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When I first started planning a trip to Colombia, I wasn’t sure if bringing my dog Puglo was going to be possible. I scoured the internet, joined expat Facebook groups, and messaged other travelers, only to find conflicting advice and half-answered questions. But after going through the entire process myself, I can confidently say: yes, you absolutely can take your dog to Colombia.
I spent a month living in Medellín with Puglo and then traveled around the country together, exploring everything the peaceful towns in the coffee region. Along the way, I figured out how to navigate Colombia’s pet import process, vet visits, airports, and local pet culture, all while learning which spots were dog-friendly.
This guide is everything I wish I had before making the trip. Whether you’re visiting short-term or planning a full relocation, I’ll walk you through exactly how to bring your dog to Colombia, step by step, so you can focus less on red tape and more on the adventure ahead.
Planning a trip with your dog and feeling overwhelmed by the rules? I’ve been there, and now I help make it easier. Whether you’re relocating or just traveling abroad with your pup, my Dog Travel Academy gives you a clear, personalized plan so you can travel stress-free. No confusing government websites, no missed documents – just everything you need to move forward with confidence.
How to Bring your Dog to Colombia
Step 1: Get Authorization from ICA (Colombia’s Agricultural Institute)
Before entering Colombia with your dog, the very first step is to request authorization for an import permit from ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario), which is the government agency that handles animal imports.
This is done by registering in the ICA system and submitting a request for a Sanitary Inspection Certificate (Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria – CIS). Here’s how to do it:
Register as a User on the ICA Portal
Visit the official ICA site: ICA Registration & CIS Application and follow the link to register as a user. You’ll get your username and password via email, which you need to access the Sanitary Information System for the Import and Export of Agricultural and Livestock Products (SISPAP).
If the system says you’re already registered or shows an error, you need to contact ICA directly at: [email protected]
Log Into SISPAP & Apply for CIS
- With your ICA username and password, head to the SISPAP portal:
- Inside SISPAP, select “Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria (CIS)” and begin the application.
- Add your pet’s details and make the payment
Print Your CIS Request and Payment Receipt
Once your application is complete:
- Print the CIS request form
- Print the proof of payment (you’ll pay the inspection fee upon arrival in Colombia—around $12 USD)
You’ll need to show both these documents when you arrive in Colombia, so keep them handy with your dog’s health records.
Step 2: Get a Veterinary-Endorsed Health Certificate From Your Departure Country
To bring your dog into Colombia, you’ll need a veterinary health certificate issued in the country you’re flying from. This certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian, officially endorsed by the national animal health authority, and issued within 10 days of your arrival in Colombia.
When I flew from Buenos Aires to Bogotá with Puglo, I started the process by booking an appointment with my vet about a week before our flight. She gave Puglo a full exam, confirmed he was healthy to fly, and made sure his vaccines and parasite treatments were up to date. This is important, the certificate is only valid if your dog is current on all required vaccinations.
For dogs, that includes:
- Rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel)
- Distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
- Parvovirus
- Coronavirus
- Parainfluenza
Your dog must also be treated for both internal and external parasites (like worms, fleas, and ticks) within 60 days of travel. All of this must be noted on the certificate, along with details like your dog’s age, breed, sex, color, and microchip number if applicable.
Once my vet completed the paperwork, I brought it to Argentina’s national authority for export endorsement (Senasa). They reviewed and stamped the document, which made it officially valid for international travel. Without this endorsement, Colombia’s ICA will not accept the certificate, so don’t skip this step.
If you’re flying from the U.S., the process is a bit different. You’ll need to visit a USDA-accredited vet, who will complete the international certificate. That certificate must then be endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, either online through the VEHCS system or by mailing it to a USDA office. It’s important to time this carefully, both the vet visit and USDA endorsement must happen within 10 days of your departure. You can read the full USDA guidelines for taking pets to Colombia here.
For Canadians, you’ll follow a similar process using the trilingual animal health certificate, which must be signed by your vet and then endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). You can find the CFIA’s pet travel instructions here.
It’s best to give yourself at least two weeks in advance to get everything done on time.
Step 3: Arriving in Colombia with Your Dog
Once you land in Colombia, the final step is getting through pet inspection with ICA. This part was actually smoother than I expected, as long as you’ve got your documents ready and printed.
After getting off the plane, collect your luggage as usual. Then, instead of heading straight for the exit, you’ll need to find the ICA office at the airport. It’s usually located near customs or in the international arrivals area. If you don’t see signage, ask an airport staff member to direct you.
At the ICA desk, the inspector will ask for all the original documents and a small payment (around $12 USD). They’ll do a brief inspection of your pet to confirm they’re in good health and match the documents. Puglo was a little tired from the flight, but they were kind and gentle with him.
If your documents are incomplete, expired, or missing information, ICA has the right to deny entry to your pet. In these rare cases, they may place your dog in temporary quarantine, require additional paperwork, or in worst-case scenarios, refuse entry altogether, which could mean your pet is sent back to the country of origin at your expense. This is why it’s so important to double-check every document before you fly.
Also, Colombia has breed restrictions in place. Breeds that are considered “potentially dangerous” may be denied entry or require additional approval include:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Doberman
- Argentina/Brazilian Mastiff
- Bull Terrier
- Any dog considered a mix of these breeds
If you’re traveling with one of these breeds (or a dog that resembles them), I recommend contacting ICA well in advance to find out what’s required or if travel is permitted.
Once payment is made and your documents are cleared, they’ll issue the final Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria (CIS)and you’re free to go. From there, you can exit the airport and start your Colombian adventure with your dog!
Returning to the U.S. After Visiting Colombia
If you’re planning to return to the U.S. after traveling to Colombia with your dog, you need to be aware of the updated CDC rules. Colombia is considered a high-risk country for dog rabies, which means reentry into the United States comes with stricter requirements—especially if your dog was vaccinated outside the U.S.
If your dog received their rabies vaccine in the U.S., you’ll need to bring proof of that along with a USDA-endorsed certificate to show the vaccination is valid. If your dog was vaccinated abroad, you’ll need even more documentation, like a rabies titer test and a reservation at a CDC-approved entry facility. In some cases, dogs without the right paperwork may be quarantined or even denied entry.
To avoid issues, it’s a good idea to get a USDA-endorsed rabies certificate before leaving the U.S., or to have a titer test done while you’re abroad if you know you’ll be heading back. The rules are complicated and still evolving, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time.
This wasn’t an issue for me personally because we were traveling to Mexico, which is much more relaxed. As long as I had Puglo’s vaccination records, we were good to go. But if your end destination is the U.S., it’s definitely something to plan for before your trip.
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Is Colombia Dog-Friendly?
Overall, yes—Colombia is very dog-friendly, especially in bigger cities like Medellín. I lived in the El Poblado neighborhood for a month with my dog Puglo in a beautiful 20th-floor apartment overlooking the city. Many apartment rentals allow pets, and the easiest way to find them is by using the pet-friendly filter on Airbnb or Booking.com.
That said, El Poblado isn’t perfect. One thing I didn’t love was the lack of green space. It’s a busy, urban area with lots of traffic and not many parks within walking distance. I ended up going often to Parque UVA El Tesoro, a beautiful park overlooking the city where many people bring their dogs. Next time, though, I’d stay in Laureles instead. That neighborhood feels more residential, has wider sidewalks, and a bit more nature woven into the daily routine.
If you’re into hiking, Colombia is an amazing place to explore with a dog. Medellín is surrounded by lush, jungle-covered mountains, and there are trails just outside the city that are perfect for adventurous pups. I definitely recommend joining local Facebook or WhatsApp hiking groups if you plan to go—it’s not always safe to hike alone, especially in more remote areas.
One of my favorite spots was Parque Arví, a huge nature reserve just outside Medellín. While dogs are allowed in the park itself, only service dogs are permitted on the cable cars. If you’re going without a car, Ubers are usually fine with dogs in Medellín, you just need to message the driver ahead of time to confirm.
When it comes to daily life, I had no issues bringing Puglo along with me. Cafés and casual restaurants were usually welcoming, especially outdoor patios. We went to Pergamino Café often and were always greeted with smiles—even the baristas would bring out a little bowl of water for him. Colombia has a very warm and friendly culture, and that extends to dogs, especially in places like Medellín, where pets are common among both locals and expats.
We even joined a couple of walking tours, one downtown and another in Comuna 13, and both guides were happy to have Puglo tag along. The street art in Comuna 13 was incredible, and he handled the crowds and music like a pro. I also took him on a day trip to Guatapé, and we stayed in a beautiful pet-friendly cabin overlooking the lake.
Surprisingly, I was able to bring him into shopping malls, too. There are plenty of pet stores, vets, and doggy daycares in Medellín. We even celebrated Puglo’s first birthday there, and I found him a dog-friendly birthday cake. If you’re planning an extended stay in the city, I recommend joining the Medellin Expat Dog Owners Facebook group, it’s a great way to find trusted recommendations for vets, parks, grooming, and more.
One of the highlights of our time in Colombia was taking a trip to Jardín, a charming town in the heart of the coffee region. It was such a peaceful and scenic place to explore with a dog. The hikes around Jardín were stunning—lush hills, waterfalls, and coffee farms as far as the eye could see. It was the kind of place where you can spend the day hiking in nature and then unwind in a cozy café in the main square, dog at your feet. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
FAQ: Can I Bring My Dog to Colombia?
Can you bring your dog to Colombia?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Colombia as long as you meet the entry requirements, including authorization from ICA, a recent veterinary health certificate, and proof of vaccinations.
What shots do dogs need to fly to Colombia?
Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies (administered at least 21 days before travel), distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, coronavirus, and parainfluenza.
Can I fly internationally with a dog?
Yes, many international airlines allow dogs in cabin or as cargo, but policies, crate requirements, and fees vary by airline—always check directly with the carrier.
Is Colombia a high risk country for rabies?
Yes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Colombia is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies, which means stricter reentry requirements apply if you plan to return to the United States with your dog.
Can I take my service dog to Colombia?
Yes, service dogs are allowed to enter Colombia with proper documentation. They follow the same rules as any dog entering Colombia.
Does Latam allow dogs?
Yes, LATAM allows small dogs in the cabin and larger dogs in the cargo hold, depending on the route and aircraft; reservations must be made in advance.
How much does it cost to fly with a dog?
Costs typically range from $100 to $300 USD each way, depending on the airline, whether your dog flies in cabin or cargo, and the departure country.
Need help traveling with your dog? my Dog Travel Academy gives you a clear, personalized plan so you can travel stress-free.
Final Thoughts: Bringing a Dog to Colombia
Bringing your dog to Colombia definitely takes some prep work, but it’s absolutely doable, and so worth it. Once you’ve sorted out the paperwork, vaccinations, and ICA registration, the rest of the journey is manageable with a little planning.
Traveling with Puglo through Medellín and Jardín was one of the highlights of our time in South America. The people were warm, the landscapes were stunning, and I felt welcomed everywhere we went.
If you’re someone who loves to travel and doesn’t want to leave your dog behind, Colombia can be a great destination. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to organize the health documents and understand the reentry requirements if you plan to return to the U.S. And once you’re here? Enjoy it. Hike the mountains, sip coffee in a sunny plaza, and soak up all the moments with your dog.
More Dog Travel Guides
If you are mapping out more adventures with your pup, these guides pair well with a Colombia trip: how to travel with a dog internationally, bringing a dog to Panama, my dog-friendly Peru itinerary, airlines that allow large dogs in cabin, the dog rabies titer test, my packing list for traveling with a dog, the Aeromexico pet policy, flying with a pug, dog-friendly cruises, the best dogs for travel.
