Bringing a Pet to CL

Can You Bring Your Pet to Chile?

Yes, both dogs and cats are allowed to be imported into Chile. However, the process is highly regulated and requires careful planning, proper documentation, and advance preparation. Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) enforces strict requirements to protect the country's animal health status.

This guide walks you through every step, from initial preparation to arrival at Santiago's airport. Start planning at least 4–5 months before your departure to ensure all requirements are met.

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard (must be done before vaccination)
• Rabies vaccination: Required; minimum age 12 weeks; must be current (within 12 months)
• Rabies titer test: Required; minimum 0.5 IU/ml; must be performed at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination
• Health certificate: Issued by an official veterinarian; valid for 10 days only
• Import permit: Issued by SAG; allow 30 days for processing
• Quarantine: 30 days standard; may be waived with complete documentation
• Port of entry: Santiago (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport)
• Breed restrictions: Dogs have breed-specific regulations; verify with SAG

Step-by-Step Timeline (Working Backwards from Departure)

4–5 Months Before Travel

Step 1: Verify breed status and obtain import permit

If you have a dog, contact SAG to confirm your breed is not restricted. Submit your import permit application immediately—SAG requires approximately 30 days to process it. You'll need your pet's microchip number (if already implanted) and basic health information.

Step 2: Schedule microchipping

If your pet is not yet microchipped, book an appointment with your veterinarian. The microchip must comply with the ISO 11784/11785 standard and must be implanted before any vaccinations. This is a critical sequencing requirement.

3–4 Months Before Travel

Step 3: Administer rabies vaccination

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old. Schedule the rabies vaccination with your vet. Record the exact date, vaccine name, batch number, and expiration date—you'll need this for the health certificate and titer test.

The vaccine must not be older than 12 months at the time of travel.

2–3 Months Before Travel

Step 4: Arrange rabies titer test

At least 30 days after rabies vaccination, have your pet's blood tested for rabies antibodies at an approved laboratory. The result must show a minimum level of 0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for 12 months.

Request that the laboratory send results directly to your veterinarian and keep a copy for your records.

1 Month Before Travel

Step 5: Confirm import permit approval

Follow up with SAG to ensure your import permit has been approved. You'll need the permit number and approval letter for your health certificate.

Step 6: Plan tapeworm treatment (if applicable)

While not mandatory, tapeworm treatment is recommended. If your veterinarian advises it, the treatment must be administered between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in Chile and must be documented by your vet.

10 Days Before Travel

Step 7: Obtain health certificate

Visit your veterinarian to complete the official health certificate. This document must be:

• Issued by an official veterinarian
• Endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for United States, APHA for UK, CFIA for Canada)
• Provided in original form (not a copy)
• Valid for only 10 days, so time this carefully

Include references to your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, titer test results, and import permit number.

5–7 Days Before Travel

Step 8: Prepare travel arrangements

Confirm your airline's pet travel policy. Most international carriers require advance notice of pet travel. Ensure your pet has a secure, airline-approved travel crate with proper ventilation and labeling.

Step 9: Final health check

Schedule a final veterinary examination to ensure your pet is fit to travel. Discuss any anxiety or health concerns with your vet.

Day of Departure

Step 10: Arrive early and have documents ready

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international departure. Have all original documents organized and easily accessible for check-in and customs.

Documents Checklist

Before departure, ensure you have originals (not copies) of:

1. Original health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
2. Rabies vaccination certificate with date, vaccine name, and batch number
3. Rabies titer test results (minimum 0.5 IU/ml) from approved laboratory
4. Import permit from SAG with approval letter
5. Microchip documentation (implant date and ISO standard confirmation)
6. Tapeworm treatment documentation (if administered)
7. Pet passport or identification document (if applicable in your country)
8. Airline pet travel confirmation
9. Proof of ownership (vaccination records, adoption papers, or registration)

Make two copies of all documents and store them separately from originals.

Quarantine & Port of Entry

All pets must enter through Santiago (Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport), where they will undergo veterinary inspection.

Standard quarantine is 30 days in an approved facility. However, quarantine can be waived or significantly reduced if all documentation is complete and correct. With full compliance—valid microchip, current vaccinations, passing titer test, and approved health certificate—quarantine may be reduced to zero days.

Confirm quarantine facility arrangements in advance if you cannot take your pet home immediately upon arrival.

Breed Restrictions for Dogs

Chile has breed-specific regulations for dogs. Verify your dog's breed status with SAG before booking your travel. Certain breeds may be restricted or banned. Contact SAG directly or work with a pet relocation specialist to confirm your dog is eligible for import.

Cats do not have breed restrictions in Chile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Microchipping after vaccination: The microchip must come first. Reverse order invalidates the sequence.
• Skipping the titer test: This is mandatory and cannot be waived. Plan for it 30+ days after vaccination.
• Timing the health certificate too early: It's only valid for 10 days. Issue it as close to departure as possible.
• Forgetting the import permit: SAG requires 30 days to process. Apply early or face delays.
• Using non-approved laboratories for titer testing: Results from unapproved labs may not be accepted. Confirm your lab's approval status with SAG.
• Assuming breed restrictions don't apply: Always verify dog breeds with SAG—some are restricted or banned.
• Not keeping original documents: Copies are not accepted. Carry originals in a secure folder.
• Missing the 10-day health certificate window: Schedule your vet appointment strategically so the certificate is fresh upon arrival.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Import

• Start early: Begin the process 4–5 months before travel. This gives you buffer time for unexpected delays.
• Work with a local vet: Choose a veterinarian experienced in international pet travel. They'll know the specific requirements and approved laboratories.
• Contact SAG directly: For breed verification, permit status, and quarantine facility recommendations, reach out to Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service.
• Consider pet relocation services: If the process feels overwhelming, professional pet movers can handle documentation, permits, and logistics.
• Arrange quarantine in advance: Even if you hope for a waiver, have a backup facility booked in case documentation issues arise.
• Keep digital copies: Photograph all documents and store them in cloud storage as a backup.
• Notify your airline early: Some airlines have limited pet spaces. Confirm your booking weeks in advance.

What We're Still Verifying

We're still verifying the following details—check with Chile's government veterinary authority (SAG) for the most current information:

• Specific list of approved laboratories for rabies titer testing
• Exact list of restricted or banned dog breeds
• Quarantine facility pre-approval requirements
• Estimated quarantine costs
• Specific tapeworm treatment requirements by country of origin
• Whether a bilingual health certificate is required

Next Steps

Now that you understand Chile's pet import requirements, take action:

1. Contact SAG to verify your pet's eligibility and apply for an import permit
2. Schedule a microchipping appointment if your pet isn't already chipped
3. Book your veterinarian for rabies vaccination and health certificate
4. Arrange rabies titer testing at an approved laboratory
5. Confirm your airline's pet travel policy and book your pet's space

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to organize all requirements and timelines in one place.

This guide is based on verified data from official government sources, last updated April 2026. Requirements may change—always confirm directly with SAG before finalizing travel plans.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 11, 2026

Microchip

A microchip is required for bringing a pet into CL. Make sure it's implanted before your pet's rabies vaccination, as many countries won't accept the vaccine otherwise.

Rabies Vaccination

A current rabies vaccination is mandatory for entering CL with a pet. Plan ahead — there may be a waiting period after vaccination before travel is allowed.

Health Certificate

You'll need an official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian to bring your pet to CL. Schedule your vet appointment close to your departure date, as these certificates have a limited validity window.

Titer Test (FAVN)

CL requires a rabies titer test (FAVN blood test) proving your pet has adequate antibody levels. This can involve a significant waiting period, so start early.

Quarantine

CL enforces a quarantine period for arriving pets. Factor this into your travel plans and budget, as it affects both your pet's comfort and your logistics.

Import Permit

An import permit must be obtained in advance from CL's authorities before your pet can enter. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.

Breed Restrictions

CL restricts or bans certain dog breeds. If you own a breed commonly classified as dangerous, verify the rules before traveling.