Bringing your pet to Chile? We’ve handled hundreds of pet exports to South America — let us help with yours.
Bringing your pet to Chile is a fairly straightforward process compared to many international destinations. While Chile has clear health and documentation requirements, it does not require quarantine or rabies titers for most pets arriving from the United States.
From there, the entry requirements vary depending on how you get to Chile. This guide explains Chile’s pet import rules, airline restrictions, and the key steps to make your pet’s journey safe, compliant, and stress-free.
Eligible Pets and Country Restrictions
Chile generally allows pets to enter from most countries without major restrictions, but some dog breeds are classified as potentially dangerous under national law. These breeds may require special permits, but aren’t expressly banned from entry. Airlines may have their own restrictions.
Eligible Pets
The Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), which oversees animal imports, does not currently restrict any breeds at the national level. However, Chile does have national legislation that designates certain dog breeds as potentially dangerous.
That legislation doesn’t ban any one breed, but owners of listed dog breeds must follow specific requirements, including:
- Registering the dog in the national pet registry,
- Keeping the dog in a secure environment,
- Using a muzzle and leash in public, and
- Carrying liability insurance.
Under this law, 9 breeds are considered potentially dangerous:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Ca de Bou (Perro de Presa Mallorquin)
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiler
- Tosa (Japanese Mastiff)
Dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior or physical traits that could be dangerous, even if they’re not on the list above, can also be considered potentially dangerous under the law.
Airlines may also enforce their own breed policies. Many carriers, including LATAM, restrict snub-nosed or brachycephalic pets due to increased respiratory risks during air travel. These include popular breeds like bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and Persian cats.
LATAM also restricts dog breeds that are considered dangerous from flying in the hold, but they are allowed to fly via LATAM Cargo. It’s important to note here that some snub-nosed breeds overlap with dogs typically on dangerous dog lists. That includes bully breeds, mastiffs, and American Staffordshire Terriers.
If you’re flying with a snub-nosed breed, they may only be permitted to travel as carry-on if their size allows. If you’re flying with a pet that isn’t allowed on the plane, a professional pet shipper can help you find the safest route to get your pet to their destination.
Approved Countries
Chile does not bar entry for traveling dogs and cats based on country of origin, but the SAG may restrict entry from regions with reported outbreaks of animal diseases. As of now, there are no active bans.
Planning an international flight for your pet? We can help.
Microchip and Vaccinations
Chile does not require microchipping for pets entering the country. All dogs and cats must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination administered at least one month before travel.
Microchip
Chile doesn’t require that pets be microchipped for entry into the country. At Tailwind, we always recommend getting your pet an ISO-compliant microchip anyway.
These universal microchips can be scanned almost anywhere in the world, giving you peace of mind if your pet is lost. They’re also necessary if you plan to bring your pet back into the U.S.
Vaccinations
Cats and dogs traveling to Chile do so with protection against rabies. Pets must have a valid rabies vaccination given at least one month before travel to Chile, and no more than 12 months before their trip.
If your pet is too young for the rabies vaccine, they may still travel to Chile if they’ve had a rabies antibody titration test showing ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Keep in mind that most airlines, including LATAM, require that pets be at least 16 weeks old to travel. Rabies shots are typically given after the 12-week mark.
Your pet can meet the rabies requirement by having a rabies antibody test, or titer, done between 3 and 24 months before travel. Pets returning to the U.S. will need proof of rabies vaccination, not rabies antibody testing.
Chile doesn’t mandate vaccines beyond rabies for pets entering the country, but it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian before traveling. They’ll likely suggest updating core vaccinations for your pet’s health and safety. For dogs, this typically includes:
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
For traveling cats, the recommended vaccines are typically:
- Feline panleukopenia (enteritis)
- Feline rhinotracheitis
- Feline calicivirus
Blood Tests and Treatments
Chile does not require a rabies titer for imported or visiting pets. Dogs and cats should receive internal and external parasite treatments within 30 days before their arrival. The active ingredient(s) of the antiparasitic treatment, dosage, and date of application must be on your pet’s health certificate.
Import Documents
Pets entering Chile won’t need an import permit, but they must travel with the required documentation from an official vet. The SAG requires a valid export health certificate issued by a USDA–accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel.
This certificate must confirm that your pet is healthy, free of parasites, and has received a rabies vaccination at least one month and no more than 12 months before international travel.
Cats and dogs may use the same model heart certificate. Pet ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, hedgehogs, and rodents all have a unique health certificate. Certificates for all live animals should be provided in both English and Spanish.
International airlines also usually ask for a copy of your pet’s health certificate at check-in. It’s best practice to carry at least one extra copy on big international trips with your pet.
Airline Options
Several major airlines fly pets from the U.S. to Chile, but LATAM Airlines (formerly LAN Chile) is our preferred carrier for most routes. LATAM offers direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Santiago (SCL) and has a strong reputation for well-managed pet transport from the U.S.
LATAM allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin if they meet the airline’s size and weight limits. Larger pets that don’t fit under the seat must travel as checked baggage or cargo through LATAM Cargo.
While this means they’re not flying with you or with a companion, this is typically our preferred mode of transport for pets. It reduces layovers and pets travel with a pressurized, climate-controlled hold.
Dogs on their dangerous breeds list must fly on the airline’s cargo arm; certain brachycephalic breeds are only accepted in-cabin. We always review your pet’s breed and travel crate or carrier in advance to make sure all of the airline’s requirements are met.
Other carriers, such as Copa Airlines and Avianca, also offer service to Chile. Copa typically routes through its Panama City hub. Avianca generally connects through Bogotá, Colombia. Both airlines allow small pets in the cabin and restrict certain breeds from flying in cargo.
Quarantine
There is no mandatory quarantine when dogs or cats arrive in Chile, provided they meet all the required health and documentation criteria. However, once your pet arrives in Chile, it must remain confined at their destination address for a period of 10 days.
How Tailwind Can Help
Traveling internationally with your pet can involve a lot of moving parts. No matter the destination country, it goes beyond navigating that country’s documentation requirements. You need to coordinate flights, airline rules, and vaccination certificate timelines to avoid issues along the way.
At Tailwind Global Pet, we manage every step involved in moving pets, ensuring the process is safe and stress-free for both you and your beloved pet. Our team handles everything from health paperwork and kennel prep to booking with trusted airlines for a smooth journey door-to-door.
Ready to get started? Each pet relocation situation is different, so to get an idea of the costs involved, fill out a request for a free quote.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
“Flew our 9 year old Vizsla, Whisky, from LAX to LHR last summer. Great service from the veterinary requirements to the actual moving of the dog. literally door to door service and a happy boy at the other end.
Fast forward to March 2024 and need to take him to South America.
Had the complete run around from the airline and UK providers trying to work out how best to do it; crate dimensions allowable; excess baggage or cargo? . Called Brady who gave me chapter and verse. Great customer service!”
– Dr W.
“We recently moved from Los Angeles to Brazil with our two cats. Our vet stopped doing international health certificates and recommended Tailwind Global Pet. Everyone there was friendly and helpful. We opted to take our cats to their office near LAX; however, they can come to you (for an additional fee).
Everything went like clockwork. Appointments were on time and we received the necessary paperwork a few days before departure. We thought the pricing was a bit steep, but in the long run worth not having to navigate the labyrinth of government red tape.
Of note: When we arrived in São Paulo the immigration officer didn’t even look at the paperwork. She said, “I don’t need to see that.” Oh well!”
– Jason R.
“We sent out our pet dog over to Argentina the service was amazing! They were quick to respond to our emails and as well as giving us a quote on our pet. We had sent out many requests for our pet and many told us they couldn’t send her out Kennel Club LAX got the job done! Thank you very much for getting our pet to Argentina!”
– Leslie P.