Bringing Pets to Colombia 2026: Dogs and Cats — ICA Requirements, Health Certificate Timing, Microchip Rules, and Airline Policies

When Amy — a British veterinary nurse who moved to Medellín with her two cats, Finn and Mabel — began researching what it would take to bring them from London, she found conflicting information across four different websites. One said 10 days quarantine. Another said no quarantine. A third said she needed an apostille on the vet certificate. A fourth said apostilles weren't recognized by Colombian authorities for veterinary documents. After three weeks of research and a consultation with ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario — Colombia's agricultural authority), the picture became clear: there is no quarantine for dogs and cats entering Colombia from most countries. There is an apostille requirement for the health certificate — but the apostille goes on the Colombian import form, not the foreign vet certificate. And the key document — the Certificado Zoosanitario Internacional — must be issued within 10 days of travel. Finn and Mabel entered Colombia without incident. Mabel got carsick on the taxi to El Poblado. That was the only health event.

Step 1: Microchip — The Non-Negotiable First Requirement

Before any other document, your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted — a 15-digit identification chip readable by universal scanners. If your pet already has a microchip, verify it is the ISO standard (not the older 9-digit chips used in some older US pets). If it needs a new chip, any licensed veterinarian can implant it — cost approximately COP 50,000–100,000 in Colombia, or equivalent in your home country. The microchip number must match exactly across all documents: the health certificate, the rabies vaccination record, and the ICA import form. A single-digit discrepancy has held animals at the airport.

Step 2: Vaccinations — What Must Be Up to Date

For dogs: Rabies vaccine (required, must be administered at least 30 days before travel and not more than 12 months before — check your specific certificate for validity period), Distemper/Parvovirus/Hepatitis/Leptospirosis (DHPL or equivalent combination), and Bordetella (kennel cough). For cats: Rabies vaccine (same timing requirements as dogs), Panleukopenia/Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus (FVRCP or equivalent). The ICA requires that all vaccines be administered by a licensed veterinarian and documented with the vaccine brand, batch number, and date. Generic entries like "vaccines current" are insufficient — the ICA inspector will check specific brands and batch numbers against the certificate.

Step 3: The Certificado Zoosanitario Internacional (Health Certificate)

This is the central document — the Certificado Zoosanitario Internacional must be issued by an official veterinarian (a government-authorized veterinarian, not just any private vet) within 10 days before the travel date. After 10 days, the certificate is invalid. The certificate must include: animal's species, breed, sex, age, weight, color, microchip number, owner's full name and address (Colombia destination address), complete vaccination history with dates and batch numbers, statement that the animal is clinically healthy and free of visible signs of disease, and the official veterinarian's stamp, license number, and signature. In the UK: the official veterinarian is called an OV (Official Veterinarian) — find one through your local vet or the APHA. In the US: the USDA-accredited veterinarian issues the health certificate, then it must be endorsed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) — this endorsement takes 1–3 business days.

Step 4: Airline Requirements — Cabin vs. Cargo

Airline rules vary significantly and change frequently — always confirm directly with your airline, not from this or any other guide.

• Cabin travel (under seat): generally permitted for cats and small dogs (combined pet + carrier weight typically under 8–10 kg) on most airlines. Carrier dimensions must fit under the seat (typically 55×40×20 cm max). An in-cabin pet counts as one carry-on item. Cost: USD 75–200 per segment depending on airline.
• Cargo hold (checked cargo / excess baggage): for larger dogs. Temperature-controlled hold required. IATA-approved hard-sided carrier required. The ICA inspection at Bogotá El Dorado happens at the cargo animal collection area, not at the passenger arrival hall.
• Avianca, LATAM, Copa, Air France, Iberia, KLM all permit pets but have different weight limits, carrier requirements, and route restrictions — some routes prohibit live animals. Book the pet at the same time as your own ticket; space is limited (typically 2–4 pets per aircraft).

Step 5: ICA Inspection at Colombian Airport

When you land in Colombia, you must go to the ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) checkpoint — located in the arrivals area of El Dorado (Bogotá), José María Córdova (Medellín), and other international airports. Present: the original Certificado Zoosanitario Internacional, vaccination booklet/records, and your passport. The ICA inspector will scan the microchip to verify it matches the certificate number. The inspection typically takes 15–30 minutes if documents are complete. ICA will issue an entry permit stamp on the certificate. Bring enough copies of all documents — ICA keeps one set. Cost: ICA inspection fee approximately COP 50,000–100,000 (set by official tariff).

After Arrival: Veterinary Registration and Pet Import Permit

Once in Colombia, register your pet with a local veterinarian within the first weeks. Colombian vets can: update the microchip record in the national registry (ARCA — Animales de Registro Colombia), administer any missing booster vaccines per Colombian schedule, and issue a Colombian pet ID card. For your Art. 11 plan and expat documentation: having pet health documentation in order is not directly linked to your visa status, but having a local vet relationship matters when you need emergency care. Emergency veterinary care in Colombia for pets can be covered under some expat insurance riders — ask CoVisas about options when discussing your Art. 11 plan configuration.