Chile – Importing a Pet

Does Chile allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Bringing a pet into Chile involves satisfying a defined set of conditions, though compared with highly restrictive destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, the country’s framework for dogs and cats is well-established and relatively manageable. All incoming animals are handled by the SAG, which sets the applicable health and documentation standards.

The SAG does not currently impose any breed-specific entry bans at the national level. That said, Chilean legislation does identify certain dog breeds as potentially dangerous, and owners of those breeds are subject to specific obligations once in the country. Under Chilean law, breeds classified as potentially dangerous must be enrolled in the National Registry of Potentially Dangerous Animals of the Canine Species. The breeds covered by this designation are: Bullmastiff, Doberman, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Mastiff, Pitbull, Presa Canario, Majorcan Bulldog, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu.

Dogs that display aggressive behaviour or physical characteristics that may pose a risk — even where they are not among the listed breeds — can also be classified as potentially dangerous under the relevant law. Owners of such dogs will face additional registration requirements once settled in Chile (discussed later in this article), but no breed is prohibited from entering the country.

The rules become considerably more involved for animals outside the typical companion pet categories. Pets other than dogs, cats, ferrets, or certain birds must be accompanied at the border by an official health certificate from their country of origin, drawn up according to a sanitary protocol agreed between the SAG and the relevant veterinary authority in that country. Among the non-traditional pets most commonly presented for entry are rabbits, hamsters, mice, hedgehogs, tortoises, guinea pigs, and selected companion bird species.

Where a pet belongs to a species listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), the appropriate CITES documentation must also accompany the animal. Exotic wildlife presented as companion animals is subject to considerable restrictions under Chilean hunting legislation, and advance SAG authorisation is obligatory well before travel.

Ferrets occupy a distinct category. Importing a ferret requires a written application addressed to the head of the División de Protección de los Recursos Naturales Renovables (Diproren) of the SAG, submitted no fewer than 60 days before the intended import date. Ferret owners must present a resolution from Diproren specifically authorising the importation of the animal as exotic wildlife before travel can proceed.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Chile?

The import certificate for dogs and cats must confirm that each animal has undergone a clinical examination by a veterinarian within the 10 days preceding entry into Chile, that internal and external parasite treatment has been carried out, and that the animal carries a current rabies vaccination. These three elements form the essential baseline for entry.

The rabies vaccine must have been given no earlier than 12 months and no later than 30 days before the date of arrival. This timing window matters greatly: a pet vaccinated fewer than 30 days before departure will not satisfy the entry requirement, making it vital to plan the vaccination schedule well in advance. In contrast to destinations such as Australia, Chile does not require a rabies antibody titre test. However, parasite treatments — both internal and external — must have been administered within 30 days of entry, and the products used, dosages, and treatment dates must all appear on the health certificate.

For dogs specifically, vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis is also required, with proof included in the accompanying health documentation. These additional vaccination requirements do not apply to cats, though owners should always confirm current conditions directly with the SAG or an accredited veterinarian before travel, as requirements may be revised.

Chile operates a managed rabies control programme and does not classify itself as a strict rabies-free zone in the way that certain destination countries do. As a result, it does not demand the antibody titration tests that nations such as Japan and Australia impose on incoming animals — a significant practical advantage for pet owners arriving from most parts of the world. As with all international pet travel, it is prudent to check for any temporary conditions that may have been introduced in response to disease outbreaks.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Chile, and what paperwork is required?

Bringing a dog or cat to Chile revolves around obtaining the correct official documents before the journey begins. Unlike some countries that require advance approval of a formal import permit, Chile does not demand a pre-authorised permit for pets — but the animal must arrive with prescribed documentation issued by an official veterinarian. The process outlined below covers dogs and cats; owners of other species should get in touch with the SAG’s División de Protección Pecuaria well ahead of their intended travel date.

1. Vaccinate your pet: Ensure your dog or cat has received a rabies vaccination administered no fewer than 30 days and no more than 12 months before the travel date. Dogs additionally require vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Retain all vaccination records, as these details will need to appear on the health certificate.
2. Treat for parasites: Both internal and external parasite treatments must be completed within 30 days of arrival. The health certificate must record the product name, dose administered, and date of treatment.
3. Visit an accredited veterinarian: The Animal Health Import Certificate (CZI) must be issued within 10 days of entering Chile, so schedule the veterinary appointment as close to your departure date as the 10-day window allows.
4. Obtain the Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI): Dogs and cats entering Chile must be accompanied by a Zoosanitary Import Certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin. In the United States this is endorsed by the USDA; in EU member states it is issued by an official state veterinarian. Contact your national veterinary authority to confirm the correct issuing body in your country.
5. Ensure bilingual documentation: Certificates for live animals must be presented in both English and Spanish. If the country of origin uses neither language, the SAG requires a Spanish translation in addition to the original document.
6. Declare the animal at the border: Upon arriving in Chile, present the original CZI to the SAG inspector at the relevant airport or land border crossing. The original certificate is required; no SAG fee is charged for this process.
7. Comply with home confinement: After entering Chile, the animal must be kept confined at the declared destination address for 10 days. This is a condition of entry but is self-managed by the owner at their home rather than at any government facility.

If your pet will be travelling by air, confirm with the airline in advance whether the animal will fly as accompanied baggage or as cargo. Pets transported as cargo are subject to formal customs importation procedures. Always carry at least one additional copy of all documents in case checks are conducted at any point during the journey.

Does Chile require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Provided all entry conditions are satisfied, Chile does not impose a quarantine period on incoming pets. This puts Chile in the same broad category as most European nations and distinguishes it sharply from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, where mandatory government-facility quarantine lasting several weeks is required regardless of the quality of a pet’s health documentation.

Chile does, however, require a period of post-arrival confinement. Although no quarantine facility stay is mandated, pets must remain confined at their destination address for 10 days following entry. During this period the animal must stay at the declared premises and should not mix freely with other animals. This is a biosecurity measure, but compliance rests entirely with the owner rather than with a government facility.

Should the necessary documentation not be presented on arrival, the SAG is empowered to take whatever sanitary measures it considers appropriate. In practice, this may mean the animal is detained at the point of entry, denied entry to the country, or held in an official facility at the owner’s expense until the matter is resolved — meaning that arriving with incomplete or absent paperwork carries serious and potentially costly consequences.

The SAG inspector at the border will carry out a visual health assessment on arrival. If the animal appears unwell or the documentation is not in order, the SAG may impose further measures before permitting entry. A thorough review of all documentation before departure is the most effective safeguard against problems at this stage.

Is Chile part of any international pet travel scheme?

Chile is not a participant in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which facilitates simplified pet movement between EU member states and a small group of approved third countries. As a result, there is no pet passport pathway into Chile — every owner, regardless of their country of departure, must obtain a country-specific Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI) from their national veterinary authority.

There is, however, one defined circumstance in which Chile recognises the EU Pet Passport. Where a passenger who is resident in Chile has been abroad for more than 21 days, they may re-enter with their pet using either a Zoosanitary Export Certificate issued by the veterinary authority of the foreign country, or, for travel to and from EU countries, the European Union Passport, which must confirm compliance with the health requirements set out in SAG Resolution No. 6,508 of 2021. This provision covers Chile-based owners returning home after a trip to an EU country with their own pet, rather than people relocating to Chile for the first time.

Chile is also among the countries from which pets may enter the EU without undergoing a rabies antibody titre test — a useful consideration for expats who may later be moving onward from Chile to an EU destination, as it simplifies that subsequent journey. For the purposes of initial entry into Chile from a non-EU country, the CZI is always the required document.

Owners travelling from countries that have bilateral sanitary agreements in place with Chile, including EU member states, will generally find that the CZI format and requirements align well with what their national veterinary services are accustomed to issuing. Owners from countries where no such bilateral agreement exists should write to the SAG’s División de Protección Pecuaria at [email protected] in advance to clarify the accepted certificate format for their specific situation.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Chile?

After your pet has successfully entered Chile, Chilean domestic law imposes ongoing obligations. Under Law No. 21,020/2018 on the Responsible Ownership of Pets and Companion Animals, all dogs and cats living in Chile must be registered — or be in the process of being registered — in the Chilean National Pet Registry. This requirement applies to all owners irrespective of nationality.

Law 21,020 mandates that every dog and cat be identified through either internal or external means. Accepted internal identification consists of a microchip, while external identification may take the form of a tattoo or a collar with identification tags bearing a unique government-designated code. Although a microchip is not a prerequisite for entering Chile, it is the most widely recognised and reliable form of identification internationally and is strongly advisable for any pet that may travel abroad again in the future.

The law establishes a registration framework comprising six separate registries for animal identification. Responsibility for maintaining these registries rests with the Ministry of Interior and Public Security, and they include the national registry of companion animals and the national registry of potentially dangerous animals of the canine species. Owners of breeds classified as potentially dangerous must enrol their pet in both the general companion animal registry and the dedicated potentially dangerous breeds registry.

Chile does not levy an annual pet licence fee at the national level. Registration is a one-off administrative step rather than a recurring, fee-based licence, unlike arrangements in various other countries. Nonetheless, Article 7 of Law 21,020 requires each municipality to issue its own ordinance governing the responsible keeping of pets, meaning local rules can differ from one area to another. It is advisable to check with your local municipalidad for any additional by-laws or charges that may apply where you are living, as Chilean municipalities retain some independent discretion over aspects of local pet management.

Law 21,020 frames the concept of responsible pet ownership broadly, encompassing duties such as registration, appropriate care, access to veterinary treatment, and ensuring that a pet does not cause harm or damage to others. Failure to comply with registration requirements may attract fines under the legislation.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Chile?

Several practical matters beyond the core documentation requirements can significantly affect how smoothly your pet’s journey to Chile goes. Among the most important of these is the question of how the animal will travel on board the aircraft.

A number of carriers, including LATAM, impose restrictions on brachycephalic or snub-nosed pets owing to the elevated respiratory risks associated with air travel for these breeds. Commonly affected breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Persian cats. LATAM also restricts dogs classified as dangerous from travelling in the hold, though such animals may be transported through LATAM Cargo. Pet policies can differ between airlines and are subject to change, so always check directly with your carrier before making any booking.

Your pet must be housed in an IATA-approved crate that meets the required size and ventilation standards. Small animals may be eligible to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier, while larger animals will need to travel as accompanied baggage or as formal cargo. If your pet is being shipped as cargo, this constitutes a formal importation subject to customs procedures, so confirm the full process with both the airline and Chilean customs in advance.

For pets arriving by air, the main port of entry is Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). Travelling with pets has become a frequent type of flight at Santiago Airport. According to SAG data, between January 2023 and June 2024, 14,277 pets entered Chile through the country’s main air terminal, among them 11,613 dogs and 2,664 cats. The airport has been developing its facilities for travelling animals in response to this growth in numbers.

For those crossing by land — most commonly from Argentina, which is the principal country of origin for dogs and cats entering Chile overland — the same CZI documentation is required and must be presented at the land border inspection post. The SAG maintains inspection facilities at all major border crossings.

On the question of costs: the SAG charges no fee for the import process itself. However, the expenses involved in obtaining the CZI in your country of origin — covering veterinary examination charges, government endorsement fees, and any translation costs — will vary and can be considerable. Airline pet transport fees are an entirely separate expense, and cargo rates for larger animals can be substantial. Allow sufficient time to research and budget for all of these costs with your vet, airline, and national veterinary authority before you travel.

Chile does not specify a national cap on the number of pets a traveller may bring into the country, but arriving with a large number of animals is likely to invite additional scrutiny at the border. Anyone relocating with multiple pets should contact the SAG in advance to confirm the correct procedure and ensure that every animal’s documentation is fully in order.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Chile?

Because requirements can be updated — particularly in response to disease outbreaks or revisions to bilateral sanitary agreements — it is always important to verify the current rules with official sources before travelling. The key contacts and resources are listed below.

• Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG): As Chile’s national agricultural and livestock service, the SAG is the primary authority for all aspects of pet importation. Its website covers entry requirements for dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, and non-traditional pets, as well as the export certificate process for owners leaving Chile with their animals. The official pet entry section can be found at sag.gob.cl. The SAG website also features a chatbot that can explain specific requirements for travelling with a pet to or from a given country.
• ChileAtiende: The Chilean government’s public services portal offers a clear, plain-language overview of the import and export authorisation process for dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is accessible at chileatiende.gob.cl and is a useful starting point before approaching the SAG directly.
• SAG División de Protección Pecuaria: For non-standard pet species or animals not covered by an existing bilateral sanitary protocol, requests for a new protocol should be directed to the head of the División de Protección Pecuaria at [email protected]. Submit any such request at least two months before your intended travel date.
• SAG División de Protección de los Recursos Naturales Renovables (Diproren): This division is responsible for permits relating to exotic wildlife species and ferrets. Import authorisations are issued by Diproren, and written requests must be addressed to the head of the division and delivered — in person or by courier — to the SAG Central offices at Av. Presidente Bulnes 140, Santiago, Chile.
• Your national veterinary authority: Whether this is a government veterinary service, an agriculture ministry, or a dedicated animal health body, your home country’s authority is responsible for issuing and endorsing the CZI in accordance with Chilean requirements. Engage with them as early as possible in the planning process.
• Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (Chilean Customs): If your pet is travelling as formal cargo rather than as accompanied baggage, Chilean Customs will be involved in the importation process. Visit aduana.cl for relevant customs information.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in Chile without the correct paperwork?

Where the required documentation is not presented at the border, the SAG is authorised to take whatever sanitary measures it considers necessary. In practice, this can result in the animal being held at the port of entry, refused entry to the country, or returned to the country of origin. All associated costs — including detention, boarding, and any return transport — are the responsibility of the owner. Always travel with the original CZI and keep at least one additional copy of every document.

How long does the full process take from start to finish?

For dogs and cats travelling from countries that have established bilateral sanitary agreements with Chile, completing the core preparations — vaccinations, health examination, and obtaining the CZI — typically requires a minimum of four to six weeks, primarily because the rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days before the travel date. Owners of non-traditional pets or ferrets should plan for at least two to three months to allow time for a sanitary protocol request or Diproren authorisation to be processed. Building in extra time beyond these minimums is always advisable, given the potential for delays in veterinary appointments and official endorsements.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The fundamental requirements — CZI, clinical examination, rabies vaccination, and parasite treatment — apply equally to both cats and dogs. The key distinction is that dogs must additionally be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, obligations that do not extend to cats. Dogs belonging to breeds designated as potentially dangerous also carry additional post-arrival registration requirements that are not applicable to cats.

Can I bring a rescue or shelter animal into Chile?

Yes, rescue animals may be imported into Chile, but they must meet precisely the same health and documentation requirements as any other pet. The main practical difficulty is that rescued animals often have incomplete or undocumented vaccination histories. In such cases, you will need to work with a veterinarian in the country of rescue to establish a valid vaccination record and obtain a compliant CZI. Allow additional preparation time for this. Any CITES-listed species rescued abroad will also require the relevant CITES permits before entry can be considered.

Does Chile accept the EU Pet Passport as an entry document?

The EU Pet Passport is only accepted in the specific situation where a person who is resident in Chile is returning home with their own pet after having been abroad for more than 21 days in an EU country. In that scenario it may be used as an alternative to a new CZI. For owners arriving in Chile for the first time from an EU member state, the CZI issued by the competent national authority of that EU country remains the required entry document.

Is there a limit on how many pets I can bring to Chile?

No nationally prescribed limit on the number of pets that may be imported has been published by Chile. However, arriving with a large number of animals is likely to attract additional scrutiny from SAG officials at the border. Each individual animal must have its own CZI. Anyone relocating with several pets should contact the SAG in advance to confirm the procedure and ensure that documentation is complete for every animal.

Do I need to microchip my pet before entering Chile?

A microchip is not a condition of entry into Chile. Nevertheless, an ISO-compliant microchip is strongly recommended: it satisfies the identification requirement under Chilean domestic law for the national pet registration system, it is a prerequisite if you subsequently plan to travel with your pet to countries that mandate microchipping such as EU member states, and it offers the most reliable means of identification should your pet ever go missing.

What are the rules for bringing pet birds into Chile?

The entry of companion birds into Chile is governed by SAG Resolution No. 5,733/2017, which sets out the health requirements for the importation of ornamental or recreational birds — a category encompassing birds intended for exhibition, zoos, trade, and as companion animals. Bird owners should contact the SAG well ahead of travel to establish whether a bilateral sanitary protocol covering their specific country and species is already in place, as the requirements differ considerably from those governing dogs and cats.