Bringing a Pet to PE

Can You Bring Your Pet to Peru?

Yes, both dogs and cats are allowed to be imported into Peru. However, the process is strictly regulated by SENASA (Peru's National Agricultural Health Service), and you'll need to follow a detailed checklist of health requirements, vaccinations, and documentation. This guide walks you through every step.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Before you start, here's what Peru requires for any dog or cat:

• Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard (must be done before vaccination)
• Rabies vaccination: Required, with specific timing rules
• Rabies antibody titer test: Required (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
• Health certificate: Issued by an accredited veterinarian, valid for 10 days
• Tapeworm treatment: Required for dogs; required for cats (specific timing)
• Import permit: From SENASA (allow 30 days)
• Port of entry: Lima (veterinary inspection required)
• Quarantine: Not required if all documents are in order

Dogs only: Breed restrictions apply — verify your dog's breed with SENASA before booking travel.

Step-by-Step Timeline: Working Backwards from Departure

4–5 Months Before Travel

Start planning and contact SENASA. Peru's import regulations can change, so reach out to the Peruvian embassy or SENASA directly to confirm current requirements. This is also when you should verify breed restrictions if you have a dog.

Begin researching approved laboratories for your rabies titer test. The test must be performed at an approved laboratory — your vet can help identify one in your country.

3–4 Months Before Travel

Microchip your pet (if not already done). The microchip must be implanted before your pet receives its rabies vaccination. Use the ISO 11784/11785 standard. Schedule this with your veterinarian and keep the microchip documentation safe.

3 Months Before Travel

Rabies vaccination. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the first rabies vaccine. After vaccination, you must wait a minimum of 30 days before the rabies titer test can be performed.

Schedule your vet appointment 5–7 days in advance to ensure availability.

2 Months Before Travel

Rabies titer test. At least 30 days after the 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. After the test, you must wait 10 days before traveling.

Request the original test results from the laboratory — you'll need these for customs.

6 Weeks Before Travel

Apply for the import permit from SENASA. Contact SENASA with your pet's details, microchip number, and vaccination records. Allow 30 days for processing. Keep the permit reference number handy.

2–3 Weeks Before Travel

Schedule the health certificate. Contact an accredited veterinarian in your country. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your departure date, so don't schedule it too early. The certificate should be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for United States, APHA for United Kingdom, CFIA for Canada).

1 Week Before Travel

Tapeworm treatment (dogs). Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment with Praziquantel between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival in Peru. The treatment must be documented by your veterinarian. Schedule this appointment carefully to hit the timing window.

Tapeworm treatment (cats). Cats also require tapeworm treatment, but specific drug and timing details are still being verified — consult your vet and SENASA for current guidance.

3–5 Days Before Travel

Visit your vet for the health certificate. This is your final vet appointment. Ensure the certificate includes:

• Pet's microchip number
• Rabies vaccination details and date
• Titer test results
• Tapeworm treatment documentation
• Veterinarian's signature and credentials
• Government endorsement (or arrange this separately)

Request original copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Day of Departure

Arrive at Lima airport with all documents. Peru only accepts pets through Lima as the port of entry. A veterinary inspection will occur at the airport. Have all original documents ready and easily accessible.

Documents Checklist

Print and gather these before you travel:

1. Original health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel, government-endorsed)
2. Microchip documentation (proof of ISO 11784/11785 standard)
3. Rabies vaccination certificate (original, with date and vaccine details)
4. Rabies titer test results (original, showing minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
5. Tapeworm treatment documentation (vet-signed, with date and drug name)
6. SENASA import permit (or permit reference number)
7. Pet's passport or identification (if available)
8. Proof of ownership (vaccination records, adoption papers, or registration)

Keep originals in a waterproof folder and take photos of each document as backup.

Breed Restrictions for Dogs

Peru has breed-specific restrictions for dogs. The specific breeds affected are not yet fully detailed in our latest data, so you must verify your dog's breed with SENASA before booking travel. Contact the Peruvian embassy or SENASA directly with your dog's breed and photos to confirm eligibility.

Cats have no breed restrictions.

Quarantine: Will Your Pet Be Held?

If all your documentation is complete and correct, quarantine is not required — your pet can enter Peru immediately. However, if documents are missing or incomplete, quarantine at an approved facility may be imposed. To avoid this, ensure every document is original, properly dated, and government-endorsed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Microchipping after vaccination: The microchip must come first. If done in the wrong order, you may need to restart the vaccination timeline.
• Waiting too long for the titer test: The test must be at least 30 days after vaccination but before travel. Plan this carefully.
• Tapeworm treatment timing: The 24–120 hour window is strict. Treat too early or too late, and it won't be accepted.
• Health certificate validity: It's only valid for 10 days. Don't get it too early.
• Photocopies instead of originals: Peru requires original documents. Bring certified copies as backup only.
• Forgetting government endorsement: The health certificate must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority, not just your vet.
• Skipping the import permit: SENASA requires this — apply 30 days in advance.
• Arriving at the wrong airport: Only Lima accepts pet imports. Confirm your flight arrives there.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Import

• Start early: The entire process takes 4–5 months. Don't rush.
• Use a pet relocation service: If you're overwhelmed, professional pet movers can handle permits, documentation, and logistics.
• Confirm airline pet policies: Different airlines have different crate requirements and fees. Check with your carrier before booking.
• Keep digital copies: Photograph every document and email them to yourself as backup.
• Contact SENASA early: They can clarify any ambiguous requirements specific to your situation.
• Budget for vet visits: You'll need multiple appointments (microchip, vaccination, titer test, health certificate, tapeworm treatment). Budget accordingly.

What We're Still Verifying

Peru's regulations are comprehensive, but some details are still being confirmed:

• Specific banned or restricted dog breeds (contact SENASA)
• Exact tapeworm treatment drug and dosage for cats
• Tick and flea treatment requirements
• Other vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, etc.)
• Heartworm or internal parasite testing

For the most current information, contact SENASA directly or visit the Peruvian embassy in your country.

Final Checklist Before You Leave

• ☐ SENASA import permit obtained and valid
• ☐ All original documents in waterproof folder
• ☐ Pet microchipped with ISO 11784/11785 standard
• ☐ Rabies vaccination completed (at least 30 days before titer test)
• ☐ Rabies titer test passed (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
• ☐ Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
• ☐ Tapeworm treatment completed 24–120 hours before arrival
• ☐ Airline pet policy confirmed
• ☐ Crate and travel arrangements finalized
• ☐ Pet's microchip number and all document details memorized or photographed

Ready to move your pet to Peru? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll create a custom timeline based on your pet's age, breed, and departure date.

Important Disclaimer

Peru's pet import regulations are subject to change. This guide is based on verified data current as of April 2026, but requirements may be updated by SENASA at any time. Always confirm requirements directly with the Peruvian embassy, SENASA, or an official government source before traveling. Failure to comply with any requirement may result in your pet being denied entry or quarantined.

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

Microchip

A microchip is required for bringing a pet into PE. 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 PE 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 PE. Schedule your vet appointment close to your departure date, as these certificates have a limited validity window.

Titer Test (FAVN)

PE 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

PE 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 PE's authorities before your pet can enter. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.

Breed Restrictions

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