Colombia – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in Colombia?

Over the past two decades, pet ownership in Colombia has expanded considerably, most visibly in the country’s major cities — Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla among them. Dogs and cats are the companion animals of choice, and in middle-class urban homes they are commonly treated with the same warmth and consideration extended to any family member. This trajectory mirrors patterns observed throughout Latin America and beyond. The proliferation of pet-friendly cafés, grooming salons, and dedicated dog parks across larger Colombian cities reflects how thoroughly this affection for companion animals has embedded itself in urban culture.

However, attitudes across the country are anything but homogeneous. In farming communities and rural zones, dogs and cats tend to fulfil more utilitarian functions — guarding livestock, keeping vermin at bay — rather than living as cherished indoor companions. This division between urban and rural sensibilities is a familiar feature of many countries with substantial agricultural economies, including Brazil and Mexico, where treating pets as family members is largely a city-dwelling phenomenon.

Colombia also carries a complex relationship with animals in the context of cultural traditions. Cockfighting is deeply rooted in numerous regions and, as of 2025, retains its status as a legal exception within animal protection statutes. Bullfighting, historically woven into the cultural fabric of cities such as Bogotá, Manizales, and Medellín, has faced a decisive legal reckoning: a 2024 law introduced a nationwide prohibition covering bullfighting, rejoneo, novilladas, becerradas, and tientas, signalling a meaningful recalibration of public values around animal welfare.

Among Colombia’s younger urban population especially, a heightened awareness of animal rights has taken hold. Advocacy organisations, grassroots rescue networks, and animal welfare communities on social media have collectively become influential forces in shaping how Colombians think about their obligations toward animals — and this generational energy has helped translate into concrete legislative progress.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Colombia?

Pet ownership in Colombia is regulated by several overlapping pieces of national legislation, with Law 746 of 2002 and the National Code of Police and Coexistence (Law 1801 of 2016) being the most directly relevant to everyday pet owners. These laws collectively define what is expected of owners in shared and public spaces. Title XIII of Law 1801, headed “Of the Relationship with Animals,” addresses the management of domestic animals in public places and on public transport, the duties owners owe to their animals and to the wider community, and the obligation for districts and municipalities to establish animal welfare centres.

Leash laws and public spaces: Dogs must be kept on a leash whenever they are in public or on public transport where animals are permitted. Dogs categorised as potentially dangerous must also wear a muzzle. Owners are legally obliged to clean up after their dogs in public spaces, and failure to do so is a fineable offence. Cats must be transported either in a carrier or with a suitable collar when being moved from place to place.

Potentially dangerous breeds: The “potentially dangerous” designation applies to dogs that have previously shown aggression toward people, dogs trained for attack or defence, or dogs belonging to — or crossbred from — any of the following breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bullmastiff, Doberman, Dogo Argentino, Dogo de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Prey Canary, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa, and any additional breeds subsequently designated by the national government. Owners of these dogs must hold third-party liability insurance and keep their animals muzzled and leashed in all public settings.

Fines for dangerous dogs: If a potentially dangerous dog attacks another animal, its owner faces a fine of up to two months’ minimum wages, in addition to covering all associated costs. Should further incidents occur, the dog may be removed from the owner’s care and euthanized.

Wild and exotic animals: Colombian law restricts pet ownership to species that are legally authorised for that purpose. Keeping wild animals as pets is prohibited. Trafficking in wildlife carries serious criminal penalties: 60 to 135 months’ imprisonment alongside fines of between 300 and 40,000 times the legal monthly minimum wage.

Apartment and rental living: A landmark 2013 ruling by Colombia’s Constitutional Court (Sentencia C-034, 2013) established meaningful protections for pet owners living in residential buildings. The Court determined that homeowners’ associations cannot lawfully prohibit pets from accessing communal facilities such as lifts, on the basis that the right to personal and family privacy — including the freedom to own a pet — is protected under the right to the free development of personality. That said, proportionate and reasonable rules designed to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents remain permissible.

Registration and microchipping: As of 2025, no national pet licensing scheme exists in Colombia, though individual municipalities may have introduced local registration requirements. Microchipping is not a legal obligation for domestic pet owners, but it is strongly advised. Expats should contact their local alcaldía (municipal office) to find out whether any city-specific rules apply in their area.

Are there animal welfare laws in Colombia, and how are they enforced?

Colombia has built up a substantial and increasingly robust body of animal welfare law over the decades. The bedrock of this framework is Law 84 of 1989 — the National Animal Protection Statute — which defines what constitutes cruelty toward animals in considerable detail and establishes a general duty of care for those who keep them. Chapter II of Law 84 specifies that owners must keep their animals in appropriate conditions, providing adequate food, water, and shelter from the elements.

The most consequential development in the legislative history came with Law 1774 of 2016, which fundamentally altered the standing of animals within the Colombian legal system. The law formally declared all animals to be “sentient beings” deserving special protection from pain and suffering, and framed animal protection as a shared societal obligation — one that falls upon both government institutions and ordinary citizens alike. Under Law 1774, every Colombian has a duty to report observed cruelty.

The penalties introduced by Law 1774 were, at the time of passage, among the most stringent in Latin America for offences of abuse and abandonment. They include custodial sentences of up to 36 months, disqualification from animal-related professions or ownership for up to three years, and financial fines. In 2025, these measures were sharpened further by the Ángel Law, which raises maximum prison terms to 56 months and increases financial penalties for offenders aged between 30 and 60 whose actions cause an animal’s death.

Another significant development came in May 2024, when Congress passed the Neutering Saves Law, establishing a national programme for the sterilisation of dogs and cats — a landmark policy shift toward humane population management.

Enforcement in practice: Strong legislation notwithstanding, consistent enforcement has historically proved elusive. The animal protection system in Colombia was originally structured around mechanisms resembling criminal prosecution, meaning no single central authority holds clear responsibility for animal welfare at the national level. While the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has taken on a more defined role in animal protection policy, its mandate sits primarily within the broader framework of biodiversity and environmental conservation. In practice, day-to-day enforcement is handled chiefly by the National Police and local mayors’ offices (alcaldías). Article 8 of Law 1774 permits warrantless “preventive apprehensions” — meaning authorities may seize an animal without a warrant when there is knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe it is being abused or neglected.

Reported cases of animal abuse in Colombia have reached record levels in recent years. According to the Bogotá City Council, reported incidents rose by 87% between 2023 and 2024, though advocates suggest that this surge reflects improved reporting mechanisms rather than a straightforward increase in actual incidents. Enforcement is considerably more effective in cities than in rural regions, where state presence is often sparse. Readers can consult current legislation via the official government legal portal at funcionpublica.gov.co and the Ministry of Environment at minambiente.gov.co.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Colombia?

Colombia is home to a lively and dedicated network of animal welfare organisations, spanning city-level rescue operations through to national advocacy bodies. A wide range of non-governmental organisations work across the country on behalf of animal rights. For expats who would rather adopt a rescued animal than purchase one, these groups represent an excellent first port of call — and many are well accustomed to assisting foreign residents with the process.

Huellitas con Hogar is among the most active rescue networks in Bogotá, coordinating rescues, foster placements, and adoptions across various social media platforms. It works primarily with dogs and cats and is a natural first contact for expats in the capital who are looking to give a rescued animal a home.

Proyecto PETS Colombia operates across multiple cities and centres its efforts on trap-neuter-return (TNR) programmes for stray cats, alongside rehoming initiatives and community education. Their work aligns closely with the objectives of Colombia’s new national neutering programme.

Fundación Felinos de Colombia focuses specifically on feline welfare, providing rescue, fostering, adoption services, and veterinary care for street cats. The organisation is primarily active in Bogotá and Medellín.

AOFAN (Asociación de Organizaciones para el Fomento de la Adopción y el No Abandono) functions as a national umbrella body, connecting regional rescue organisations from across Colombia. This makes it a particularly useful resource for expats relocating to smaller cities or towns beyond the main urban centres.

World Animal Protection has an established presence in Colombia, engaging with government bodies on policy reform and humane dog population management. Their Colombia country information is available at worldanimalprotection.org.

City-specific Facebook groups — such as “Adopciones Bogotá,” “Adopciones Medellín,” and equivalent communities in other cities — are widely used throughout Colombia for pet rescue and rehoming. Expats frequently find these groups a practical and responsive resource. Municipalities are also required under Law 1801 to operate animal welfare shelters (centros de bienestar animal) in major cities, though capacity and conditions differ from one location to another. Contact your local alcaldía to find out which facility serves your area.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Colombia?

Relocating to Colombia with a pet is perfectly achievable provided you prepare well in advance and assemble the right documentation. The authority responsible for overseeing animal health and biosecurity is the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA). Always confirm current requirements directly with ICA before you travel, as regulations are subject to change: ica.gov.co or by phone at (+57) 601 794 4492.

For most expats travelling with dogs or cats, there is welcome news: personal pet dogs or cats travelling with their owner do not require an import permit. However, pets travelling in the aircraft’s cargo hold require you to first register with ICA through the SISPAP online system to obtain a Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS). This SISPAP registration requirement applies only to pets entering Colombia as checked baggage or air cargo — it does not apply to animals travelling in the cabin with their owner.

The following outlines the standard step-by-step process for bringing a dog or cat into Colombia:

1. Vaccinate your pet in advance. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. Colombia considers a rabies vaccine valid for three years. Dogs also need vaccination against Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Hepatitis. Cats need vaccination against Feline Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Feline Rhinotracheitis.
2. Obtain a veterinary health certificate. Dogs and cats must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the relevant national authority within 10 days of travel. The certificate must originate from your country of departure, not Colombia.
3. Register with SISPAP (if using cargo hold). If your pet is travelling as checked baggage or air cargo, register as an ICA User via the SISPAP portal to initiate the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) process before travel. This step is not required for pets travelling in the cabin.
4. Check breed restrictions. The ban on importing certain dog breeds into Colombia is established in Ley 1801 de 2016, Article 132, which prohibits the importation of Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and their hybrids. Additionally, wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless at least 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under standard regulations.
5. Check for parasites. Before entering Colombia, you should get your pet checked for external and internal parasites. While this is not a hard and fast rule, treatment before travel is strongly recommended.
6. Arrive via an authorised airport. Pets are permitted to enter Colombia through José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín, or El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. Each airport houses an ICA office where your pet will be inspected — present your documents and allow ICA staff to carry out their assessment.
7. Pay the inspection fee. As of 2024, the standard ICA inspection fee (CIS) is approximately COP 50,000, with a supplementary charge for arrivals outside business hours or on weekends, particularly at airports outside Bogotá. Check ica.gov.co for the most current figures, as fees are subject to change.

No quarantine will be imposed on your pet entering Colombia provided all import requirements are satisfied and your documentation is complete and correct. Should your pet arrive without the necessary paperwork, it may be placed in quarantine if facilities permit, returned to the country of departure, or — in the most serious cases — euthanized.

For birds, reptiles, and other exotic animals, the process is considerably more involved. Pet birds must be accompanied by an import permit obtained from ICA in advance of travel, and on arrival they will be subject to a minimum 21-day home quarantine supervised by an ICA veterinarian. For any animal that may fall under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) protections, ensure you have secured all required permits from the appropriate authority in your country of origin before departing.

Where can expats buy pet food, supplies, and veterinary care in Colombia?

Expats settling in Colombia’s principal cities will discover a well-established pet supply market. Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla all offer dedicated pet retail stores, veterinary practices, grooming facilities, and specialist pet supermarkets. The variety and quality of goods available in these cities is broadly on par with what one might expect elsewhere, with both homegrown Colombian brands and internationally recognised pet food labels readily available on shelves.

National retail chains: Puppis is one of the best-known pet retail chains in the country, with outlets across multiple cities offering food, accessories, grooming services, and basic veterinary consultations. PetCo Colombia and Zoomalia Colombia similarly maintain a footprint in larger urban centres. Major supermarket chains — including Éxito, Jumbo, and Carulla — carry a solid selection of dry and wet pet food, flea and tick treatments, and everyday pet accessories.

Online retail: E-commerce has expanded significantly in Colombia in recent years. Linio, Mercado Libre Colombia, and Rappi all facilitate the delivery of pet food and supplies, making it straightforward to shop online even in areas without a nearby specialist retailer. Dedicated pet e-commerce platforms such as Zoomalia.com.co offer nationwide delivery, typically with a broader product range than physical stores.

Veterinary care: Private veterinary clinics are plentiful in urban areas, and standards in major cities are generally solid. Bogotá and Medellín in particular have specialist and round-the-clock emergency veterinary hospitals. Costs are substantially lower than those in Western Europe or North America — a standard consultation will typically be far more affordable, though advanced specialist procedures involving orthopaedics, oncology, or complex diagnostics can begin to approach prices more familiar to expats from higher-cost countries. Always confirm that any vet you use is registered with the Colombian Veterinary Medical Federation (Federación de Médicos Veterinarios de Colombia — FMVZ).

Rural areas: Beyond the cities, both pet retail outlets and veterinary clinics become considerably rarer. In smaller towns and rural parts of Colombia, veterinary services may be limited largely to practitioners specialising in livestock and agricultural animals, with limited expertise in companion animal care. Expats planning to live outside urban areas are strongly encouraged to identify the nearest veterinary clinic before making the move, and to stock up on essential medications and preventive treatments — particularly for fleas, ticks, and heartworm — on visits to larger cities.

Are there cultural taboos, sensitivities, or religious considerations around specific animals in Colombia?

Colombia is a predominantly Catholic country, and mainstream Colombian culture does not carry religious taboos around the keeping of dogs or cats as pets, nor around most common companion animals. You are unlikely to encounter the kinds of religious sensitivities around dogs that exist in some Muslim-majority societies, or the reverence for cattle that characterises certain Hindu communities in South Asia.

That said, there are cultural subtleties that are worth appreciating. Cockfighting (peleas de gallos) is a legally permitted activity and occupies an entrenched place in the cultural identity of many regions — particularly the Caribbean coast, the Llanos (the eastern plains), and parts of Antioquia. Expats who find this practice troubling should be conscious that expressing strong criticism of it in certain social contexts may come across as dismissive of deeply held local traditions. Approaching such differences with curiosity and respect, even when personal views differ, will go a long way toward maintaining positive relationships.

Wildlife and exotic animals: Colombia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, and wildlife trafficking is a persistent and serious problem. Despite legislation expressly forbidding it, Colombia continues to be identified as both a source and transit point for the illegal trade in animals. Expats should understand that purchasing, keeping, or commercially photographing wild animals — such as monkeys, parrots, or sloths, which are sometimes offered as pets or tourist attractions — is unlawful and actively condemned. Reporting suspected wildlife trafficking is both a legal responsibility and an ethical one.

In various indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, specific animals hold spiritual or cosmological importance — the jaguar, the condor, and the serpent all feature in the belief systems and traditions of different ethnic groups. While this rarely has any direct bearing on daily urban life, expats venturing into more remote or indigenous communities would do well to ask about local animals with genuine curiosity and respect rather than assumption.

When out with pets in public, keep in mind that reactions will vary depending on the neighbourhood. In affluent urban areas, dogs on leads are an everyday sight and are broadly accepted. In more conservative or working-class districts, large dogs in particular may provoke unease, and keeping your animal clearly under control is both a legal requirement and a mark of social consideration. Under Colombian law, service animals accompanying their owners are always entitled to access public spaces.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in Colombia?

Stray dogs and cats are a widespread and conspicuous presence across Colombia, particularly in lower-income urban districts, market areas, and smaller provincial towns. This challenge is not unique to Colombia — it is common across much of Latin America — but the scale of the problem in Colombia is substantial. No dedicated national legislation specifically addressing stray animal management has been identified, leaving municipalities largely responsible for handling stray populations within their own jurisdictions.

Under Law 1801 of 2016, all districts and municipalities are required to maintain animal welfare shelters or centres capable of housing animals whose condition or circumstances warrant attention or temporary care. Animals may be held in these facilities for up to thirty calendar days. In practice, however, municipal shelter capacity is often insufficient for demand, and conditions in publicly operated facilities can be far from ideal.

International organisations such as World Animal Protection have encouraged the Colombian government to pursue humane dog population management strategies — built around responsible ownership, mass vaccination, and reproductive control — given that culling has been shown by scientific evidence to be both ineffective and ethically unjustifiable. The Neutering Saves Law, enacted in May 2024, established a national programme for the sterilisation of dogs and cats which, if implemented effectively, should progressively reduce stray numbers through compassionate means.

Health and safety for expats: Rabies is present in Colombia, primarily among wildlife but also carrying some risk from stray animals. The Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) — Colombia’s national public health authority — and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Colombia office provide current guidance on rabies risk and the appropriate protocols following potential exposure. Expats should consult these resources and discuss the merits of pre-exposure rabies vaccination with their doctor, especially those planning to spend time in rural settings or who work with animals. As a general rule, avoid approaching or touching stray animals, particularly any that appear unwell or are behaving unusually. If you or your pet is bitten or scratched by any animal, seek medical or veterinary attention without delay.

For those who wish to contribute positively, many of the rescue organisations listed in this article run street feeding programmes and TNR (trap-neuter-return) operations. Welcoming a stray into your home through a recognised rescue network is legally uncomplicated and warmly encouraged by animal welfare advocates throughout Colombia.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to own a pet in Colombia?

At the national level, Colombia does not require pet owners to hold a licence. Individual municipalities may have introduced their own local registration systems, so it is advisable to check with your local alcaldía (town hall) to find out whether any such requirements apply in your area. Microchipping is not a legal obligation for domestic ownership, but it is strongly recommended — particularly for animals that spend any time outdoors.

Is there a quarantine period for pets arriving in Colombia?

Provided all pet import requirements are met and your documentation is complete, no quarantine will be imposed on your animal when it enters Colombia. This means having the correct health certificate and vaccination records in order before you depart. Animals that arrive without proper paperwork risk being quarantined, repatriated to their country of origin, or — in the most extreme cases — euthanized.

Which dog breeds are banned in Colombia?

The prohibition on importing certain dog breeds is set out in Ley 1801 de 2016, Article 132, which bans the entry of Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and their crossbreeds. Breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans fall under the “potentially dangerous” classification and may be owned, but their owners must comply with additional obligations including liability insurance, leashing, and muzzling in all public spaces.

Is it safe to let my pet interact with stray animals in Colombia?

It is best to keep your pet well away from stray animals. Rabies is present in Colombia, and strays may additionally carry parasites, distemper, parvovirus, and other transmissible diseases. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and speak to your vet about appropriate preventive treatments. Should your pet be bitten or scratched by a stray, seek veterinary attention as promptly as possible.

Can my landlord or building management refuse to let me keep a pet in my apartment?

Colombia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that homeowners’ associations cannot lawfully bar pets from using communal areas such as lifts, because the right to personal and family privacy — encompassing the right to keep a pet — is protected under the right to free personal development. Reasonable, proportionate rules intended to ensure harmonious communal living remain valid, however. Always read your lease and building regulations carefully before bringing a pet into a property, and be aware that certain older agreements may contain restrictions that would require a legal challenge to overturn.

How do I find a good vet in Colombia?

Locating a qualified veterinarian in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and other major cities is generally straightforward — seek out clinics registered with the Federación de Médicos Veterinarios de Colombia (FMVZ). Personal recommendations from expat communities on Facebook or platforms such as Internations tend to be the most reliable guide. For after-hours emergencies, larger cities have specialist 24-hour animal hospitals — searching “clínica veterinaria 24 horas” alongside your city name will return local options. In rural areas, veterinary provision is far more limited, so it pays to research the nearest clinic before committing to a move.

Can I bring my bird or exotic pet to Colombia?

Pet birds must be accompanied by an import permit obtained from ICA prior to travel, and on arrival they will be subject to a home quarantine period of at least 21 days, conducted under the supervision of an ICA veterinarian. For reptiles, rodents, and other exotic species, contact ICA directly at ica.gov.co or [email protected] well ahead of your travel date, as the relevant regulations are complex and regularly updated. Always establish whether your animal is covered by CITES protections, which would necessitate additional permits from the relevant authority in your country of origin.

What should I do if I witness animal cruelty in Colombia?

Law 1774 of 2016 establishes animal protection as a collective duty shared by government and citizens alike, and individuals are legally obliged to report observed cruelty. Incidents can be reported to the National Police by dialling 123, or to your local alcaldía. The Ángel Law also establishes an Animal Abuse Care Route, which will create a clearly defined reporting procedure for cases across the country. Animal welfare organisations such as Huellitas con Hogar and local rescue networks can also provide guidance on how best to report and respond to situations involving cruelty or neglect.