Moving to Peru with your pets
If you are planning to relocate to Peru, this probably means relocating all of your family – including your four-legged family members. If you're wondering whether your pet can accompany you, the answer is probably yes, provided it complies with some conditions and requirements.
In general, pets are quite welcome to Peru, particularly dogs and cats. Conditions regarding the import of other species such as birds, reptiles, invertebrates, etc, are different. Therefore, it is best to be aware of these conditions well before proceeding.
Conditions for importing pets
Traveling to Peru with a cat or a dog is rather simple in most cases. Once they arrive in the country, you simply have to produce the health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian at least a week before the scheduled travel date, as well as your pet's passport and the export certificate issued in your home country.
For dogs, proof of the following vaccinations are required: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parovirus. For your cat, the vaccinations include Feline Vioral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). For kittens and puppies that are less than three months old, they must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before their scheduled arrival in the country. Peru does not currently require microchipping of pets.
In addition, pets may be examined by a local veterinarian service on its arrival into Peru, in order to determine whether it can be allowed into the country. In case your pet is presenting symptoms of any disease, it will have to undergo further medical examinations with a local veterinarian that has been approved by Peruvian authorities. Your pet may be placed in quarantine during this process. Related fees will then be your responsibility.
Other pets
To import other types of pets, such as birds, rodents, primates, reptiles and other invertebrates, you must seek the authorization of the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA). The application form can be downloaded from its website. Once you have duly filled and signed the form, you have to send it back to the SENASA, and await approval before proceeding.
Logistics of importing pets
When considering bringing your pet to Peru, their comfort and well-being during the move will be a big priority. The logistics of the journey will depend on where you're travelling from and the airline you'll be using. Some airlines allow pets (up to a certain size) to travel with their owners in the cabin, as long as they are in cabin-approved pet carriers that can fit under the seat in front of you. This is the easiest option, as you'll be able to keep your pet with you and check on their well-being.
For larger pets, this is usually not an option, and these pets have to travel in the hold. It's best to contact the airline in advance to check their policies and any costs involved in transporting a pet. If you will be in transit, ask about whether you'll be able to check in on your pet. You'll also need to think about providing enough food and water in dispensers if your pet must travel in the cargo hold.
Quarantine
In case your pet does not meet requirements that have been set by Peruvian authorities, it may be quarantined in a shelter that has been approved by the SENASA. Fees applied will be your responsibility. There are agents that you can hire to assist with the paperwork to ensure that this process is kept to a minimum and you're quickly reunited with your four-legged friend.
Useful links:
SENASA ' Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria
SENASA ' Pet import application form
