Bringing Your Dog or Cat to Colombia: ICA Requirements and Airline Rules

Leaving your dog or cat behind is not an option for most people. The good news is that Colombia is one of the easier Latin American countries for pet importation. There is no quarantine for dogs and cats with proper paperwork. The bad news is that “proper paperwork” involves a specific sequence of steps, and missing any one of them can mean your pet gets held at the airport or turned away entirely.

Here is the entire process from start to finish, based on the current ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) requirements and what airlines are actually enforcing in 2026.

ICA Requirements: The Non-Negotiable Paperwork

ICA is Colombia’s agricultural and animal health authority. They control all animal imports. Their requirements for dogs and cats entering Colombia are straightforward but strict:

1. Microchip

Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785, which is the standard 15-digit chip). If your pet was chipped in the US, it almost certainly meets this standard, but verify with your vet. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination — this establishes a verifiable chain linking the animal to its vaccination record.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months before. If your pet’s rabies vaccine is current but was given more than a year ago, you may need a booster to show the 12-month window. Puppies and kittens under 3 months old are exempt from the rabies requirement but have additional restrictions — check with ICA directly.

3. International Health Certificate (USDA or Equivalent)

This is the critical document and the one with the tightest timeline. You need an international health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel. In the US, this is the APHIS 7001 form.

The process works like this:

1. Your regular vet performs a health examination and fills out the health certificate, confirming your pet is healthy and free of visible parasites and contagious diseases.
2. That certificate must then be endorsed by your country’s federal veterinary authority. In the US, this is the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. You submit the vet-signed certificate to your local APHIS office (or use the VEHCS electronic system) for federal endorsement.
3. APHIS reviews and stamps the certificate. This typically takes 1-3 business days by mail, or same-day if you go in person to an APHIS office.

The 10-day window is tight. Plan your vet visit accordingly. If your flight gets delayed or rescheduled beyond the 10-day window, you may need to start over with a new health exam and endorsement.

4. Parasite Treatment

Your pet should be treated for internal and external parasites within 30 days of travel. This is not always explicitly listed as a separate ICA requirement, but it is part of what the health certificate covers, and it can be checked at import inspection. Have your vet note the treatment on the health certificate.

5. Additional Vaccinations (Dogs)

Beyond rabies, dogs should be current on distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. Cats should be current on feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. These are standard pet vaccinations and are part of the health check your vet performs.

6. ICA Import Permit

As of 2026, ICA requires an online registration for animal imports. This is done through the ICA website (ica.gov.co) or their SISPAP system. You register your pet, upload your documentation, and receive an import authorization. Do this at least 2 weeks before travel. The registration is free but the system can be slow and is entirely in Spanish.

At the Airport in Colombia

When you arrive in Colombia with your pet, you will go through ICA inspection at the airport. This happens before you clear regular customs. The inspector will:

• Check your health certificate and rabies vaccination record
• Verify the microchip number matches your documents (they have a scanner)
• Visually inspect your pet for signs of illness
• Stamp your paperwork and issue an entry authorization

This process usually takes 15-30 minutes. At Bogota’s El Dorado airport, there is a dedicated ICA office in the arrivals area. Medellin’s Jose Maria Cordova airport also has ICA inspection, though with fewer staff. Smaller airports may require advance coordination with ICA.

ICA charges a small inspection fee — typically around 50,000-100,000 COP ($14-$28). Have Colombian pesos or a card ready.

Airline Policies: Cabin vs. Cargo

This is where things get complicated because every airline has different rules, and those rules change frequently. Here is where things stood as of early 2026:

In-Cabin (Under the Seat)

Most airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin if the pet and carrier combined weigh under a certain limit (typically 8-10 kg / 17-22 lbs including the carrier).

• Avianca: Allows pets in cabin on most routes. Combined weight limit of 8 kg. Soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat (approximately 40x30x20 cm). Fee is typically $100-$150 USD per direction. Book the pet well in advance — there is a limit per flight.
• LATAM: Allows cabin pets on many routes. Similar weight and size restrictions. Fee around $100-$200 depending on route.
• Copa: Allows cabin pets. 8 kg combined weight limit. Fee varies by route, typically $100-$150.
• American Airlines: Allows cabin pets on flights to Colombia. 9 kg combined limit. Fee is $125 each way. Carrier must fit under the seat (approximately 44x30x19 cm).
• JetBlue: If flying through Fort Lauderdale or JFK to Colombia, allows cabin pets under 9 kg. $125 fee.
• Spirit: Allows small pets in cabin. $125 fee. More restrictive carrier dimensions.

Important: Always call the airline directly to confirm current pet policies and reserve a spot. Do not rely on website information alone — policies change and there are per-flight limits on the number of pets allowed in cabin.

Cargo (Checked or Manifest)

For larger dogs that cannot fly in cabin, cargo is the option. This is more stressful for the pet and more expensive.

• Cargo fees range from $200-$500+ depending on the dog’s size, crate dimensions, and airline.
• The crate must be IATA-approved: hard-sided, large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, with food and water dishes attached to the door.
• Temperature restrictions apply. Most airlines will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures at the departure or arrival airport are below 7C (45F) or above 29C (85F). This can be an issue with early morning flights from Bogota.
• Some airlines will not fly brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) in cargo due to respiratory risks. Check breed restrictions with your airline.

Pet Shipping Services

If the logistics feel overwhelming, companies like PetRelocation, Air Animal, and Happy Tails specialize in international pet transport. They handle all paperwork, coordinate with airlines, and manage the logistics. Cost is significant — expect $1,500-$4,000 depending on your pet’s size and origin city — but they take the stress out of the process.

Total Costs: What to Budget

Here is a realistic cost breakdown for bringing one medium-sized dog from the US to Colombia:

Item	Cost (USD)
Vet visit + health certificate	$75-$200
USDA APHIS endorsement	$38 (standard fee)
Rabies titer test (if needed)	$50-$150
Updated vaccinations (if needed)	$50-$150
Airline cabin fee	$100-$150
Airline cargo fee (large dogs)	$200-$500
IATA-approved crate (cargo)	$75-$300
ICA inspection fee on arrival	$14-$28
Miscellaneous (comfort items, sedation consult)	$25-$75
Total (cabin, small pet)	$200-$450
Total (cargo, large dog)	$500-$1,200

If using a pet shipping service, add $1,000-$3,000 on top.

Finding a Vet in Colombia

Once you arrive, you will need a local vet for ongoing care. The veterinary system in Colombia is generally good in major cities, and significantly cheaper than the US.

A routine vet visit typically costs 40,000-80,000 COP ($11-$22). Vaccinations run 30,000-60,000 COP ($8-$17) each. Spaying/neutering costs 150,000-400,000 COP ($42-$111) depending on the animal’s size and the clinic.

To find a vet:

• Ask in expat groups. Recommendations from other pet owners are the most reliable.
• Look for clinics with “sede” (location) in your neighborhood. Vet clinics are plentiful in Colombian cities.
• Consider a vet that speaks some English for your first visits if your Spanish is limited. In Medellin and Bogota, several clinics cater to the expat community.
• Emergency vet clinics exist in major cities (look for “clinica veterinaria 24 horas”). Save one in your phone before you need it.

Quality varies. The better clinics in Medellin and Bogota have modern equipment, trained specialists, and standards comparable to US vet practices. Smaller neighborhood clinics may be more basic but perfectly adequate for routine care.

Pet-Friendly Housing: The Hard Part

Here is the reality that catches many pet owners off guard: finding pet-friendly rental housing in Colombia is harder than you expect.

Many landlords in Colombia do not allow pets, period. This is especially true for apartments in buildings with shared spaces — the building rules (reglamento de propiedad horizontal) often prohibit pets or restrict them by size.

Tips for finding pet-friendly housing:

• Ask about pets before you visit. Do not waste time looking at apartments where pets are not allowed. When searching on FincaRaiz or Metrocuadrado, filter for “se permiten mascotas” (pets allowed).
• Houses are easier than apartments. If you can rent a small house (casa) instead of an apartment, pet restrictions are less common.
• Expect to pay more. Some landlords charge a higher deposit or monthly pet surcharge for tenants with animals.
• Smaller pets are easier. A cat or a small dog under 10 kg faces far fewer restrictions than a large breed.
• Some breeds face specific restrictions. Colombia has a list of “potentially dangerous breeds” (including pit bulls, rottweilers, American Staffordshire terriers, and others) that face additional regulations. Owners of these breeds must register the dog with local authorities and maintain liability insurance. Some buildings ban these breeds entirely.

Pet Medications and Supplies

Most common pet medications are available in Colombia, often without prescription and at lower costs than the US. Flea and tick treatments (Frontline, NexGard equivalents), heartworm prevention, and basic medications are stocked at veterinary pharmacies (droguerias veterinarias).

However, some specific brands or formulations may not be available. If your pet takes a specialty medication, bring a 3-6 month supply with you and research local alternatives with your new vet.

Pet food is widely available. International brands like Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet, and Pro Plan are sold at Pet City, Alkosto, and other retailers. Expect to pay similar or slightly higher prices than the US — a 15kg bag of premium dog food runs 180,000-300,000 COP ($50-$83).

The Adjustment Period

Your pet will need time to adjust, just like you. The climate change (especially if moving from a cold climate to warmer temperatures), new environment, travel stress, and disrupted routine can affect your pet’s behavior and health for the first few weeks.

Keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible. Bring familiar items — their bed, favorite toy, regular food (at least a week’s supply of their current food to transition gradually to whatever is available locally).

Walk your dog during cooler hours (early morning and evening) if you are in a warm city like Medellin, Cali, or Santa Marta. Bogota’s cooler climate is actually easier on most dogs.

Colombia is generally a dog-friendly country. You will see dogs everywhere — in parks, on sidewalks, riding on motorcycles. Colombians generally love dogs. But leash laws exist and are increasingly enforced in cities. Always leash your dog in public spaces.

The effort of bringing your pet is significant. The paperwork is tedious. The flights are stressful. But once you are settled, having your pet with you makes Colombia feel like home much faster than it otherwise would. And that is worth the hassle.