Pet Shipping to Colombia from the USA — 2026 ICA Requirements
Colombia keeps entry simple for personal pets — no import permit needed for dogs and cats, and no quarantine with complete paperwork. The step worth planning for is the return trip: Colombia is classified high-risk for canine rabies by the CDC, which affects what you'll need to bring your pet back to the U.S.
Traveling with your dog or cat to Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, or Cali? We handle USDA endorsement and ICA-compliant documentation from start to finish.
Bringing your dog or cat from the U.S. to Colombia is overseen by ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario), Colombia's agricultural and animal health authority. Personal pet dogs and cats are exempt from Colombia's general import permit requirement — that's only for other animal types — which makes this one of the more paperwork-light South American moves. This guide covers the current 2026 requirements, a step-by-step timeline, and what the return trip to the U.S. involves. For broader relocation help, see our international pet shipping services.
No Import Permit Needed for Dogs and CatsColombia requires import permits for most animal shipments, but personal pet dogs and cats are specifically exempt. You'll still need the health certificate and rabies paperwork below, just no separate ICA permit application.
Your Colombia Pet Relocation Timeline
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4–6 Weeks Out
Microchip & Confirm Rabies Coverage
A microchip isn't strictly required by ICA, but get an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit chip anyway — it speeds up inspection and you'll likely need it for other steps later. First-time rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel and no more than 12 months before.
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Within 60 Days of Travel
Parasite Treatment
Have your pet treated for internal and external parasites — deworming plus flea/tick prevention — within 60 days of arrival, with the treatment documented on the health certificate.
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Within 10 Days of Travel
USDA-Accredited Health Certificate
A USDA-accredited veterinarian issues the health certificate, which must be endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. The rabies vaccination certificate travels with your pet alongside it — bring at least one photocopy of the original. No notarization or Colombian consular stamp is required.
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Same Week
USDA APHIS Endorsement
Submit the signed certificate for federal endorsement. See our pet documentation services for help managing this step within the 10-day window.
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Before You Book
Confirm Airline Policy
Avianca, LATAM, and Copa all fly pets from the U.S. to Colombia with varying in-cabin and cargo rules by breed and size. Confirm directly with your airline before booking.
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Travel Day
Crate & Travel Prep
Use a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Sedation is generally discouraged for air travel due to respiratory and circulatory risk.
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Arrival in Colombia
ICA Inspection
Before regular customs, ICA officials review your health certificate and rabies record and scan the microchip if present, then issue a Sanitary Inspection Certificate for a small fee (roughly $14–$28 USD). Bogotá's El Dorado and Medellín's José María Córdova airports have dedicated ICA offices; smaller airports may need advance coordination.
Requirements Checklist
All Dogs and Cats
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USDA Health Certificate + APHIS EndorsementIssued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS. No Colombian consular stamp or notarization needed.
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Rabies Vaccination CertificateFirst-time vaccination at least 21 days before travel, no more than 12 months. Must travel with your pet alongside the health certificate.
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Parasite TreatmentDeworming and flea/tick treatment within 60 days of arrival, documented on the certificate.
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ISO-Compliant Microchip (recommended, not mandatory)Not strictly required by ICA for entry, but speeds inspection and is worth having — especially if you'll return to the U.S. or EU later.
Planning to Return to the U.S.? Start Early.The CDC classifies Colombia as high-risk for canine rabies. Bringing a dog back to the U.S. from Colombia generally requires a CDC Dog Import Form, a reservation at a CDC-approved Animal Care Facility (ACF) at your U.S. port of entry, and possibly a rabies antibody titer test or quarantine, depending on your dog's vaccination history. ACF reservations should be arranged at least 30 days ahead — this is the step people most often forget until it's too late.
No Rabies Titer Test Required for EntryUnlike the return-to-U.S. requirements above, Colombia itself does not require a rabies antibody titer test for pets entering the country.
Climate & Altitude Considerations
- Temperature range: Colombia's climate varies widely by region — pack accordingly for both warm coastal areas and cooler highland cities.
- Humidity: Coastal cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla run humid — make sure your pet has consistent access to fresh water.
- Altitude: Bogotá sits at roughly 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) and Medellín at about 1,500 meters — a pre-travel vet check is worth it for pets with heart or respiratory conditions.
- Insects: Use pet-safe repellents against mosquitoes and ticks, especially in tropical lowland areas.
Popular Colombian Cities for Pet Travel
Bogotá BOG
The capital, with a dedicated ICA office at El Dorado International Airport and the widest range of pet-friendly services.
Medellín MDE
Known for its mild spring-like climate year-round and ICA inspection at José María Córdova Airport.
Cartagena CTG
A popular coastal destination with pet facilities at the airport, though warm and humid year-round.
Cali CLO
Located in the Valle del Cauca region with regular flights accommodating pets.
Smaller airports outside these hubs may require advance coordination with ICA — confirm arrangements ahead of your specific arrival point.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an import permit to bring my pet to Colombia?
No. Colombia requires import permits for most animal imports, but personal pet dogs and cats are specifically exempt. You'll still need a USDA-endorsed health certificate and rabies documentation.
Is quarantine required for pets entering Colombia?
No, as long as your pet meets all entry requirements. Pets with missing documents or health concerns may be retained, home-quarantined, or re-exported at the owner's expense.
What do I need to bring my pet back to the U.S. from Colombia?
Colombia is classified high-risk for canine rabies by the CDC. Returning with a dog generally requires a CDC Dog Import Form, a reservation at a CDC-approved Animal Care Facility at your U.S. port of entry, and possibly a rabies titer test or quarantine, depending on where your dog was vaccinated. Plan this at least 30 days ahead.
Is a rabies titer test required to enter Colombia?
No, Colombia does not require a rabies antibody titer test for entry. That requirement only applies to certain pets returning to the U.S. from high-risk countries like Colombia.
Is my pet's microchip mandatory to enter Colombia?
No, ICA does not strictly require one for U.S.-to-Colombia entry, though it's recommended and will speed up your airport inspection.
Ready to Move to Colombia with Your Pet?
No import permit, no quarantine for compliant pets — but if a return trip is in your plans, the CDC's high-risk classification needs early planning. Contact us and we’ll build your complete timeline.
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