Brazil – Importing a Pet

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

Brazil does permit the importation of domestic pets, with oversight responsibility resting primarily with the Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária (MAPA) — Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The most straightforward route into the country applies to domestic dogs and cats, including assistance and service animals, for whom a well-defined set of entry requirements exists.

Unlike the United Kingdom, which maintains a nationally enforced list of prohibited breeds, Brazil has no federal breed ban in place. However, the absence of a national ban does not mean all breeds are automatically permitted everywhere — restrictions at the state or municipal level can still apply, and individual airline policies may impose their own limits, particularly for snub-nosed or so-called “dangerous” breeds. As one notable example, pit bull–type dogs and their mixed-breed relatives are banned within the City of Rio de Janeiro. Owners should research the specific rules of their destination city or state thoroughly before making any arrangements.

Certain hybrid and wild-derived animals are subject to restrictions irrespective of local regulations. Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be imported under the standard dog and cat framework unless they are at least five generations removed from wild ancestry. There is also a significant health-based exclusion: any dog or other susceptible species that has previously been diagnosed with Leishmaniasis is ineligible for import, so a clean documented health history showing no prior Leishmaniasis infection is essential.

For species beyond dogs and cats, the process becomes considerably more involved. Bringing other types of pet animals to Brazil — including turtles, rabbits, iguanas, parrots, fish, guinea pigs, and ferrets — requires obtaining a MAPA Import Authorisation, with health requirements that vary depending on the country of origin. Owners should contact the Federal Superintendence of Agriculture in the relevant state for guidance specific to their situation.

Wildlife protection legislation adds another layer of consideration. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) restricts or prohibits international trade in a range of animals, including some kept as pets. Beyond MAPA procedures, licensing from IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) is compulsory for wild animals. Anyone travelling with an exotic or unusual pet should verify both CITES listings and IBAMA requirements well before finalising any travel plans.

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

Rabies vaccination forms the foundation of Brazil’s entry requirements for pets. All cats and dogs over three months of age must receive an inactivated rabies vaccine, and a minimum waiting period of 21 days must elapse after the primary vaccination before the animal can enter Brazil. Owners must carry an original Rabies Certificate that states the animal’s microchip number, the date of inoculation, and the duration of vaccine validity (whether one, two, or three years). The vaccine must have been administered no fewer than 30 days and no more than one year before departure. As these timelines can be revised, always confirm current requirements directly with MAPA or your accredited veterinarian before booking travel.

One exception exists: dogs and cats travelling directly from a country classified as rabies-free by the World Organisation for Animal Health are not required to carry a rabies vaccination. However, vaccination is still strongly advisable, as Brazil itself carries a higher risk of rabies exposure than rabies-free nations and the protection afforded to the animal is genuine regardless of the paperwork exemption.

Additional vaccines beyond rabies are strongly recommended, even if not always strictly mandated. Dogs should ideally be protected against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis, with the specific vaccines depending on the disease profile of the country of origin. Cats should be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia. Completing these vaccinations at least two weeks before travel allows the immune response to be fully established.

Parasite control is a firm entry requirement rather than a suggestion. All dogs and cats must receive treatment for both internal parasites (deworming) and external parasites (flea and tick prevention) within 15 days of their flight. These treatments must be recorded on the health certificate, with details of the application date, the product manufacturer, and the active ingredients used (as of 2025).

A rabies antibody titer test is not required for dogs and cats entering Brazil from any country. While having titer test results on file can assist with customs clearance in other destinations, it is not a condition of entry to Brazil. Upon arrival, all dogs and cats are subject to a visual health inspection, and any animal showing signs of illness communicable to humans may be referred for further veterinary examination at the owner’s expense.

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

For dogs and cats, the import process is comparatively uncomplicated and does not involve applying for a pre-travel import permit from Brazilian authorities. The main task is assembling the correct documents ahead of time, with careful attention to the timing of vaccinations relative to the travel date.

1. Confirm vaccinations are current — Administer or verify the rabies vaccination at least 21–30 days before the intended departure date (as of 2025), and confirm it will remain valid throughout the journey and on arrival. Record all vaccinations, including those against distemper, parvovirus, and other diseases your vet recommends, on an official vaccination document.
2. Complete parasite treatments — Dogs and cats travelling to Brazil must receive a broad-spectrum internal deworming treatment and an external flea and tick treatment within 15 days of their flight. An accredited veterinarian must document these treatments on the international health certificate, noting the application date, product manufacturer, and active ingredients (as of 2025).
3. Arrange microchipping (strongly recommended) — Although an ISO-compliant microchip is not a federal requirement for entry into Brazil, it is strongly advised, particularly for animals that may travel internationally in future, as it greatly simplifies identification if the animal becomes lost. If microchipping is chosen, it should be carried out before vaccinations are administered so the chip number can be recorded on all subsequent documentation.
4. Obtain an International Veterinary Certificate (health certificate) — Dogs and cats entering Brazil must be accompanied by an International Veterinary Certificate that satisfies Brazil’s sanitary standards. This document must be prepared and signed by a licensed, accredited veterinarian in the country of origin and must be valid at the time the animal arrives in Brazil. The certificate should cover the animal’s identity, the owner’s details, vaccination records, parasite treatment information, and a declaration that the animal is in good health.
5. Arrange official endorsement of the health certificate — Before the health certificate will be accepted in Brazil, it must be formally endorsed or authenticated by the relevant government veterinary authority in the country of origin. The body responsible for this step differs from country to country — it may be a national ministry of agriculture, a designated official veterinarian service, or another authorised body. Contact your national veterinary authority in advance, as processing times for endorsement can span several days.
6. Present documents to MAPA’s VIGIAGRO inspectors on arrival — Upon landing in Brazil, a VIGIAGRO officer will review the original endorsed International Veterinary Certificate and conduct a visual health check of the animal. To avoid complications, choose a flight that arrives during daytime hours on a weekday, as VIGIAGRO inspection services may not be staffed around the clock at all airports, and weekend or late-night arrivals can create unexpected delays.

Before beginning any export procedure, confirm that your veterinarian holds approval from the governing veterinary authority in the pet’s country of origin — they should be licensed by, or working under, the government agency responsible for regulating the movement of live animals. For owners of other species — such as rabbits, rodents, ferrets, hedgehogs, and birds — a MAPA Import Authorisation is required and should be filed with the Federal Superintendence of Agriculture for the destination state well ahead of the planned travel date.

Does Brazil require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Dogs and cats that satisfy all Brazilian entry requirements are not subject to any quarantine on arrival — a meaningful benefit for expats relocating with their animals. This stands in marked contrast to destinations such as Australia and New Zealand, where all arriving pets are held in government-supervised quarantine facilities for up to ten days regardless of how well-prepared their documentation is. Brazil’s position for compliant dogs and cats is considerably more accommodating.

That said, compliance is non-negotiable. An animal that fails to meet the stated entry conditions may be placed in quarantine if suitable facilities exist, sent back to its country of origin, or in the most serious cases, euthanised. This underscores the importance of thorough preparation before departure rather than attempting to remedy problems on arrival.

The picture differs for certain other species. Ornamental pet birds may be permitted to complete quarantine at the owner’s home address rather than at a designated facility — but only where quarantine at the Cananeia Quarantine Station (EQC) or another approved site has been shown to be impossible due to lack of available space, and provided that home conditions meet MAPA’s health and isolation standards under veterinary supervision. Birds imported from countries experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza or Newcastle disease will only be cleared for entry following confirmed arrangements for post-arrival quarantine at the Cananeia Quarantine Station.

Is Brazil part of any international pet travel scheme?

Brazil does not participate in the EU Pet Travel Scheme and has no equivalent regional arrangement in place. When the phrase “pet passport” is used in a Brazilian context, it refers to the collection of documents assembled to satisfy Brazil’s own import requirements for dogs and cats — this is an informal term and bears no relation to the official EU Pet Passport issued to EU-resident animals. Owners arriving from European Union countries cannot rely on their EU pet passport for Brazilian entry; they must comply fully with Brazil’s national documentation framework.

Brazil applies the same import requirements to pets regardless of which country they originate from, making no distinction between high- and low-risk source nations for most purposes. This uniformity represents a more inclusive approach than that of countries which tier their requirements according to a pet’s country of origin.

There is a useful provision for animals making a short round trip. Pet owners who were issued a health certificate to leave Brazil for travel to one of a specified list of countries may return their animal to Brazil within 60 days using that same certificate, provided the rabies vaccination remains valid for the return journey. The countries covered by this arrangement include South Africa, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and all EU member states.

Owners who eventually plan to return to their home country from Brazil should research the relevant re-entry requirements before they leave. Because Brazil is classified as a high-risk country for rabies by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs re-entering the United States must comply with CDC import rules. Similar considerations apply to other countries with rigorous biosecurity standards — the requirements of the return destination should be factored into planning from the outset.

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

There is no single national pet registration or licensing system in Brazil comparable to the mandatory national dog licensing registers found in countries like Ireland or some Nordic nations. Instead, the obligation to register dogs and other animals is embedded in law but administered and enforced at the local level, with significant variation between states and municipalities.

Many Brazilian cities require dogs to be registered with the local authority, and this registration typically calls for proof of current rabies vaccination. The associated fees, renewal cycles, and enforcement practices differ considerably from one city to another. As a starting point, newly arrived expats should consult the Prefeitura (municipal government) of their destination city to understand the applicable local rules. Some cities also operate voluntary pet identification databases linked to microchip numbers, which is another reason why obtaining an ISO-compliant microchip before arrival is advisable even though it is not mandated for import under federal rules.

After arriving in Brazil, visiting a local veterinarian soon after settling in is a worthwhile step. Researching reputable veterinary clinics in your destination city before you arrive will save time once you are there. A local vet will be familiar with municipal registration requirements in the area, can advise on additional vaccinations suited to the local disease environment — including protection against Leishmaniasis, which is present in parts of Brazil — and can assist with registering your pet’s microchip in local databases where that option is available. For current registration fees and procedures, check the official website of your destination city’s Prefeitura directly, as these details are subject to change.

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

Airline and cargo rules: The majority of pets travelling to Brazil must be transported as cargo rather than in the passenger cabin — an arrangement that many professional pet transport specialists consider both safer and more efficient for long international journeys. Airlines and shipping carriers each maintain their own rules governing approved crate dimensions and materials (IATA-compliant carriers are the industry standard), maximum weight allowances, and whether brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs or Persian cats may travel in the hold. Policies vary considerably between carriers, and some impose breed-specific or seasonal restrictions. Contact your airline directly and well in advance of your travel date to confirm current requirements.

In-cabin travel: Some airlines permit small pets to travel in the cabin alongside their owners, subject to weight and crate size restrictions. This is not a universal option, and many carriers operating long-haul services to Brazil do not allow cabin pets at all. Always contact the airline to verify their current in-cabin pet policy before booking, and reserve a place for your pet at the same time as you book your own ticket.

Timing of VIGIAGRO inspection: VIGIAGRO — MAPA’s agricultural and animal health inspection unit — operates at Brazilian ports of entry including major international airports such as São Paulo–Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão. When booking your flight, choose an arrival time when a VIGIAGRO officer is likely to be on duty. Daytime arrivals on weekdays are generally the safest choice; arrivals late at night or on weekends have been known to cause unforeseen complications.

Number of pets per traveller: Brazil broadly permits a small number of pets to accompany a traveller as personal or accompanied baggage, but importing a large number of animals in one journey may trigger commercial import regulations rather than the personal pet framework. Verify current limits with MAPA and your airline before travel to avoid any unexpected issues at the border.

Cost considerations: The total cost of bringing a pet to Brazil will include veterinary examination and consultation fees, vaccination and health certificate preparation costs, official endorsement fees charged by the country of origin’s veterinary authority, and airline surcharges for cargo or cabin transport. These figures vary widely depending on the country of departure, the size and weight of the animal, and the carrier selected. Current endorsement fees should be confirmed with your national veterinary authority, as they change periodically. VIGIAGRO inspection at the Brazilian port of entry may also carry a fee — confirm this with MAPA directly before travelling.

Birds and other species: Quarantine before transport is mandatory for pet birds and aquatic animals whenever a journey or change of address is involved. Owners of birds, reptiles, fish, and other exotic species face a significantly more complex process, including MAPA Import Authorisation and, in some cases, IBAMA licensing. It is advisable to begin this process as early as possible, as authorisation can require a considerable amount of time to complete.

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

The definitive official resource for pet import requirements in Brazil is MAPA — the Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária. MAPA publishes English-language guidance on bringing dogs and cats to Brazil, covering vaccination requirements, health certificate standards, and border inspection procedures. The official MAPA page for travellers and pets is available at gov.br/agricultura — Travelers and Pets. This should be the first port of call for anyone seeking current and authoritative information, and should always be consulted before finalising travel arrangements.

VIGIAGRO is the MAPA division responsible for animal and agricultural health inspection at Brazilian entry points, including international airports. Reaching out to VIGIAGRO at the specific airport of arrival can help owners confirm inspection hours and clarify any applicable fees. For every import process, the required documentation must be filed with the Federal Superintendent’s Office for Agriculture (SFA) of the state to which the animals are being sent.

IBAMA — the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources — is the relevant authority for pets that fall within wildlife regulations, including certain exotic species and birds. IBAMA’s website (gov.br/ibama) provides guidance on which species require environmental licensing in addition to MAPA authorisation before they can be imported.

For owners preparing documentation in their home country, the national veterinary or agriculture authority there is responsible for issuing or endorsing the health certificate. Relevant examples include USDA APHIS in the United States, DEFRA and APHA in the United Kingdom, and equivalent bodies elsewhere. Because pet import regulations can be updated without prior notice, confirming requirements directly with MAPA before every journey is always the safest approach.

MAPA’s SISREC system is the repository where import requirements (RIGs — Requisitos de Importação) for different animal species and countries of origin are published. Owners of species beyond dogs and cats should review the applicable RIG for their pet’s species and country of origin via MAPA’s official portal before commencing any import process.

Frequently asked questions

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

A pet that fully satisfies Brazil’s entry conditions will not be placed in quarantine on arrival. However, an animal that does not comply with the regulations may be quarantined if suitable facilities are available, sent back to its country of origin, or in the most serious cases, euthanised. Ensuring that all documentation is complete and correctly endorsed before departing — rather than hoping to address shortfalls at the border — is therefore absolutely critical.

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

For dogs and cats coming from most countries, the timeline is largely shaped by the vaccination requirements. Given that the rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21–30 days before travel (as of 2025), and that health certificates must be freshly issued and officially endorsed, owners should plan for a minimum lead time of six to eight weeks. For species that require MAPA Import Authorisation, the process takes considerably longer — beginning preparations seven to eight months in advance is advisable to allow sufficient time for authorisation, quarantine scheduling where necessary, and document endorsement.

Do the rules differ for cats versus dogs?

The core entry conditions — rabies vaccination, health certificate, and parasite treatment — apply identically to both species. Where the two diverge is in the additional vaccines that are recommended: dogs should be protected against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis, while cats should be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia. Cats are also generally not subject to the breed-level municipal restrictions that can affect certain dog breeds in some Brazilian cities.

Can I bring a rescue animal into Brazil?

Rescue animals can be imported into Brazil in principle, but they are subject to exactly the same health and documentation requirements as any other domestic pet. The most common difficulty with rescue animals is establishing a verifiable vaccination history — especially a documented rabies vaccination with confirmed dates and an adequate interval before travel. Where vaccination history is unknown, the animal will most likely need a full primary vaccination course followed by the mandatory waiting period before it is eligible to travel. Consulting an accredited veterinarian experienced in international pet relocation at the earliest opportunity is strongly recommended.

Is a microchip mandatory to bring a pet into Brazil?

While a valid rabies vaccination is required, microchipping is officially optional under Brazil’s federal rules — an unusual position compared to many other countries. Nevertheless, an ISO-compliant microchip is strongly recommended, particularly for animals that may travel internationally in future. It is also worth noting that the country from which the pet is departing may itself require microchipping as a condition of issuing the export health certificate, even though Brazil does not impose this requirement on arrival.

Can I bring multiple pets to Brazil at the same time?

Brazil does not set a specific published cap on the number of pets per traveller for personal import, but a large number of animals travelling together may attract scrutiny and be assessed under commercial import regulations rather than personal pet rules. Every individual animal must be accompanied by its own complete set of documentation, including a separate health certificate. Checking with both MAPA and your airline before travel is important, as carriers regularly impose their own restrictions on the number of animals permitted per passenger and per flight.

Are there rules about which airports I can fly into with a pet?

On arrival, a MAPA/VIGIAGRO officer will inspect the endorsed documentation and carry out a visual health check of the animal. This service is not available around the clock at every airport in Brazil. When booking your flight, confirm that VIGIAGRO will be on duty at your arrival airport at the time of your landing. Daytime arrivals on weekdays are generally the most reliable option; late-night or weekend arrivals have been known to create unforeseen difficulties. Brazil’s principal international pet entry points are São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport and Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport. Verify VIGIAGRO’s operating hours at your specific port of entry with MAPA before confirming your booking.

Do I need to do anything differently if I am only visiting Brazil temporarily with my pet, rather than relocating permanently?

The entry requirements are the same whether the visit is temporary or permanent — the identical vaccinations, health certificate, and parasite treatment apply regardless of the length of stay. For owners on a short trip who plan to return home, it is worth noting that a pet owner who was issued a health certificate to leave Brazil for one of the specified listed countries may bring their animal back to Brazil within 60 days on the same certificate, provided the rabies vaccination is still valid at the time of return. The return journey also requires careful planning, as Brazil is designated a high-risk country for rabies and the destination country may impose its own specific re-entry conditions.