Traveling with Pets to Panama

Update: For the transportation of dogs specifically, Resolution No. ADM-DSA-073-2023 of May 17, 2023 was issued , which dictates the new requirements and procedures that must be taken into account. .

Any traveler who wishes to bring their pet to the Republic of Panama may do so, as long as they comply with the requirements established by Law 23 of July 15, 1997, a law that empowers the Ministry of Agricultural Development to regulate this issue. 

All owners who bring their pets (dogs and cats) into Panamanian territory must provide the following documentation:

1. Vaccination Certificate (Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis)

1. Certificate of good health issued by the treating veterinarian

Both documents must be authenticated by the Consul of Panama in the country of origin or marked with the apostille.

The pet owner must notify, three (3) days in advance, the arrival of the pet, using a form called “Home Quarantine Request.” This form can be obtained by clicking  here .

Upon arrival at the Tocumen International Airport, the traveler must present the documentation described above to a representative of the Ministry of Health, in the offices located in the customs area. There you must pay the following:

1. US$130.00 for each animal, which corresponds to the cost of the home quarantine process. This payment must be in cash.
2. US$1.00 for the License Application Form.
3. US$5.00 for the Phytozoosanitary License.
4. US$10.00 for the Veterinary Inspection.

It is the duty of transportation companies, whether land, sea or air, to demand from interested parties (pet owners) all the requirements established by the Ministry of Agricultural Development. If they do not comply with this requirement, transport companies will be fined. These fines vary between US$100.00 and US$100,000.00, depending on the severity of the offence, the damage caused, aggravating or mitigating of the infraction, social and economic repercussion, as well as the offender’s recidivism.