General information only, not veterinary or legal advice. Import rules change and depend on your pet’s origin, the airline and the port of entry. Confirm current requirements with the Colombian agricultural authority (ICA), your country’s agricultural or veterinary authority and your airline before you book. Last reviewed October 2026. This article was written with AI assistance and checked against published sources, as explained in how we create our content.
Many expats bring dogs and cats to Colombia. The paperwork is usually manageable, but timing matters and the details depend on where you are traveling from. This guide covers the general steps and life with a pet once you arrive.
Entry Requirements (General)
According to the US Department of Agriculture’s summary of Colombia’s rules for dogs and cats traveling from the United States:
- A separate import permit is not required for personal pet dogs and cats.
- The pet needs a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the national veterinary authority within 10 days of travel.
- A rabies vaccination certificate must accompany the health certificate.
- Carry at least one photocopy of the original certificate.
- Pets that do not meet the requirements can be rejected on arrival.
Other countries have their own certificate procedures, and Colombia may add requirements, such as a microchip. Ask your vet and the Colombian authorities for the current list for your origin country. Your veterinarian is responsible for confirming that your pet meets the requirements before certifying it.
Flying With a Pet
- Each airline has its own rules for crates, breeds, weight and cargo versus cabin travel. Some restrict snub-nosed breeds and have temperature limits.
- Book the pet’s space early, since cabin spots are limited.
- Get your pet used to the crate before the trip.
- Ask about connecting flights, as stopovers add complications.
On Arrival
Pets are usually inspected by animal health officials at the airport, and the process can take some time. Have your documents ready in a folder and keep your pet calm.
Living With a Pet in Colombia
- Housing: many landlords restrict pets, so ask early and put any agreement in writing. See long-term rentals in Colombia.
- Veterinary care: available in large cities, with private clinics, emergency services and pet pharmacies. Ask neighbors for recommendations, since quality varies.
- Vaccination and parasite control: ticks and other parasites are common in warm regions, so ask a local vet what to use.
- Registration and local rules: some municipalities require pet registration or have rules for certain dog breeds, leash use and public spaces. Check with your local authority and building rules.
- Climate: hot, humid coastal weather can be hard on pets, so plan for shade, water and exercise at cooler times.
Pet Insurance
Some insurers offer cover for veterinary costs. Compare exclusions and waiting periods.
Leaving Colombia Later
Exporting a pet has its own procedures, including inspection, so ask the authorities and your destination country well in advance.
Related Guides
FAQ
Q: Do I need a permit to bring my dog?
A: For US-origin dogs and cats, a separate import permit is not required, but health certificates are. Check your own case.
Q: How long before travel should I get the health certificate?
A: The endorsement is required within 10 days of travel for US-origin pets. Ask your vet about your route.
Q: Will my pet be quarantined?
A: The summary used here does not mention quarantine for dogs and cats, but confirm with the authorities.
I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Bogotá, Colombia, and yes, I know exactly what it’s like to be a solo female traveler in a country the world still misunderstands.
I’ve been travelling independently for 10 years, completing 50+ solo trips across Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Argentina, Peru and the United States. I write in both English and Spanish, and I also contribute to allaboutcolombia.com where I cover my home country in depth — from the coffee region to the Caribbean coast to the Andes.
My speciality is Latin America: the neighbourhoods the guidebooks skip, the buses that are actually fine to take, the hostels that feel like home, and the restaurants where locals actually eat. I’ve hitchhiked across Patagonia, navigated Medellín’s metro system at rush hour, and camped solo in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. I know this region the way you only can when it’s yours.
I also cover the US for solo travelers, having spent time road-tripping through the Southwest, the Pacific Coast and the Deep South.
