITES regulations.

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• July 24, 2023
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Guide to Travel with a Pet to Colombia: Travel with a Dog or Cat – Update 2023

It is relatively easy to travel with a pet to Colombia. You can travel to Colombia with a dog, cat or other household pet with only a few requirements.

Colombia does not require an import permit for personal pets from any country. And there is no pet microchip required for Colombia.

Several Medellin Readers asked about travel with a pet to Colombia. So, we we now have an up-to-date guide.

Also, be careful, as many websites in English I found on the Internet have inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date information about travel with a pet to Colombia.

Travel with a pet to Colombia

What Documents are Needed to Travel with a Pet to Colombia

Within 10 days of travel, an accredited veterinarian from the country of origin must complete a veterinary health certificate for your pet. If you are traveling from the U.S. or Canada, the veterinary health certificate must also be endorsed by the USDA in the U.S. or CFIA in Canada.

In the U.S, this veterinary health certificate is the APHIS Form 7001 . And Canada has a trilingual Animal Health Certificate in English, French and Spanish that should be used.

In the U.S., the USDA has APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Offices in all the states where you can get health certificates and rabies certificates endorsed. Note that this endorsement should be from the state you a traveling from to Colombia.

You send your veterinary health certificate and rabies certificate that are endorsed by the USDA and returned to you within 48 hours. Keep in mind the 10-day limit. So, you don’t have much time to send this and get it back. So, use express mail. Canada’s CFIA works similarly and endorses and returns health certificates within 48 hours.

In addition, your pet must be vaccinated and you need a vaccination certificate with a record of vaccinations.

To enter Colombia with a pet, your cat or dog must be vaccinated for rabies more than 30 days before travel to Colombia and before the vaccination expires. Also, Colombia does honor the 3-year vaccine.

Dogs reportedly must also be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus. And cats must be vaccinated against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. And if entering Colombia from countries other than Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, your pet should also be vaccinated against Parainfluenza and Coronavirus (note this is Canine Coronavirus, not the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic impacting humans).

Avianca 767-200 at El Dorado Bogotá Airport, photo by Carlos Colina

Check with the Airline to Travel with a Pet

Airlines only allow a specific number of pets on each flight and the spots fill up. So, call and make a reservation for your pet. And most airlines require at least a 24-hour notice of a pet traveling with you. Also, it isn’t free to travel with a pet. In addition, don’t forget pet calming aids.

Pets can travel in the airplane cabin or air cargo, depending on the size. Large dogs can be more complicated to travel with, as not all airlines will take large dogs. So, make sure to check with the airline about their pet regulations.

Check with the airline about their pet regulations – like pet carrier size and weight restrictions

Pet Rules of International Airlines that Fly Non-Stop to Medellín

The following are the pet rules of several airlines with international non-stop flights to Medellín in Colombia:

• American Airlines – permits pet carries in the cabin of up to 19″L x 13″W x 9″H and a maximum weight of 20 pounds  (10 kilograms) including the pet and carrier. American Airlines also does transportation of pets as checked baggage depending the the aircraft (checked pets can’t travel on Airbus A321, A321S, A321H, A320 and A319). In addition, American Airlines supports checked pets of up to 100 pounds including the pet container. See American Airlines website for more information about travel with a pet.
• Avianca – permits pets of up to  22 pounds (10 kilograms) in the cabin with a charge of $135 from the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Avianca permits pets weighing up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) in the hold for flights of less than four hours with a charge of $210 from the U.S. or Canada. See Avianca’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
• Copa Airlines – permits pet carries in the cabin of up to 11″W x 18″D x 11H” and a maximum weight of 20 pounds (10 kilograms), including the pet and carrier. Copa does not transport pets as checked baggage. See Copa’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
• JetBlue – permits pet carriers in the cabin of up to 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H and a maximum weight of 20 pounds (10 kilograms), including the pet and carrier. Also, JetBlue charges a pet fee of $125 each way.  AndJetBlue does not transport pets as checked baggage. See JetBlue’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
• Spirit – permits pets traveling in the cabin with a limit of a pet carrier of 18″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H with a maximum weight of 40 pounds (18 kilograms) for the pet carrier and pet. And Spirit permits only four pet carriers per flight and Spirit charges a pet fee since $110 each way. Also, Spirit does not transport pets as checked baggage. See Spirit’s website for more information about travel with a pet.

In addition, Bogotá has non-stop flights from the U.S. by Delta and United Airlines. Delta will transport larger pets as cargo  and United Airlines also transports larger pets as cargo.

Avianca permits pets weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) in the hold for flights of less than 4 hours

Visit an ICA office at the Airport in Colombia

When you arrive in Colombia make sure to declare your pet. And upon arrival, get your luggage and proceed to the ICA office with your luggage, pet, heath certificate and vaccination record and a credit/debit card to pay the ICA fee.

All ports of entry into Colombia (airports, border entries and ports) will have an Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) office. This is the Colombian agency that handles pet and other animal importation into Colombia and also food safety and agricultural health.

When you arrive, visit the ICA office they will be looking for two documents:

• Health certificate – issued by the official veterinary service of the country of origin within 10 days prior to arrival. The certificate should describe the animal and certify that is has been examined and is free of infectious and parasitic diseases and without the presence of fresh wounds.
• Vaccination certificate – this must include the current vaccination plan according to age and species and a list of vaccinations including product names, batch numbers and dates of vaccinations.

According to ICA’s website, these documents must be original and translated to Spanish if not in Spanish. But two expats I talked to recently said the documents didn’t need to be translated. And there is no need for an apostille.

After the document inspection, ICA will perform a physical inspection of the animal to verify the health condition of the animal.

If the documents you have are accepted and the animal passes the physical inspection, a Certificate of Inspection (CIS) will be issued and the animal will be let in.

And the cost is more than 50,000 pesos (according to the case).  This is for Monday to Friday between 8 am and 5 pm. Other hours have a surcharge except at the El Dorado International airport in Bogotá, which does not have a surcharge for extended hours and it operates 24 hours.

Also, you can pay this fee to ICA with a credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard only). And no cash is accepted by ICA. But you can pay in cash at several banks including Banco Agrario, Bancolombia, Banco de Occidente and Davivienda. ICA has information for paying at a bank.

Dogs and cats and other household pets that do not meet the requirements for importation must comply with a period of post-entry home quarantine in Colombia, which includes two follow-up visits by an ICA official. And the cost becomes 537,572 pesos.

In addition, you can see the complete list of requirements for importation of dogs and cats into Colombia on the ICA website here (in Spanish) .

American Pit Bull Terrier is one breed not permitted.

Warning: Several Dog Breeds are Not Permitted in Colombia

Several dog breeds are not permitted to be bought to Colombia. The following dog breeds are considered potentially dangerous and cannot be brought to Colombia:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Argentine Mastiff
• Brazilian Mastiff
• Bull Terrier
• Japanese Mastiff Tosa
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Terrier
• Any crosses or hybrids of the above 11

Doberman is another breed not permitted

You can find many of these dog breeds in Colombia. But you are not permitted to bring these 11 dog breeds or crosses or hybrids into Colombia.

It is relatively easy to travel with a pet to Colombia

The Bottom Line: Travel with a Pet to Colombia – Travel with a Dog or Cat to Colombia

It is relatively easy to travel with a pet to Colombia. You only need a health certificate, rabies certificate and vaccination certificate. And the cost with ICA in Colombia when you arrive with your pet isn’t very much. It’s between 50.000 pesos ($12 ) if your documents are accepted and your pet passes a simple examination.

To travel with a pet to Colombia the fee will be higher with the airlines than the fee once you arrive in Colombia. The airlines charge at least $120 to travel with a pet to Colombia. Also, larger pets will be more difficult to travel with, as not all airlines support traveling with large pets.

In addition, Medellín is a pet-friendly city. For example, most shopping malls and some restaurants permit you to bring your dog.

Note that this article will be kept up-to-date, as things like pet importation regulations and costs change in Colombia each year.

In addition, “Can I travel with my pet to Colombia?” is question asked by some expats visiting Colombia or moving to the country. So, we included this question in our list of  Medellín frequently asked questions (FAQ) .

Sign up for the Free Medellin Guru Newsletter  – You can see all of the previous  Medellin Guru weekly email newsletters and sign up here .

Editors note: updated on October 15, 2018 with addition pet transportation rules for American Airline and Copa Airlines to Medellín based on several readers questions about transporting larger pets from the U.S. and also pets from Panama.

Editors note: update on November 20, 2020 to clarify the vaccination for coronavirus in this article is for Canine Coronavirus, not COVID-19.

Editors note: updated on June 26, 2023 with new prices, rules about the pets and images.

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64 thoughts on “Guide to Travel with a Pet to Colombia: Travel with a Dog or Cat – Update 2023”

Hello, Thought I would follow up on my post with the info I have found. My sister in law spoke in person to an ICA rep at El Dorado in Bogota. As long as the animal in question is a service animal with the appropriate documentation from the traveller’s doctor the animal can enter. Banned breeds ARE allowed as service animals. The ICA rep confirmed that a Staffordshire pitbull terrier can enter as a service animal. I plan to make the trip this summer and I’ll update the post.

Any update on this ? Did they let you in without an issue ?

What about for birds?

Never have been asked about birds so haven’t researched this.

We recommend asking on the big Medellin Expat Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433

Hi Jeff, We are Canadian citizens and when we fly home we will have been in Santa Marta for 5 months with our 4kg Jack Russell terrier. She came here with all the required shots and inspections and we have the papers. When we fly back to Canada (in March 2020) do we need any paperwork from ICA for her to leave Colombia? I have a contact for CFIA in Canada so will see what they need, which seems to be minimal so far, but my Spanish is not very good and I have trouble following the speedy talking here. All help would be appreciated. Thank you Bill

Hey thanks for info. I have service dog and visiting family for some time in Colombia. I’m worried about bringing him back to the USA. Will I have to put him through a quarantine of some kind if so it would not be possible for me to go. Thanks. Who should I call for the updated rules.

They did remove her from the kennel but no behavioral assessments.

I went through the process on October 2, 2019 (last week) in the Bogota airport. The USDA document doesn’t need to be translated and it doesn’t need an apostille. You deliver it by hand at the ICA office along with the vaccinations report and rabies certificate. The whole process took me 10 minutes.

Did ICA remove your dog from the kennel or perform any behavioral assessments?

Hi, do you happen to know if the dog must be neutered if it’s a male? Also I have a 6 year old male pitbull that I am trying to move from US to Colombia in early 2020, will I have problems doing so? Does Colombia have breed restrictions? He has no history of aggression and current on all shots and is healthy.

No doesn’t have to be neutered. And see this list of breed restrictions in the article above. Several dog breeds are not permitted to be bought to Colombia. Pit Bulls are not permitted.

Hi, With regards to the breed restrictions, do you have any information on a Staffordshire pitbull terrier entering as an emotional support animal for a stay of 2 weeks? We have checked with United and the dog can fly in the cabin as an ESA with no problems. My niece wants to visit Colombia with her ESA.

Sorry, Colombia has a breed restriction listed in the article including hybrids. No hybrid that is Staffordshire and Pit Bull Terrier would be permitted.

I am worried about this too as one of my dogs physically resembles a pitbull. From what I’ve seen the answer is yes. Colombia prohibits any line of pitbull or mix from entering the country. I’ve seen this on multiple sites although the actual Colombian agricultural department is vague on many requirements. I think alot depends on the breed identified on the USDA certification. Also be aware that pit bulls are considered a snub-nosed breed which are banned on most airlines. My dog is also a chow mix and I had to go to a new vet to have her reclassified as a Shepherd so that she can fly. What port are you planning on entering in Colombia? I do have an email address to the agricultural inspectors in Medellin if you would like that?

Were you able to have a resolution for this? – I am having a similar issue. Please share any additional info you have on the matter.

Were you able to have a resolution for this? – I am having a similar issue. Please share any additional info you have on the matter

Hi Milton. I had the vet reclassify her breed to a Shepard mix. I had to take her to a new vet to do this and played stupid as to her breed. She doesn’t have a snub nose which would’ve prevented her from flying so the vet was willing to classify her as a herding dog. As for entry into Colombia the agricultural officer didn’t even look at my dogs. She only looked at the paperwork. I flew into Medellin so it might be different at other locations. Hope this helps but if yours has a snub nose you’re probably out of luck.

Who do I mail the USDA certification to after receiving it? Your article makes it sound like I have to send it to a Colombian authority before travel? I see nothing about having to send my USDA certification prior to travel for Colombian approval prior to travel on the ICA website.

Also… does the translation of documents need to be official or can my Colombian wife do it?

No, you don’t send anything you bring with you to the ICA office at the airport. According to ICA’s website, these documents must be original and translated to Spanish if not in Spanish. As far as I know no official translation is needed and two expats I talked to said the documents didn’t need to be translated. And there is no need for an apostille.

Thank you very much.

coronavirus is rare in Canada. What if my pet has all except for this one? Will my pet be detained? Also what is the exam by ICA? I’m afraid that they’ll scam me and say my dog failed the exams to charge me the 500 pesos more. Unfortunately, I am always scam in Colombia despite the fact that I was born there.

As it says in the article ICA will inspect your docs and perform a physical inspection of the animal to verify the health condition of the animal. And you should get the coronavirus vaccination if entering Colombia from countries other than Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

I will be traveling to Medellin on the 30th of next month with my dog. Her rabies runs out on the 4th of next month. So my question is, if I take care of her shot prior to the 4th will I be ok with the 30day requirement for the shot prior to entry? Thanks in advance

To enter Colombia with a pet, your cat or dog reportedly must be vaccinated for rabies more than 30 days before travel to Colombia and before the vaccination expires.

Ok what would happen if I brought her anyway

Hard to tell – may not be a problem, but if your arrive and the ICA office determines does not meet the requirements, must comply with a period of post-entry home quarantine in Colombia, which includes two follow-up visits by an ICA official and a cost of over 500,000 pesos, as it says in the article.

Hi Jeff, you do a great job of keeping up with questions. I plan to obtain a real estate-oriented visa to Colombia in the very near future as I just finished my TESOL certification and I have a dog and a cat. My dog is an emotional support animal so I should be able to get him on the plane from the US, and I have a friend who will bring the cat behind me. I really appreciate your information! Thanks again

Very helpful.

looking to bring my puppy from the US to stay with me. However, I have hit a snag and l looking to get resolved asap. He’s 2 1/2 months old, and he has all of his shots required at this age and for ready to travel, except it looks like Colombia wants him to have a rabies shot before he’s arrives.

Unfortunately, they don’t give rabies shots until 4 months old and then he would have to wait an additional 30 days as well. I read online that if under 3 month, he wouldn’t have to get a rabies shot but if planning to come to Colombia, he would have to be quarantined and visited by officials until he’s of age to get the shot, there in Colombia.

Does anyone know if this is true? Has anyone been through this process before?

Searching the internet for immediate answers. Thanks so much.

Hi Michael, did you ever find information on this? I’m in the EXACT same situation.

Just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing this,

An extra question about once you arrive in Medellin with a pet. Are they allowed on public transport? What about a small dog in a carrier bag that is zipped up?

Good question. Pets like dogs and cats can be taken on the Medellín metro system on Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. The pet must go in a crate, container or cage whose maximum measures are 60 cm wide, high and deep, which must be located on the floor and be solid enough to prevent it from escaping.

hi, thanks for taking the time to manage this site – i have a stafforshire terrier and was told i can get a waiver for her to enter the country from an informal call to the agency that manages animal entry – i have attempted to hire an attorney to help with this paperwork and also other paperwork (i am a Canadian with US businesses and a Colombian fiancee) and have had little luck – i see you list a few resources on this page https://medellinguru.com/colombian-visa/ but i was wondering if you have any tips for me to hire someone that is proactive- thanks again.

Greetings Jeff – Much appreciation here for your wonderfully informative site. I’m wondering what dog owners recommend in terms of the kinds of rentals that lend themselves to a happy experience for all concerned – pet, owner, neighbors. . Are there rentals with courtyards that allow you to ‘walk’ your dog (& clean up after of course) without going out on the street, for instance? What about pet deposits in rental contracts? And are there many casita type rentals for solo women expats?

A few rentals have courtyards or other areas to walk dogs. And no pet deposit in rental contracts that I am aware of – I have had pets for over five years with no pet deposits. A few places have casitas but aren’t only for women expats.

Amazing Information Sir, Thank you for sharing it with us.

Thanks for the tips

Ten days ago I travelled with my 34-lbs Brittany (Spaniel) and my 46-lbs English Cocker Spaniel via Copa Airlines. They travelled in the temperature-controlled and pressurized cargo hold. I’m grateful to have my dogs with me during my 3-month stay here in Medellín. Having said that, I’m here to tell you that making these arrangements was extremely complicated, stressful and super-super expensive. I mean, crazy-expensive!…

Most of the information in this blog post fits my experience. But, in my experience, this post is most useful for those who have a pet small enough to ride in the cabin. For dogs of medium size, the only practical options between the U.S. and Medellín are Copa and, to a far lesser extent, Avianca; because Avianza doesn’t fly pets over 44 lbs. American Airlines isn’t an option–period–because of the type of aircraft they use to fly between the U.S. and Medellín. For whatever reason, American disqualifies pets from traveling as cargo on the only type of aircraft they use to serve this area.

So for dogs 44 lbs or over, Copa is the one and only option. My dogs and I flew from LAX to MDE through Panama City. Keep in mind that there are just a few points-of-origin for flying pets as cargo. I think that Copa’s options include San Francisco, Miami, Orlando and Chicago; but don’t quote me on that.

Once you arrive at MDE with your dogs, be prepared for several hours of bureaucracy. It took us about 2.5 hours to get through all of it, and we had everything perfectly in order. The delays included the fact that ICA is located off-site in a facility currently under construction. Further, DIAN needs to get involved for some reason (and charge you a minimal amount) and then there’s also the paperwork associated with the airline/shipper verifying the pickup. While complaining about the time/dis-organization involved for pick-up, we were told that it usually takes 5 hours to claim a pet. So be prepared.

Painful as it was (and I’ve not shared all the pain-points with Copa) I hope to do it again. In the future, I plan to have the pets sent ahead of me and picked up by a trusted friend and associate who is great at dealing with situations like this. Then I’ll follow immediately upon the pets safe arrival and transport to my home in Medellín. The reason for this is that Copa requires that you drop the pet off only 2.5 to 3 hours before the flight, and frankly they were extremely disorganized. Because of that, I didn’t leave the drop-off facility until about 2 hours before the flight. At LAX that is simply not enough time. Had I not been flying business class, with priority status at check-in and security, I probably would have missed the flight. Therefore, I think the most secure method is to stay behind 12 to 24 hours to make sure all goes well for my pets, then follow them in.

If I have a service dog with me. Will I also been out through the same interrogation and pain?

During Christmas, we’re travelling with our medium sized dog (20lbs) from Vancouver, Canada to Barranquilla, Colombia. To be honest, I am a bit unsure of the process of returning my pet back to Canada. Do I need to get another health certificate in Colombia to be able to get back to Canada with my pet?

I’d appreciate your response if you have any information

See this site that has Canada pet travel information – https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/canada.cfm .

I always get afraid when people travel with their pets.

Thank you..very useful information

How are all of these dogs so cute. I can’t even deal.

American Airlines doesn’t appear to have any flights to Medellín that allow live-animal transport in the cargo hold. All their direct flights form the US to Medellín air on an Airbus, which they report they do not use for live-animal transport.

I’m wondering what airlines have flights between the U.S, and Medellin, which allow the transportation of dogs in the cargo holds.

The article says that Avianca permits pets weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) in the hold for flights of less than four hours with a charge of $150 from the U.S. Avianca has flights to Medellín from Miami.

Thank you. After several hours of research, and a lot of inaccurate information from the customer service reps, that appears to be the only option from the United States for dogs that can’t ride in the cabin.

I’m going to Medellin on Thursday and my dog just had all her vaccinations updated today, including rabies. Can she still travel?

You need health and rabies certificates for your dog. Dogs and cats must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services within 10 days of travel. The rabies vaccination certificate must accompany your pet and the health certificate to Colombia.

THANKS I JUST WANT TO CHANGE PLANES IN PANAMA DON’T EVEN WANT TO LEAVE THE INTERNATIONAL DECK IT WILL BE NICE IF WE CAN ITS A LONG STORY

THANK YOU SIR DO YOU HAVE ANY INFO ON TRAVELING THRU PANAMA WITH BIRDS

According to https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/panama.cfm , to bring your pet bird with you to Panama, you must have an import permit. This permit is issued by Panama’s National Environmental Authority (ANAM).

ANY FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE MOVING BIRDS I READ THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BIRDS CANNOT GO THRU PANAMA

Hi Ed, according to this https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-colombia , Pet birds must be accompanied by an import permit issued in advance by Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA). Upon arrival into Colombia, the birds will undergo home quarantine for at least 21 days under the supervision of a veterinarian from ICA.

Great report. We are moving from Panama to Medellin in December with our two dogs that will be in Cargo on Copa. BTW we shipped them in Cargo on Copa from LA to PTY over 3 years ago and was very impressed with Copa Cargo.

Thanks for the ICA info at the airport. Cheers!

Hi John, thanks and happy that you found the article helpful. Several readers asked for up-to-date information about travel with pets to Colombia, as so much in English is out of date about Colombia on the Internet.

Hello. What exactly do you mean by CoronaVirus vaccine? I have a service dog with full vaccines and rabies shots with health certificate. Where and how do I find a coronavirus vaccine?

Ask your vet. Canine coronavirus is not the same as COVID-19 – see – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coronavirus-disease-in-dogs

The article is updated to clarify this.

Perfect timing!!! I’m moving to Medellin at the end of September with my pets, this article is so helpful.

Thank you for most useful information. I would eventually be traveling between Medellin and Mexico City on Aeromexico’s direct non-stop flight. But the arrival in Medellín is around 11:30 pm. Are there ICA staff at the Medellín airport at that time ? If not, then what ?

Hi Giles, thanks. Yes, ICA staff will be at the Medellin airport at that time.

Hi – I will be landing in Medellin on a Sunday. Will there be a Iva official available on the weekend?

I think there is also a process to get the pet back out of Colombia. We did a local vet visit and a trip to ICA the day before departure. We were led to believe ICA paperwork needed to be done a day in advance, but that may be so if the process is backed up, you don’t miss your flight. You can do it at the downtown airport, saving a trip over the hill.

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USDA Pet Health Certificates

We are the experts in preparing the necessary paperwork for pet travel across the globe.

USDA Pet Health Certificates for International & Domestic Travel

University Animal Hospital continues to excel as the best, and most highly recommended, provider of USDA Pet Health Certificates in New York City for both International and Domestic Travel.

Every country has very specific and unique health requirements.

Improper or incomplete travel paperwork can derail your travel plans, costing you valuable time, money and aggravation.

DIGITAL SUBMISSION (VEHCS) - We are proud to have been selected by the USDA to access their Digital Submission and Endorsement Platform (VEHCS) enabling us to expedite your pet’s international travel certification. Many countries now allow our veterinarians to electronically submit your pet’s certificates and supporting documentation to APHIS for review and USDA endorsement.

Our team of USDA-certified veterinarians have successfully helped pet owners prepare for travel domestically and abroad for many years. We will walk you through the process from start to finish. Our experienced team will ensure the accuracy of your documentation for your pet’s travel.

Domestic Travel Certificates

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, otherwise known as a health certificate , certifies that your pet is healthy, free from all contagious diseases, and able to travel within certain climates.

International Travel Certificates

Only our USDA Accredited Veterinarians have the authority to both examine your pet and issue the USDA required paperwork for traveling internationally. As the requirements vary from country to country we strongly recommend you allow our experienced team to secure all of your necessary documentation .

About University Animal Hospital

University Animal Hospital is a full-service medical, surgical and dental clinic for dogs and cats, located in Manhattan .

The goal of our animal hospital is to provide superior veterinary care while showing compassion for pet patients and their owners. We treat our clients’ pets as if they were our own.

University Animal Hospital is staffed by a team of knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate professionals working to provide the highest level of veterinary care .

Under the leadership of Dr. Lawrence Zola , the staff at University Animal Hospital has consistently demonstrated compassionate, loving and affordable medical care for more than a quarter of a century.

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Caring for your dog or cat’s oral health can make a significant difference in their quality of life, especially as he or she gets older. University Animal Hospital provides dental examinations, cleanings and advanced veterinary dental technology.

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Colombia Pet Transport: A Comprehensive Guide for Importing Dogs and Cats

What to know about bringing dogs and cats to colombia, colombia pet import rules and requirements.

When planning pet transport to Colombia, it's important to start early and familiarize yourself with the requirements to avoid misunderstandings or delays in the import process.

If you're transporting a dog to Colombia, take note of the country's list of banned breeds. Colombia prohibits the entry of certain breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and a few other large breeds, along with mixed-breed dogs containing any of these breeds. Read on for more information.

Selecting a pet-friendly airline, acclimating your pets to their travel kennels well in advance, and consulting your veterinarian for health-related concerns are essential steps to ensure a smooth move.

With the right preparation and planning, bringing pets to Colombia can be carried out safely. Let's explore the regulations and procedures for importing pets to Colombia.

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Regulations for Importing Pets to Colombia

Attention: This information will be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements. Before you travel, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities in Columbia.

Important Information Regarding Banned Dog Breeds

Colombia does not permit the following dog breeds to enter the country, including purebreds and mixed breeds containing any of the following:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Doberman Pinscher
• Bullmastiff
• Mastin Napolitano
• De Presa Canario
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogo de Burdeos
• Fila Brasileiro

Although not mandatory for entry into Colombia, we highly recommend microchipping all traveling pets for identification purposes.

Rabies Vaccination and Certificate

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate, which must state the microchip number (if applicable) and the date of inoculation.

Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001)

The standard Health Certificate, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, must be issued within ten days of the flight.

USDA Endorsements

The following documents must be sent to your local USDA (if departing from the United States) for endorsement:

• Microchip Implantation Record (if applicable)
• Rabies Certificate
• Vet Health Certificate

Recommended Vaccines

We strongly recommend the following vaccinations for your pets:

• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella.
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

These vaccinations should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before the export date for maximum effectiveness.

Additional Details

All original documents listed above must accompany the pets during travel. For successful customs clearance, we require a copy of the pet owner's passport before the animal's arrival.

Our team at PetRelocation is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for your pets. Contact our PetRelocation Specialist to discuss your options and receive expert support.

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Bringing a Dog into the United States

CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months. Learn about the current rules: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

CDC issues regulations to control the entry of dogs into the United States from other countries. These rules apply to all dogs, including puppies and service animals. They also apply whether you are a US citizen, legal US resident, or foreign national.

If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States. If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated—not where the dog was born or where it lives.

In addition, you must comply with US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and your US destination’s regulations . Regulations of US states or territories may be more strict than federal regulations. Please be aware that dogs imported for commercial (resale or adoption) purposes have additional requirements from USDA .

Determining If You Can Bring a Dog into the United States

Whether you can bring a dog into the United States depends on where the dog is coming from—especially if from a high-risk country  for dog rabies.

To enter the United States, your dog will be required to meet specific criteria. Start by answering the questions below to determine if you can bring a dog into the United States.

YES : See Step 2 .

NO : Dog can enter at any port of entry with a 6-month travel history statement and healthy appearance.

Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months are NOT required by CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate . However, when you enter the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dogs have NOT been in a country that is high risk for rabies within the last 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. While CDC doesn’t require proof of rabies vaccination, CDC recommends that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies, and your US destination  may have additional requirements. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

YES: See Step 3 .

NO : Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.

All dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months must be at least 6 months old to enter the United States. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

YES: See Step 4 .

NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.

The microchip number must be listed on the dog’s rabies vaccination certificate. If you are unsure whether your dog has an ISO-compatible microchip , please contact your veterinarian for assistance. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

* The applicant is responsible for making sure the dog has an ISO-compatible microchip. If the dog does not have an ISO-compatible microchip, the applicant (or permit holder) can bring their own scanner that can read the microchip.

* Many US universal scanners have been unable to detect microchips that begin with the numbers 1 or 8. Please ensure your dog’s chip can be detected by a universal scanner if it begins with a number other than 9. If you are unsure, you should purchase your own scanner (available online) that can detect the microchip or have your dog re-microchipped.

*If the microchip cannot be scanned on arrival, your dog may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.

YES: The dog may enter the United States under certain conditions.

See Option A at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

NO: see Step 5

Note: expired US rabies vaccination certificates will not be accepted. If your dog’s US rabies vaccination certificate is expired, proceed to Step 5 .

YES : If you are importing 1 or 2 dogs, see Step 6 .

If you are importing 3 or more dogs , see Step 7 .

If you attempt to import your dog into the United States, the dog will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

YES : The dog may enter with a CDC Dog Import Permit through one of 18 approved airports ( Option B ) OR without a permit through an airport with a CDC-approved animal care facility ( Option C ). See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

NO : The dog must have a reservation to quarantine at an approved animal care facility in the United States upon arrival and enter through the airport where the facility is located. See Option C at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

YES : See Option C at What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

NO : Go back to Step 6 for bringing 1-2 dogs .

Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months are NOT required by CDC to present a rabies vaccination certificate . However, when you enter the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dogs have NOT been in a country that is high risk for rabies within the last 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. While CDC doesn’t require proof of rabies vaccination, CDC recommends that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies, and your US destination may have additional requirements. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

NO:  Dog is not allowed to enter the United States.

The microchip number must be listed on the dog’s rabies vaccination certificate. If you are unsure whether your dog has an  ISO-compatible microchip , please contact your veterinarian for assistance. See What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States .

* Many US universal scanners have been unable to detect microchips that begin with the numbers 1 or 8.  Please ensure your dog’s chip can be detected by a universal scanner if it begins with a number other than 9. If you are unsure, you should purchase your own scanner (available online) that can detect the microchip or have your dog re-microchipped.

YES:  The dog may enter the United States under certain conditions.

If you are importing  3 or more dogs , see Step 7 .

NO:  Dog is  not  allowed to enter the United States.

Why Entry of Dogs to the United States Is Controlled

Rabies is fatal: Rabies is over 99% fatal and is 100% preventable. The United States eliminated dog rabies in 2007, but dog rabies is not controlled in over 100 countries—creating a risk to the United States for imported dogs. Through regulations, CDC strives to protect America’s families, communities, and pets by preventing the reintroduction of dog rabies into the United States. Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority. Each rabid imported dog could infect people and other animals and could cost more than half a million dollars to contain.

Why it’s important now: Since 2015, four rabid dogs were imported into the United States. Historically, about 300 dogs annually have been denied entry to the United States due to inadequate paperwork. However, between January and December 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), CDC documented an increase from previous years with more than 450 instances of incomplete, inadequate, or fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates for dogs arriving from high-risk countries .

The increase in the number of dogs inadequately vaccinated against rabies that importers were attempting to bring into the United States created a public health risk of importing dog rabies.

Protect dogs and people: CDC will use the extended suspension period to improve the importation process to better protect the health and safety of dogs being imported and their US families and communities.

• Travelers' Health
• Healthy Pets Healthy People
• Southern Border Health and Migration
• Port Health
• Division of Global Migration Health

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