Best Tips on Traveling to Colombia with Your Dog

Introduction

Traveling internationally with your pet may seem challenging, but with the right preparation and a sprinkle of positive attitude, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

South America, in particular Colombia, holds a special place when it comes to dog-friendly travel. Its rich culture, warm people, and diverse landscapes is a perfect recipe for a nomadic spot.

Let's take a closer look at how you can enhance your Colombian holiday or relocation with your furry friend. After all, who better to share adventures with than your four-legged companion?

Understanding Colombia’s Entry Requirements for Pets

Navigating through the labyrinth of pet travel rules and regulations can seem more daunting than a maze in an Indiana Jones movie. But fear not! Becoming familiar with Colombia's entry requirements will set you on the right path. Keep reading to find out how best to be prepared for the trip of a lifetime for your pet!

Rules and Regulations - The Official Guidelines:

Just like humans, pets need their own set of "passport and visa-like" documents when traveling internationally. You'll need to comply with the country's specific pet entry requirements, which may involve a health certificate and vaccination record.

Health Certificate requirements:

Your trip to the vet should feel less like a suspense movie and more like a well-planned picnic. Get your pet a health certificate from a USDA accredited vet, issued within 10 days before your travel to Colombia. It's basically like their health passport and is proof that your pet is healthy and ready for their trip.

Vaccination prerequisite for pets:

Just like we get vaccinations for travel, so do our pets. Dogs need to be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days, and not more than 12 months, before entering Colombia. Easy, right? We also know that DAPPL preventing distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis are also vaccines that will be required, but all USDA accredited vets should know exactly what is needed for desired country. You may also read elsewhere that dogs need a COVID vaccine…no one asked us for this and even our Vet wasn’t sure what that was.

Quarantine and additional inspection procedures if any:

Fortunately, Colombia doesn't have a quarantine requirement for pets upon arrival. However, expect a brief inspection from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) to check your dog’s health status and validate their documentation. This is typically after passport control.

Dealing with Custom Duties -What to Expect:

Don’t be nervous! At this point, you should have all the necessary paperwork and everything will go smoothly, just stay calm! Customs might feel like a game of Monopoly where you only seem to draw the "pay taxes" card. Here's what to expect when it comes to your pup's entry.

Upon arrival in Colombia, you’ll have to pay fees for your pet's inspection by ICA (Border Protections). At Jose Maria Cordova Airport (MDE) where you will fly into if you are coming to Medellin, the fee was $59.000 COP ($14-15USD). If you are coming from another point of entry, it will be very similar or the same. They take credit/debit card so no need to worry about carrying Colombian pesos upon arrival! Keep in mind that these fees vary and may be influenced by factors such as the airport you’re arriving at.

As for customs duties; there won't be any if you're bringing in your pet as part of your personal luggage. However, if you have shipped your pet separately, a duty of approximately 15% might be levied on the commercial invoice value of the animal. I am not sure how they determine the value of the animal so this might vary case by case for you.

Always remember that your pet's smooth entry into Colombia depends on properly presented documentation. Keep that kit near, with every document accessible, because hunting for documents is less fun than it sounds. Trust me, I've been there! Pro tip: This wasn’t required but can’t hurt you - I got all the documents translated into spanish just in case they pulled the “I can’t read this” card on you. This service is very reasonably priced - about $6 USD per page in Colombia. The contact I have was referred to me by a friend, but translators are easy to find! Please reach out to us directly for our contact’s information if you are interested.

Create a detailed checklist!

Ensuring all the I's are dotted and T's crossed in your pet's documents can feel like that famous scene from Mission Impossible - tense and dramatic! A checklist helps you keep track of tasks, from vet visits, securing health certificates, organizing vaccination records to verifying custom duties.

Regular veterinary visits:

Regular vet visits just got even more important. Make sure your dog is in the best of health before your trip. Just as we'd hate to travel while feeling unwell, your furry friend would too. The last thing you want is your dog to be sick in any form on the airplane!

Organizing and securing health certificates, vaccination records

Sort and secure all your pet's health certificates and vaccination records well before your travel date. Think of it like playing a game of Tetris, where every document has its place. It might sound a bit “Type A” to have all your documents sorted and organized as intensely as I am putting it, but anything to make your life easier on the travel day is something you will thank me for later!

Conclusion

In your quest to make this journey a reality, we've covered a myriad of essential topics, from understanding entry requirements to organizing every thing you need to get into Colombia. Whether you're strolling through the vibrant streets of Medellin, trekking Monserrate in Bogota, or lounging on the beaches in Santa Marta, the experiences you share with your pet will undoubtedly be special. As you embark on this adventure, remember to prioritize your pet's well-being, offering them the same care and love they provide you. From the bustling cities to the serene landscapes, Colombia welcomes you and your dog with open arms.

FAQ’s

Q1: Is it challenging to travel internationally with a pet?

• While it may seem daunting, with proper preparation and a positive attitude, traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience. Understanding the specific requirements of your destination, such as South America, is key to a successful journey.

Q2: Why choose South America, and particularly Colombia, for dog-friendly travel?

• South America, known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes, offers a unique experience for pet owners. Colombia, in particular, is a warm and dog-friendly destination, making it an ideal spot for a nomadic adventure with your furry friend.

Q3: What are the essential documents required for my pet to enter Colombia?

•  Your pet will need a health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days before travel, proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days prior, and compliance with specific entry requirements outlined by Colombia

Q4: Is it necessary to get documents translated into Spanish for customs clearance?

• While not mandatory, having your pet's documents translated into Spanish can be beneficial. It ensures smooth communication in case authorities require clarification, and the service is reasonably priced, around $6 USD per page.

Q5: How can I prepare my pet for international travel to South America?

• Timely veterinary visits are crucial. Ensure your dog is in optimal health, schedule vaccinations, and obtain a health certificate. Organize and secure all necessary documents, creating a detailed checklist to streamline the process.