Moving to Colombia with Your Pet: What You Actually Need to Know

A practical guide to bringing your dog or cat to Colombia, from health certificates to veterinary care to finding the best dog parks.

Can You Bring Pets to Colombia? Yes, And It's Easier Than You Think

Colombia is genuinely pet-friendly. Dogs and cats are beloved here, especially in major cities like Medellín and Bogotá. Unlike some countries with strict quarantine laws, Colombia allows well-documented pets to enter without quarantine.

The key: proper documentation. You'll need a USDA-accredited health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip. If you have these in order, your pet can arrive and settle into Colombian life quickly.

The Bottom Line: Yes, you can absolutely bring your pet. Thousands of expats have done it successfully. The process is straightforward if you follow the requirements.

Requirements to Import a Pet to Colombia

Before you buy plane tickets, get these documents in order:

1. Health Certificate

Issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel
Must be endorsed by USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) or the equivalent in your country
For UK/EU pets: endorsed by your national agricultural authority

Cost: $50–150 for vet visit + $30–50 for USDA endorsement

2. Rabies Vaccination

Vaccination must be current
Must be at least 30 days old before travel
Must be less than 1 year old (if the vaccine is a 1-year vaccine) or less than 3 years old (if the vaccine is a 3-year vaccine)

3. Microchip

ISO 15-digit microchip required
Microchip number must be listed in the health certificate

4. Additional Requirements for Dogs

Internal parasite treatment (deworming) within 15 days of arrival
External parasite treatment (flea/tick prevention) within 15 days of arrival
Certificate of treatment must be presented at customs

5. For Cats

Cats face similar but slightly simpler requirements. Parasite treatment is less stringent but still recommended.

6. ICA Approval at Port of Entry

ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) is Colombia's agriculture authority
Your documents will be checked at your arrival airport (El Dorado in Bogotá, Rionegro in Medellín, Cartagena, etc.)
Have all documents printed, do not rely on digital copies
Important: Colombia does NOT require quarantine for properly documented pets. You can take your pet home immediately after clearing customs.

Airlines That Accept Pets to Colombia

Most major airlines flying to Colombia accept pets. Here's what you need to know:

In-Cabin Pets (Small Dogs & Cats)

Weight limit: typically under 8 kg (17 lbs) including carrier.

Airline In-Cabin Cost Notes
Avianca $100–150 Frequent to Colombia, pet-friendly
Copa Airlines $75–125 Hub in Panama, excellent for Latin America
LATAM $150–200 Major carrier, limited in-cabin slots
American Airlines $125–150 Good US-Colombia routes
United $125–150 Multiple US hubs, reliable

Checked/Cargo (Larger Pets)

Cost: $150–500+ depending on weight and airline
Pet must travel in an airline-approved crate
Temperature-controlled cargo holds (though not comfortable)
Most expats with larger dogs choose checked cargo

Pro Tips

Book early: In-cabin spots are limited. Secure your reservation 3–4 weeks in advance.
Direct flights preferred: Minimize stress and health risks with non-stop or minimum-connection flights.
Avoid summer/holidays: Flights are fuller in July–August and December. Spring/fall are quieter.
Get pet insurance: Some policies cover flight-related incidents.

At Colombian Customs: What to Expect

Your flight lands. You've cleared immigration. Now it's time for the ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) checkpoint. Here's what happens:

The Process

Step 1: You'll be directed to the ICA area (clearly marked in arrivals halls)
Step 2: Present all documents (printed, not digital) and your pet
Step 3: Inspector reviews health certificate, rabies vaccination, microchip, and parasite treatment
Step 4: Inspector may ask basic questions: pet's name, breed, your address in Colombia
Step 5: Approval (usually within 20–45 minutes). You're free to go.

Critical Tips

Print everything. Bring physical copies of all documents. Digital files are not accepted at Colombian customs. Have 2 copies of everything.
Arrive well-rested: inspectors are faster with calm, cooperative travelers.
Have your Colombian address written down (hotel, Airbnb, or friend's place is fine).
If issues arise: contact your airline or the ICA immediately. Having an English-speaking companion helps.

Typical Processing Time: 20–45 minutes. Rarely longer unless documents are incomplete.

Settling Your Pet in Colombia

Altitude Adjustment

Medellín sits at 1,495m (4,905 ft) and Bogotá at 2,640m (8,660 ft). Some dogs experience mild respiratory stress or lethargy in the first few days.

Allow 5–7 days for adjustment
Keep walks short the first week
Provide plenty of water
Watch for panting, weakness, or loss of appetite, these usually pass

Climate Adjustment

Medellín: Year-round spring-like climate (60–80°F / 15–27°C). Comfortable for most pets.
Bogotá: Cooler (50–70°F / 10–21°C). Some dogs appreciate this; others may need a light sweater.
Coastal cities (Cartagena, Santa Marta): Hot and humid. Provide shade, water, and air-conditioned rest areas.

Housing Considerations

Finding pet-friendly housing is easier than you'd think, but landlord attitudes vary.

El Poblado (Medellín): Most pet-friendly neighborhood. Many apartments and houses accept dogs.
Laureles (Medellín): Family-oriented, pet-friendly, more affordable than El Poblado.
Zona Rosa (Bogotá): Upscale, pet-friendly apartments common.
Building deposits: Some buildings charge a pet deposit ($200–500 USD). Negotiate.
Tip: When apartment hunting, mention your pet early. Many landlords will welcome it.

Veterinary Care in Colombia

Quality & Cost

Colombia's veterinary care is excellent and dramatically cheaper than North America or Europe.

Service Colombia Cost US/UK Comparison
Routine vet visit $15–30 $50–150
Vaccination $5–15 each $20–50
Spay/neuter $150–300 $500–2,000
Ultrasound/X-ray $40–80 $300–600
Dental cleaning $100–200 $500–1,500

Major Vet Chains in Colombia

Vética: Colombia's largest vet chain. Multiple locations in Medellín, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena. Modern facilities, English-speaking vets available.
VetClínica: Another reputable chain in major cities.
Local clinics: Excellent independent vets in every neighborhood. Ask your landlord or other expats for recommendations.

Pet Insurance in Colombia

Pet insurance is limited but growing. Options include:

Basic coverage through some local providers (search "seguro para mascotas Colombia")
International pet insurance (Trupanion, others) may work in Colombia but verify coverage
Most expats self-insure given the low cost of vet care

Emergency Vets

Medellín: VetClínica 24/7, Vética emergency line (4 locations)

Bogotá: Vética emergency, emergency clinics in Zona Rosa and Chapinero

Save emergency vet numbers in your phone immediately upon arrival.

Day-to-Day Pet Life in Colombia

Dog Parks & Exercise

Medellín:

Parque de El Poblado: Large, modern dog park. Free. Weekends crowded, weekday mornings quieter.
Parque Lineal: Long, dog-friendly park throughout the city. Great for walks and running.
Parque Arví: Cable car above the city. Dog-friendly trails at the top.

Bogotá: Parque Simón Bolívar, Parque Nacional, multiple neighborhood dog parks. Colombia's capital has excellent green space.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes

Colombia is increasingly pet-welcoming. Most outdoor cafes and restaurants allow well-behaved dogs.

El Poblado has dozens of outdoor dog-friendly cafes on Parque Bolívar
Many upscale restaurants in Medellín and Bogotá welcome pets on patios
Never leave a pet unattended, but you're welcome to bring them along

Grooming

Cost: $15–30 for dog bath, grooming, and nail trim
Quality: Very good. Groomers in El Poblado and Laureles are experienced with expat pets.
Where to find: Ask neighbors, check Google Maps, or ask your vet for recommendations

Dog Walkers & Daycare

Dog walkers: $5–10 per walk. Apps like Dogit (Colombian startup) make booking easy.
Doggy daycare: $10–20 per day. Available in Medellín (especially El Poblado) and Bogotá.
Cuidadores (babysitters): Word-of-mouth from neighbors is often most reliable

Purchasing or Adopting a Pet in Colombia

Rescue & Adoption Organizations

HuellitasAC: Major animal rescue in Medellín. Hundreds of dogs and cats available. Professional organization.
Local shelters: Every city has municipal shelters with animals needing homes.
Facebook groups: Expat communities often have pet adoption groups (search "adopt dog Medellín" in Facebook groups)

Purchasing from Breeders

If you want a specific breed:

Verify breeder reputation (ask local vet, expat groups)
Never buy from street vendors or unvetted sources
Expect costs 20–40% lower than North America or Europe
Get a health certificate upon purchase

The Expat Experience

Many expats have adopted Colombian rescue dogs and found them incredibly loyal and loving. A rescue pet can be a wonderful gateway to the local community, dog parks are natural meeting places for expats and Colombians alike.

Traveling Within Colombia with Your Pet

Domestic Flights

Avianca and other domestic carriers allow pets in cargo
Cost: $50–150 depending on distance and pet size
Book in advance; limited pet slots on domestic flights

Buses

Unfortunately, long-distance buses (Blablacar, Expreso Brasilia, etc.) typically do not allow pets. Exception: small pets in carriers may be tolerated on shorter regional buses (check case-by-case).

Uber & Taxis

Regular Uber does not allow pets (Uber X policy)
Uber Pet is not available in Colombia yet
Local taxis: most drivers will accept a pet for a small extra fee
Private car rental is often cheapest for pet travel

Road Trips

If you rent a car and drive, pets are welcome. Colombia's roads are good, and many towns have pet-friendly accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need pet microchip insurance or registration in Colombia?

Microchips are required for import but there's no mandatory registration system in Colombia. That said, microchipping your pet is always smart, include your phone number on the chip in case your pet gets lost.

What if my pet gets sick during travel or shortly after arriving?

Altitude and travel stress can cause temporary illness. Contact a local vet immediately (Vética or a nearby clinic). Emergency care is affordable. Make sure your pet has water, rest, and a calm environment for the first 48 hours.

Can I bring my cat from the UK or Europe?

Yes. Requirements are the same, but your health certificate must be endorsed by your country's agricultural authority (DEFRA in the UK). The process is identical to US imports.

What if I want to return to my home country? Can I take my pet back?

Yes, but you'll need health certificates and import requirements for the destination country. Many expats plan their exit strategy before getting a pet in Colombia. Alternatively, many have chosen to keep their pet in Colombia with a trusted caretaker.

Are there any breeds restricted in Colombia?

No nationwide breed restrictions, though individual buildings may have policies. Ask your landlord before signing a lease.

How much should I budget for pet care in Colombia?

Budget $50–100/month for routine care (food, occasional vet visits, grooming). Emergencies are still manageable at $100–500. Pet costs in Colombia are among the lowest in the world for expats.