Bringing Your Pet to Colombia: Import Requirements and Quarantine Rules
Colombia is one of the more pet-friendly countries in Latin America for international relocators. There's no quarantine period if your paperwork is complete, the process is straightforward (if bureaucratic), and Bogotá is increasingly accommodating to dogs and cats in apartments, restaurants, and public spaces.
The key is timing. Several documents have strict validity windows, and missing any single requirement can result in your pet being held at the airport until paperwork is resolved — or worse, returned to the country of origin at your expense.
Required Documents
The Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) — Colombia's agricultural and animal health authority — governs all pet imports. Here's what you need:
- Health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of travel
- Rabies vaccination certificate — must be administered at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travel
- Microchip — ISO 11784/11785 compliant (bring your own scanner if yours is a non-standard chip)
- ICA import permit — applied for online through the ICA portal before departure
- USDA endorsement — for US departures, the APHIS veterinary office must endorse the health certificate
Step-by-Step Process
4–6 Weeks Before Travel
Apply for the ICA import permit online. Confirm your pet's rabies vaccination is current (30+ days old, less than 12 months). Schedule a vet appointment for the health certificate within 15 days of departure.
10–15 Days Before Travel
Visit your veterinarian for the health certificate. The vet must confirm your pet is free of infectious diseases and parasites, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For US departures, the certificate must be on APHIS Form 7001.
7–10 Days Before Travel
Send the completed health certificate to your nearest USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for endorsement. Processing takes 2–3 business days. You can submit in person, by mail, or electronically depending on your state.
Day of Travel
Arrive at the airport early — pet check-in takes longer than standard luggage. Bring all documents (originals + copies): health certificate, USDA endorsement, rabies certificate, ICA import permit, microchip documentation. Your pet travels in the cabin (small dogs/cats in an airline-approved carrier) or as checked baggage/cargo (larger animals).
Arrival in Colombia
At El Dorado airport, proceed to the ICA inspection office in the customs area. An ICA veterinarian will review your documents, inspect your pet, and verify the microchip. If everything is in order, your pet is cleared immediately — no quarantine. The inspection fee is minimal (COP 30,000–50,000).
Airline Policies for Pets
| Airline | In-Cabin | Checked Baggage | Cargo | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avianca | ✓ (up to 10 kg) | ✓ | ✓ | $100–$200 in-cabin; $200–$500 cargo |
| LATAM | ✓ (up to 7 kg) | ✓ | ✓ | $100–$250 in-cabin; varies cargo |
| Copa Airlines | ✓ (up to 9 kg) | ✗ | ✓ | $100–$150 in-cabin |
| American Airlines | ✓ (to select cities) | ✗ | Via AA Cargo | $125 in-cabin; varies cargo |
| JetBlue | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | $125 in-cabin |
Pet-Friendly Living in Bogotá
Bogotá is increasingly pet-friendly, but apartment policies vary. Conjuntos cerrados (gated complexes) often have pet size or breed restrictions governed by the building's Propiedad Horizontal rules. Always verify pet policies before signing a lease. Many restaurants in Usaquén and Chapinero have outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. The Parque Simón Bolívar and Parque El Virrey are popular dog-walking spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, as long as your documentation is complete and your pet passes the ICA inspection at the airport. Pets with incomplete paperwork may be held at the airport until documents are resolved.
Colombia has strict regulations on exotic animal imports. Dogs and cats are straightforward. For birds, reptiles, or other exotic pets, you'll need additional CITES permits and ICA authorization. The process is significantly more complex and may be denied.
Colombia's Ley 1801 identifies certain breeds as potentially dangerous (pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire, bull mastiff, and others). These breeds aren't banned but require special handling: mandatory muzzle in public, short leash, and liability insurance. Building policies may also restrict these breeds.
Yes, most major airlines allow small pets (typically under 7–10 kg including carrier) in the cabin. Book early — airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight. Larger pets must fly as checked baggage or cargo.
Budget $200–$500 total: vet health certificate ($50–$100), USDA endorsement ($38–$150), airline pet fee ($100–$250 in-cabin), and ICA inspection (~$8–$14). Cargo shipping for larger dogs runs $200–$500+ depending on size and airline.