Colombia has strict guidelines on some of the pets that cannot be imported into the country. These are specific breeds of dog which are classed as dangerous and the ruling applies to both pure and mixed breeds alike. The dogs that cannot be imported are the American Staffordshire terrier, Pit Bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, tosa japones, doberman pinscher, bull mastiff, mastin napoletano, presa canario, rottweiler, dogo argentino, dogo de burdos and the filo brasilaro.

It is essential that all imported dogs are micro chipped and these chips are the only form of identification permitted. If the micro chip does not comply with either ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISA standard 1785 the pet will need to be imported into the country with a scanner suitable for its micro chip connected to the cage. Microchipping is important for identification but will also be essential if you wish to take your pet out of the country again.

Rabies vaccination and certificates are also essential. Pets must have an original rabies certificate which clearly gives the micro chip number as well as the dates on which the pet received the vaccinations. This will also assure of the validity of the vaccination used. This must be an inactivated vaccine as some are suitable for two years while others are only good for one.

A vet health certificate (form 7001 in the USA or the pet passport which is the UK equivalent) is essential and this can only be completed by a qualified vet and must be done within 10 days of the flight.

The rabies vaccination must be carried out at least 30 days before travelling to Colombia unless you are coming from a rabies free country or the pet is under the age of 4 months. The UK is considered to be rabies free although the US is not. Your pet must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. The vet can check and certify that the animal is healthy and free from parasites and diseases that may possibly be transferred to humans.

It is also advisable that they should be treated for preventing ticks and fleas before the pet is taken to Colombia. The vet should sign this form as soon as possible before travelling but not more than 14 days before the date of travel. This is only necessary for pets that are being accompanied into Colombia by their owners not for commercial imports.

Birds being taken into Colombia have to have a zoo sanitary permit which needs to be obtained before travelling and they are subject to import duty. Details can be obtained from the Colombian government website.