Peru – Importing a Pet

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

Peru does permit the importation of pets, but specific rules exist to safeguard the country’s distinctive ecosystems and biodiversity. Not all species are eligible for entry, and certain animals are outright prohibited. The body responsible for setting and enforcing these regulations is SENASA Perú — the national agricultural health authority — which defines the conditions governing animal imports, verifies documentation upon arrival, and issues the certificates that authorise entry.

Under SENASA’s framework, only dogs and cats qualify as pets for the purposes of personal importation. This means they are the sole animals that may accompany their owners as personal luggage without a special import permit. Other animals commonly kept as pets in various parts of the world — birds, rodents, rabbits, fish, reptiles, and similar species — require both a sanitary export certificate from the country of origin and a dedicated import permit from SENASA. Pet rabbits originating in the United States are currently barred from entry into Peru owing to the threat posed by Rabbit Hemorrhagic Fever.

Animals that appear on the CITES list — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora — need special authorisation before they can be brought into Peru. This covers a broad range of parrots, tortoises, certain lizard species, and other exotic animals. If your companion animal falls under a CITES-listed category, reach out to SENASA and your home country’s relevant wildlife authority well before any planned travel.

Regarding dog breeds: SENASA does not maintain a nationally enforced list of banned or restricted breeds. While Peru lacks overarching federal legislation comparable to the dangerous-dog laws found in some neighbouring South American nations, individual municipalities retain the authority to establish their own rules. Local districts may create registers of “potentially dangerous dogs” and impose requirements such as mandatory muzzling in public spaces and dedicated registration obligations for breeds including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. Distinct from government-level restrictions, some breeds also face airline-imposed limitations, which are addressed in the section on airline rules below.

Wolf hybrids, as well as Savannah and Bengal cats that are not at least five generations removed from their wild ancestors, are not covered under standard import rules. Owners of hybrid breeds should seek tailored guidance from SENASA before finalising any travel arrangements.

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

All dogs and cats must receive a rabies vaccination no earlier than 30 days and no later than 12 months before arriving in Peru. Peru does not recognise multi-year rabies vaccines; even where a product is labelled as providing two or three years of protection, it will not be accepted beyond the 12-month cutoff. The rabies vaccine is compulsory for any pet over three months of age.

Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. Cats must have documented protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukaemia. Owners travelling with a cat will need to demonstrate proof of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccination. All vaccination records must be included on the international health certificate.

Peru’s import requirements do not currently mandate a rabies titre test for dogs and cats arriving from any country. That said, pets originating in countries where rabies is prevalent should ideally be accompanied by a titre test result. The World Organisation for Animal Health classifies Peru itself as a high-risk rabies country — a designation that becomes particularly relevant when planning a future return to places like the European Union, which requires a valid rabies titre test before a pet can re-enter, sometimes with testing windows that must be met several months before departure.

Parasite control — covering both internal and external parasites — must be carried out before the animal enters Peru. Treatment for Echinococcus multilocularis as well as external parasites such as fleas and ticks should be discussed with a veterinarian, who will determine the appropriate protocol based on the disease status of the country of origin. Peru requires parasite treatments to have been administered within 30 days of arrival, with full details recorded on the health certificate.

As of 2025, these represent the principal health requirements, but regulations are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements directly with SENASA or a Peruvian consulate before travel.

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

The process involves a sequence of steps that must be completed in the correct order, ideally with preparation beginning at least two months before the departure date. Unlike destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, where a government-issued import permit must be secured months ahead of travel, Peru’s requirements for dogs and cats are largely managed through veterinary certification in the country of origin, followed by an inspection conducted upon arrival.

1. Microchip your pet (strongly recommended). Although not formally mandatory, your pet should carry a 15-digit microchip conforming to International Standards Organisation standard 11784 or Annex A of ISO standard 11785 before entering Peru. Every piece of documentation must reference the microchip number. Having the chip implanted before vaccinations is considered best practice, since some authorities require the chip to predate the rabies vaccination.
2. Ensure vaccinations are correctly timed and up to date. All cats and dogs must receive a rabies vaccination between 30 days and 12 months before arriving in Peru. The animal must be at least three months old at the time of vaccination and must wait a further 30 days before travel. Core species-specific vaccines — such as distemper and parvovirus for dogs — must also be recorded on the documentation.
3. Administer parasite treatment. Both internal and external deworming should be completed within 15 days of travel. Your veterinarian must document this treatment on the health certificate.
4. Obtain an international health certificate from an officially accredited veterinarian. The certificate must be an original document issued by the official authority in the country of origin and must detail the animal’s health status, vaccination history, and parasite treatments. It must be issued within 10 days of travel and should be available in both English and Spanish. The level of accreditation required of the issuing veterinarian depends on the originating country — in the United States, for example, the vet must hold USDA accreditation and the certificate must be endorsed through the VEHCS system.
5. Determine whether a Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI) is needed in advance. Commercial shipments or consignments of more than two animals may require a CZI obtained from SENASA before departure. For a single pet travelling with its owner, this is typically handled at the SENASA desk on arrival. If you are uncertain, contact SENASA directly before booking your travel.
6. Book your flight and confirm airline pet policies. Airline requirements — covering approved carrier dimensions, weight limits, and breed restrictions — must be verified independently of government regulations. See the airline section below for further detail.
7. On arrival, proceed to the SENASA office at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. After landing, declare your pet and present all original documents to the SENASA desk at the airport. An inspection fee will be payable at this point — have Peruvian soles or a card available. SENASA staff will examine both the animal and its paperwork before granting clearance. Once approved, SENASA issues the Import Certificate and your pet is released to you.

Unvaccinated puppies and kittens under 12 weeks of age require a dedicated import permit before entering Peru. This must be obtained from SENASA ahead of travel — contact the authority directly for the current application procedure.

Does Peru require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

No mandatory quarantine applies to dogs or cats entering Peru, as long as all vaccination, parasite treatment, and health certificate requirements have been satisfied. On arrival, animals are examined by SENASA officials at the airport and released directly to their owners once clearance is granted. This places Peru in a considerably more straightforward category than destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, where a stay in a government-approved quarantine facility lasting one to ten days is compulsory regardless of what documentation accompanies the animal.

The absence of quarantine is not unconditional, however. It applies only where an animal’s documentation is complete and correct. Should any irregularities be identified — such as incomplete vaccination records, questionable paperwork, or missing treatments — SENASA holds the authority to place the animal in quarantine, require its return to the originating country, or, in the most serious cases, order euthanasia. Every associated cost falls to the owner.

There is no automatic placement in quarantine for dogs and cats that arrive with a complete file. Quarantine is triggered only when significant problems are detected — a missing vaccine, suspect documentation, or a visibly unwell animal. The most reliable way to avoid this outcome is thorough preparation well ahead of your departure.

In any situation where quarantine is imposed, you will bear full responsibility for the associated costs. The duration of any hold cannot be predicted in advance, which makes meticulous attention to documentation — and careful attention to all required timeframes — all the more essential before you fly.

Is Peru part of any international pet travel scheme?

Peru does not participate in any international pet travel scheme, including the EU Pet Travel Scheme. All animals entering the country must therefore comply fully with Peru’s own import regulations, regardless of any documentation issued under a foreign scheme. No simplified pathway exists based on a pet passport from another jurisdiction.

The EU Pet Travel Scheme enables animals moving between EU member states — and certain approved third countries — to travel using a standardised EU Pet Passport that consolidates microchip data, vaccination histories, and titre test results in a single document. What is sometimes described informally as a “pet passport” for Peru is simply an assembled set of documents meeting Peru’s own import criteria — this should not be confused with the official EU Pet Passport issued to animals resident within the European Union.

Your pet’s documentation package for Peru will need to include proof of rabies vaccination and an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin. Owners travelling from EU countries who hold an EU Pet Passport will find that some of the underlying information — microchip number, vaccination dates — can assist their veterinarian in preparing the Peru-specific certificate, but the EU Passport itself carries no standalone validity as an entry document for Peru.

Owners intending to return to an EU country from Peru should be aware that European Union re-entry rules require microchipping, rabies vaccination, a serological titre test, and strict adherence to defined timelines — preparation for which may need to begin up to six months before the planned return date. If you foresee relocating back to an EU country at any point, factor this into your planning from the outset.

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

There is no single national registration or licensing system for pets in Peru. While a centralised national registry remains in development, most districts require animals to be registered with the local municipality. This typically involves submitting proof of vaccinations and a photograph of the animal. Your pet should wear a collar bearing an identification tag displaying your name and contact number at all times.

Registration requirements and any associated fees differ from one municipality to another — check with your local district office (Municipalidad) after settling in. Individual councils may adopt their own regulations governing leash laws, public muzzle requirements, or compulsory registration for animals deemed potentially dangerous. Law 27596 specifically regulates the ownership of such dogs, supported by a supreme decree establishing corresponding safety and welfare obligations.

Enforcement responsibilities are distributed across several bodies — local municipalities handle day-to-day compliance, while SENASA oversees health, transport, and import/export matters. Owning or keeping a pet in Peru also entails a set of legal obligations under Law 30407, which establishes requirements for public safety and animal welfare. These are not discretionary guidelines but binding legal duties.

In districts such as Miraflores and San Isidro in Lima, dogs classified as potentially dangerous — which may include breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans depending on local ordinances — must be muzzled in public, and this rule is actively enforced. All dogs must be kept on a leash in public areas throughout the country.

After arrival, registering your pet’s microchip with SENASA or through a veterinary hospital is advisable even though microchipping is not a formal entry requirement, as it substantially increases the likelihood of recovering a lost animal.

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

Permitted ports of entry

Pets entering Peru by air must do so through Jorge Chávez International Airport. Animals may travel in the aircraft cabin, as checked baggage, or via air cargo, subject to the relevant airline’s pet policies. If you intend to cross into Peru overland, the documentary requirements remain unchanged, though you should confirm border inspection procedures with SENASA in advance, as facilities vary considerably by crossing point.

Airline requirements and breed restrictions

LATAM Airlines is widely regarded as the preferred option for pet travel to Peru, offering direct services and established cargo solutions for larger animals. Copa and Avianca also serve Peru and accept small pets in the cabin, though certain breeds are subject to cargo restrictions. Dogs appearing on LATAM’s restricted breed list must travel through LATAM Cargo, and brachycephalic breeds may only be accepted in-cabin where their size permits.

Short-nosed breeds such as pugs and bulldogs are frequently barred from travelling as cargo owing to respiratory and temperature-related risks. If your dog falls into this category, contact the airline well in advance of booking. Sedation is strongly discouraged by both IATA and the AVMA and should be avoided.

Number of pets

Each person may bring one pet into Peru tax-free as accompanied luggage — whether in the cabin, as checked baggage, or via air cargo or an overland crossing. Bringing pets beyond this allowance, or travelling with animals that are not dogs or cats, or that fall under CITES controls, requires prior contact with the nearest Peruvian consulate and/or SENASA. Consignments of more than two animals may also trigger the advance requirement for a Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI).

Birds and other species

Peru restricts the importation of live birds and hatching eggs from regions where Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been reported in commercial poultry. If you are travelling with a bird, verify the current disease status of your country of origin before making any arrangements and obtain the required SENASA import permit well in advance of travel.

Fees and costs

The costs associated with bringing a pet to Peru include veterinary examination and certification fees in your home country, airline pet surcharges (which vary considerably depending on the carrier and route), a SENASA inspection fee payable on arrival, and a customs fee. A payment of approximately S/99.00 soles is required at the airport on arrival (as of 2025 — confirm the current amount with SENASA before travel, as fees may change). A small Peruvian customs charge also applies. Always consult the official SENASA website for the most current fee schedule rather than relying on third-party sources.

Returning home

Keep in mind that re-entry requirements in your home country may be considerably more stringent than Peru’s own entry rules. Because Peru is classified as a high-risk country for rabies, authorities in certain countries will impose additional documentation requirements when your pet returns. Plan for the homeward journey from the very beginning of the process — not as a last-minute consideration.

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

The principal authority responsible for all matters relating to pet importation and exportation in Peru is SENASA — Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria, the national agricultural health authority. SENASA sets the conditions governing animal imports, verifies documentation on arrival, and issues the certificates that permit entry. The official website is senasa.gob.pe, where current requirements, fee schedules, and application forms — including the Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI) — can be found.

For import-related enquiries, SENASA operates offices at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. You may also contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departing — consular staff are able to confirm current entry requirements and direct you to any documentation relevant to bilateral arrangements between Peru and your country of origin.

If you are travelling from a country that operates an official veterinary endorsement system — such as the USDA-APHIS system in the United States or the equivalent bodies within EU member states — your national veterinary authority’s website will contain country-specific health certificate templates approved for travel to Peru. In the United States, the relevant authority is USDA APHIS, which maintains a dedicated page covering pet travel to Peru.

Requirements can change quickly and with little advance warning, so it is strongly advisable to verify the current rules with SENASA or a Peruvian consulate shortly before travel. Avoid relying solely on third-party pet relocation websites or online forum discussions — always cross-check against an official source before committing to travel dates.

Frequently asked questions

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

If an animal arrives with incomplete or missing documentation — whether that means absent vaccine records, outstanding treatments, or questionable certificates — SENASA may place the animal in quarantine, require it to be returned to the country of origin, or, in the most serious cases, order euthanasia. All resulting costs are borne by the owner. This makes thorough preparation non-negotiable. Carry both paper originals and digital backups of every document you need.

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

The timeline is primarily governed by vaccination windows. The rabies vaccination must be given at least 21–30 days before travel and no more than 12 months before arrival. Parasite treatment must be carried out within 15–30 days of the journey, and the health certificate must be issued within 10–14 days of the flight. In practical terms, allow a minimum of six to eight weeks to ensure all requirements fall within the necessary windows — longer if your pet needs a primary vaccination course or if you are arranging a Zoosanitary Import Certificate ahead of time.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The fundamental process — health certificate, rabies vaccination, parasite treatment, and SENASA inspection on arrival — is identical for both species. The distinction lies in the specific vaccines required: dogs must be protected against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, while cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukaemia. Cats are generally easier to transport in the cabin because of their size, and they tend to encounter fewer airline-level breed restrictions than certain dog breeds.

Can I bring a rescue animal into Peru?

There is no separate import category for rescued animals. A rescue dog or cat must satisfy precisely the same health and documentation requirements as any other pet: a correctly timed rabies vaccination, up-to-date core vaccines, parasite treatment, and a valid international health certificate. The practical difficulty most frequently encountered is establishing a verifiable vaccination history for an animal with an uncertain background. Consult a veterinarian with experience in international pet travel as early as possible to build the necessary documented record.

Does Peru recognise emotional support animals or assistance dogs differently?

The standard pet import regulations apply to all domestic dogs and cats, including service animals and assistance dogs or cats. Health and documentation requirements are the same as for any other animal in those categories. Airlines, however, may have separate policies for assistance dogs — including possible in-cabin exemptions for animals that would otherwise exceed size limits — so check directly with your carrier before booking.

Can I bring more than one pet into Peru?

Each person may bring one pet into Peru tax-free as accompanied luggage. Anyone intending to bring a second or additional animal should contact SENASA and the nearest Peruvian consulate before departure to understand the applicable declaration and permitting requirements. Additional animals may attract import duties and may require advance authorisation from the relevant authorities.

Are there any seasonal or temperature restrictions on flying with pets to Peru?

Peru itself does not impose seasonal import restrictions on pets. Individual airlines, however, apply temperature-based embargoes on animals travelling in the cargo hold during periods of extreme heat or cold — a concern particularly relevant during summer months in the northern hemisphere. It is essential to check each carrier’s specific rules regarding weight limits, approved crate dimensions, and policies for brachycephalic breeds or breeds subject to restrictions. Confirm all details with the airline well in advance of booking.

What should I do once I arrive in Lima if I have concerns about my pet’s health during the journey?

Allow extra time at Lima airport for the SENASA check and any associated administrative formalities. If your animal appears unwell after the journey, inform the SENASA inspector without delay — any attempt to conceal a health issue carries consequences far more severe than disclosing it openly. Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa all have well-equipped veterinary clinics, but the quality of care can differ markedly in smaller towns. If you plan to live outside a major city, identify a reliable veterinarian before you actually need one.