Relocating to Chile with your pet

Health certificate

For those coming from the USA, the USDA has the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which provides a health certificate that must be signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. Here is a link to that website that offers rules for all animals and a pdf copy of the health certificate. APHIS's counterpart in Chile is Servicio Agricola Ganadero (SAG).

The certificate must be issued within ten days of the flight and state that pets show no clinical sign of disease. Although no consulate endorsement is needed, the document must be written in or translated into Spanish and must contain:

• Owner's name and address
• Animal's data: breed, sex, date of birth, size, colour and distinctive markings
• Country of origin and transit points (if applicable)

Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days and up to 12 months before entering Chile. Alternatively, you must provide a rabies titer test proving that your pet's rabies antibody level is above 0.5 IU/ml. 

The Public Health Service currently lists Chile as a country that has rabies, though the WHO website states that Chile has eliminated rabies in dogs. Most cases of rabies in Chile are with bats.

Finally, tick and tapeworm treatment administered by a licensed veterinarian is required within 30 days of entering Chile. 

You don't need a microchip or any special import permits for personal pets like cats and dogs. However, once in Chile, you will need to comply with what is locally known as the ley Cholito. This means your pet needs to have a microchip implanted and registered, and you are responsible for the care and actions of the pet while in the country. 

Unusual pets in Chile

As of 2006, Chile has banned the importation of pet birds according to the USDA. Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination, but they may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Chile. 

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case.

Airline travel to Chile with a pet

Airline requirements can vary greatly, but here are some general rules. To find out any specific transportation requirements, you need to contact the airline you will use. In general, you should choose an appropriate carrier that is clearly labelled with your identification information. Some airlines allow lap pets in the cabin so choose a soft carrier that can fit under the seat. The price of the ticket is based on the size of the airline, so make sure your pet has room to stand up, turn around, and lie down.

As the biggest airline in the world, American Airlines is also one of the most pet-friendly. For long-haul flights, pets must be checked as cargo to ensure they are adequately cared for while flying long distances. Fees tend to vary depending on your flight and the size of your pet. This airline has dozens of positive reviews when it comes to travelling with pets, so the price is worth it. Pet tickets vary between USD 100-200. Here is the link to the American Airlines website which gives their rules and regulations for pet travel.

 Useful links:

USDA/APHIS
American Airlines Pet Travel
Servicio Agricola Ganadero (SAG)