Bringing your pet to Colombia? We’ve handled numerous pet exports to the Gateway to South America — let us help with yours.
Traveling to Colombia with your pet is easier than in many international destinations, especially from the United States. While Colombia doesn’t impose lengthy quarantines or require rabies titers, there are still important rules to follow regarding vaccinations and health certificates.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Colombia’s pet import regulations, airline policies, and practical tips for a stress-free journey.
Eligible Pets and Country Restrictions
Colombia does not have federal restrictions on the import of most pets by country of origin, but certain dog breeds are prohibited or classified as potentially dangerous. Airlines may also impose additional breed bans, so it’s important to check their policies before booking.
Eligible Pets
Colombia does not specify a minimum age for pets to enter the country, but most airlines have their own policies regarding the minimum age for pets to fly. Avianca, for example, only accepts dogs and cats older than 4 months of age.
As far as eligible breeds, Colombia regulates the import, ownership, and breeding of certain dog breeds classified as potentially dangerous under national law. The following breeds, along with their crosses or hybrids, are banned from import completely into Colombia:
- Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The law also includes a list of dogs that require owners to follow specific regulations to keep them legally. Regulations include registration with municipal authorities, liability insurance, leashing and muzzling in public, and health certification. These breeds include:
- Bullmastiff
- Dobermann
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Fila Brasileiro
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Japanese Tosa
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiler
Violating these rules can result in fines, confiscation, and other corrective measures. Service animals are generally exempt from these restrictions, but you’ll need the right documentation in that case.
Even if a breed is allowed by Colombian law, airlines may impose additional restrictions on certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs. Always check with your carrier before booking your pet’s flight.
Avianca and LATAM Airlines, for example, don’t allow snub-nosed animals to travel in the cargo hold due to health risks associated with their respiratory systems. This includes dog breeds like French bulldogs and boxers. Smaller snub-nosed pets may be allowed in the cabin, but they’ll need to meet the airlines’ strict sizing requirements.
If your dog is large or has special travel needs, a professional pet transport service can assist you in finding the safest and most efficient way for them to travel.
Approved Countries
Colombia does not have an official list of approved countries for pet imports, but the government can restrict entry from regions with known animal disease risks.
Currently, there is an active ban on the import of pet birds from Lincoln County, Tennessee, due to a history of avian influenza in that part of the U.S. There are no additional restrictions by country at this time.
Planning an international flight for your pet? We can help.
Microchip and Vaccinations
Colombia does not require pets to be microchipped for entry. Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination ahead of travel to Colombia.
Microchip
Colombia doesn’t require that pets be microchipped for entry. That said, we highly recommend getting your pet an ISO-compliant microchip anyway.
These microchips can be scanned almost anywhere in the world, give you peace of mind if your pet is lost, and are necessary if you plan to bring your pet back into the U.S.
Vaccinations
All dogs and cats traveling to Colombia must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. If it’s your pet’s first rabies shot, it should be given at least 21 days before travel to be considered valid. Rabies certificates should be provided alongside a formal pet health certificate.
Colombia does not list additional vaccine requirements beyond rabies, but your vet may recommend some core vaccines at your last vet appointment before international travel. For dogs, that usually includes:
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
For cats, the recommended vaccines are typically:
- Feline rhinotracheitis
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline panleukopenia (enteritis)
Blood Tests and Treatments
Colombia does not require a rabies titer for imported or visiting pets. Dogs and cats should receive treatment for internal and external parasites within 60 days before their arrival. This includes deworming and flea and tick prevention.
Treatments should be documented on your pet’s health certificate. Pets arriving with signs of parasites may be held for inspection upon arrival.
Import Documents
There is no import permit required for dogs and cats traveling to Colombia. For all other live animals, an import permit is required in advance from the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA).
Dogs and cats traveling to Colombia must have a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian along with their pet’s rabies vaccination certificate. Health certificates must be USDA-endorsed and issued within 10 days of travel.
The airline you choose to get your pet to Colombia will likely want to see your pet’s health certificate, as well. Make sure to carry at least one photocopy of the health certificate with your pet.
Airline Options
There are several carriers that offer pet-friendly flights from the U.S. to Colombia, each with its own set of rules and restrictions. Here are some of the main options:
Copa Airlines: Copa allows small dogs and cats to travel in-cabin under weight and size limits. Larger pets may travel in the cargo hold, but cannot be older than 11 years of age. Copa also restricts certain snub-nosed breeds from flying in the cargo hold.
Avianca: Avianca allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin if they meet size and weight requirements. Snub-nosed breeds are not permitted in the cargo hold. Larger pets must travel as cargo, our preferred mode of transport.
LATAM Airlines: LATAM accepts small pets in the cabin on flights operated solely by LATAM. Certain brachycephalic breeds are not accepted in cargo. Larger pets that meet airline requirements can travel as checked baggage or cargo via LATAM Cargo.
Our preferred airline for travel to Colombia is Avianca. It has the most direct options from major hubs across the U.S. to Colombian cities like Bogotá and Medellín. LATAM also has direct flights from U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
Booking flights on Copa for a pet move or visit to Colombia typically means connections through its hub at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.
When booking, always check the airline’s most up-to-date pet policies, as rules for breed, weight, and kennel size can vary by route and aircraft.
Quarantine
There is no quarantine required for pet imports to Colombia, as long as all import requirements are met. In cases of missing documentation, improper vaccinations, or other health issues, a quarantine could be imposed upon arrival.
Customs Clearance
Navigating the customs process once you and your pet get to Colombia is straightforward. Upon arrival, your pet will be inspected by officials from the ICA, who must clear your pet before you can officially enter the country.
At the ICA desk, you’ll present your pet’s health certificate and vaccination record, after which your pet gets a quick visual check. Assuming everything is in order, ICA officials issue a Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) and ask for a small pet inspection fee, payable in Colombian pesos.
This fee is usually around $25-$30, depending on the exchange rate at the time. Additional fees may apply if you arrive at your destination at odd hours. Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport has the most flexible hours for arrivals.
From there, you’ll pass through the regular customs area. There are no duties or extra customs steps as long as you’ve cleared the ICA process.
How Tailwind Can Help
Even a relatively straightforward trip to Colombia can feel overwhelming when your pet is along for the ride, especially on international flights. At Tailwind, we handle every detail, from coordinating with airlines to choosing the safest, most efficient routes for all pet breeds.
As licensed members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), we’re insured and vetted to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Our goal is for pet owners to have complete peace of mind, 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 quote request.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“Michael was supportive, punctual, patient, and attentive to detail during our process. He was attentive to every document and answered our questions in record time.
They followed up on the trip to help us with the process and ensure it was the best for Matilda. She provided excellent service.
We highly recommend the service.I brought Matilda from Valledupar, Colombia, and she’s now happily in the USA! Thank you so much!!!”
– Katerin L. T.
“Excellent customer service. Great peace of mind.
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.
“I highly recommend Tailwind for pet relocation. I dropped off my big dog at the airport in Seattle, then a few days later she arrived at my new home in Argentina. There are a lot of companies out there that claimed to take care of everything, but none could actually do the job except for Tailwind. Brady was professional, communicative, and there were no surprises throughout the process. If you are looking for a company to make it easy on you (because an international move is already hard enough), this is the place!”
– Derek D.