Introduction
From the beaches of Mexico to the mountains of Canada and the rainforests of Costa Rica, the Americas offer incredible destinations for adventurous dogs and their humans. The good news? Most countries in North, Central, and South America welcome visiting pets — but each has its own rules for vaccines, paperwork, and import permits.
This guide breaks down pet entry requirements across the Americas, so you can plan stress-free travels whether you’re hopping across borders or moving abroad with your pup.
1. United States 🇺🇸
The U.S. is one of the most traveled-to destinations for pets — but since 2024, the CDC has updated its dog import rules to strengthen rabies control.
- 🔢 Microchip: Required for all imported dogs.
- 💉 Rabies Vaccination: Must be from a CDC-approved facility; dogs must be at least 6 months old.
- 📋 CDC Dog Import Form: Required before arrival from most countries.
- 🛃 Inspection: Dogs may be examined by U.S. Customs or CDC officials upon entry.
Pro Tip: U.S. entry rules depend on the origin country’s rabies risk level — check the CDC’s list before traveling.
2. Canada 🇨🇦
Canada keeps pet travel simple for healthy, vaccinated dogs.
- 💉 Rabies Vaccination: Mandatory for dogs over 3 months old; certificate must show date, manufacturer, and vet signature.
- 🔢 Microchip: Recommended but not required.
- 📋 Health Certificate: Optional, but airlines may request one.
- 🛃 Quarantine: None for compliant pets.
Pro Tip: Small dogs can fly in-cabin on most Canadian airlines (Air Canada, WestJet) for a small fee — pet travel is extremely common domestically.
3. Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico is one of the easiest countries in the world for travelers with dogs.
- 📋 Health Certificate: No longer required for entry from the U.S. or Canada, but airlines may still request it.
- 💉 Vaccinations: Rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus.
- 🛃 Inspection: Conducted by SENASICA officers at arrival — they’ll check your dog and issue an entry certificate on the spot.
- 🔢 Microchip: Recommended.
Pro Tip: Mexico’s airports are pet-friendly; you can even find relief zones at Cancún and Mexico City terminals.
4. Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Costa Rica welcomes dogs with straightforward requirements — no quarantine needed.
- 📋 Veterinary Health Certificate: Endorsed by your country’s official vet agency (e.g., USDA for the U.S.) within 14 days of travel.
- 💉 Vaccinations: Rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus.
- 🔢 Microchip: Recommended but not mandatory.
Pro Tip: The Central Valley is cooler for dogs — beaches can be very hot and humid year-round.
5. Panama 🇵🇦
Panama’s process is organized but requires coordination with the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).
- 📋 Import Permit: Required; apply via email at least 10 days before travel.
- 💉 Vaccinations: Rabies (older than 30 days, younger than 12 months).
- 🔢 Microchip: Required.
- 🏠 Home Quarantine: 30 days possible if approved on arrival (instead of facility quarantine).
Pro Tip: Carry extra copies of your documents in Spanish — it speeds up customs clearance.
6. Brazil 🇧🇷
Brazil requires standard health documentation but has no quarantine for healthy, vaccinated pets.
- 📋 Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued and endorsed by your government vet authority within 10 days of travel.
- 💉 Rabies Vaccination: Required; must be older than 30 days.
- 🔢 Microchip: Required for permanent identification.
Pro Tip: Brazil’s domestic airlines (like Azul and LATAM) are pet-friendly — small dogs can fly in-cabin on many routes.
7. Argentina 🇦🇷
Argentina’s pet entry process is smooth for compliant travelers.
- 📋 Health Certificate: Endorsed by USDA or equivalent within 10 days of travel.
- 💉 Vaccinations: Rabies required for dogs over 3 months; full vaccination record recommended.
- 🛃 Quarantine: None for healthy dogs.
Pro Tip: Buenos Aires is one of South America’s most dog-friendly cities — expect off-leash parks and dog-walking culture everywhere.
8. Chile 🇨🇱
Chile enforces clear, consistent entry procedures for visiting pets.
- 📋 International Health Certificate: Endorsed by origin country’s vet authority, issued within 10 days of travel.
- 💉 Rabies Vaccination: Must be administered at least 30 days before entry.
- 🛃 Quarantine: Not required if paperwork is complete.
Pro Tip: Chile’s airlines are among the strictest — confirm pet cabin size limits before booking.
9. Colombia 🇨🇴
Colombia’s process is efficient, and dogs enter quickly through major airports like Bogotá and Medellín.
- 📋 Health Certificate: Issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by official vet authority.
- 💉 Rabies Vaccination: Mandatory for dogs over 3 months old.
- 🔢 Microchip: Recommended.
- 🛃 Inspection: ICA officers check paperwork on arrival; no quarantine for compliant pets.
Pro Tip: Colombia’s mountain cities (like Medellín) are ideal for dogs thanks to mild year-round weather.
10. Peru 🇵🇪
Peru requires standard health certification but no quarantine.
- 📋 Health Certificate: Endorsed by government authority within 10 days of travel.
- 💉 Vaccinations: Rabies and core vaccines required.
- 🛃 Inspection: Conducted by SENASA officers at arrival airport.
Pro Tip: Machu Picchu doesn’t allow dogs — plan hikes and stays around Cusco’s pet-friendly valleys instead.
11. Caribbean Islands 🏝️
The Caribbean is a patchwork of independent nations, each with unique pet policies. A few highlights:
- 🇧🇸 Bahamas: Import permit required; rabies vaccine + health certificate; no quarantine.
- 🇧🇧 Barbados: Rabies-free; pre-approval and rabies titer test required.
- 🇯🇲 Jamaica: Extremely strict — direct imports from rabies-free countries only (no U.S. entry).
Pro Tip: Many Caribbean nations require arrival at specific airports with veterinary inspection hours — double-check before booking.
Conclusion
Traveling across the Americas with your dog is easier than you might think — as long as you prepare your paperwork and follow vaccination timelines. Most destinations welcome healthy, well-documented pets without quarantine. Whether it’s hiking the Rockies, exploring Mayan ruins, or relaxing on Brazilian beaches, your dog can join the adventure. A little preparation means endless paw prints across two continents.
