How to travel to Panama with my Pet

In 2016, according to a global GfK study, carried out in 22 countries, 56% of the world population lives with at least one pet. With globalization, the need or the will to live in other countries is more and more frequent. And when we move to another country, the pet has to come with us like any other member of the family. But the concern arises, how to travel with them? What are the regulations? And above all, if there is an obligation for a strict quarantine? Below, we give you all the necessary information in case you need to bring your pet to Panama.

INFORMATION TO INTRODUCE MINOR ANIMALS TO THE COUNTRY (DOGS AND CATS)

Panama considers canines and felines as “minor animals capable of transmitting rabies” and stipulates that they can only be entered into the country, by Panama City, Tocumen and Paso Canoas, fulfilling certain requirements and following a procedure for processing the quarantine.

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I. REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED FOR EACH PET:

Panama requires that the pet owner present the following documents:

A. Certificate of Animal Health for the Export of Small Species issued by the Health Authority of the country of origin, where it is established that the animal is in good health and the rabies vaccine is in force in dogs and cats older than 4 months.

B. The Certificate of Animal Health for the Export of Small Species must be authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate of the country of origin and be within the period of validity.

In said “EXPORT CERTIFICATE” the following must be evidenced:

1. That pets (dogs / cats) have been clinically examined and are in good health.
2. That pets (dogs / cats) prior to shipment have been treated with immunogens (vaccines), as follows:

• Canines: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus.
• Felines: Rabies, Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Feline calicivirus, Feline panleukopenia.
• The rabies vaccine for canines, felines, has been applied from three (3) months of age, thirty days prior to the trip.
• Indicate vaccination date, brand, lot and expiration date.
• Indicate the endo and ectoparasitic treatments carried out prior to shipment.

 

II. PROCEDURE FOR THE PROCESSING OF THE HOME QUARANTINE.

Panama allows pets to quarantine at the owner’s address by following the following process:

1. Notify the arrival of the pet in the country 3 (working) days before, filling out the “Request for Home Quarantine” form.
   It must be completed and returned via email to the following addresses: [email protected]; [email protected]

Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, the owner will have to go to two offices:

1. Office of Executive Direction of Agricultural Quarantine-Ministry of Agricultural Development.
2. Zoonosis Control Department-Ministry of Health Office.

When the pet arrives at the airport, the pet’s documents will be delivered to the Veterinary Doctor of the Zoonosis Control Department who will verify the corresponding documentation.

• If the required requirements are met, the pet will be delivered to the responsible person. If it does not comply, it will be returned to its country of origin using the services of the airline used when arriving in the country.
• The cost for home quarantine is B / .130.00 dollars, per animal and must be paid in cash.
  B / 6.00 dollars must be paid for the Import Phytosanitary License, one (1) per animal and in cash.
• You must pay B / 10.00 dollars per species for veterinary inspection.
• When the pet is required to remain in quarantine custody, a cost of care of B / 3.50 per day payable to the Ministry of Agricultural Development is included.

It is important to emphasize that the office hours at the Tocumen airport are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. at 11:00 p.m. Therefore, pets that arrive on weekends or on holidays will remain in the airport poles until the next business day. Therefore it is important to carefully organize your trip to avoid this situation.

To conclude, bringing your pet, dog or cat, to Panama is a standard procedure and the possibility of quarantining at home is an advantage. We advise you to start the process by talking to your veterinary doctor who will provide you with the appropriate documents and will explain in detail the process that may vary from country to country.