Brazil Pet Import Guide

Shipping a Pet to Brazil from the United States

Brazil enforces pet import regulations administered by MAPA (Ministerio da Agricultura, Pecuaria e Abastecimento) and inspected on arrival by VIGIAGRO -- the Brazilian federal agricultural surveillance service. Dogs and cats entering Brazil from the United States must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a MAPA-compliant USDA-endorsed health certificate. An official import permit is required and must be secured before the health certificate is finalized.

The Pet Porters manage the complete Brazil relocation process -- from microchip verification and vaccination coordination through MAPA import permit application, USDA health certificate endorsement, and airline cargo booking. Preparation timelines typically run 6-10 weeks depending on permit processing time.

If you plan to return to the United States from Brazil with your pet, additional USDA screwworm inspection requirements apply and must be planned before you depart the US. Contact us before beginning preparation if a return trip is part of your plans.

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Brazil Pet Import At a Glance
  • ISO microchip (strongly recommended, required by most airlines)
  • Valid rabies vaccination (30+ days before travel)
  • Core vaccinations for dogs and cats
  • MAPA import permit (before health certificate)
  • USDA-endorsed health certificate (within 10 days)
  • Parasite treatments documented on certificate
  • No titer test required
  • No mandatory quarantine if compliant
6-10
Weeks prep
No
Titer test
No
Quarantine*

*If all MAPA requirements are fully met

Critical -- If You Plan to Return to the USA: Brazil is classified by the USDA as a high-risk country for screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). Dogs and cats returning from Brazil to the United States must complete USDA-required screwworm inspection and treatment before re-entry is permitted. This process must be arranged in advance and cannot be done at the last minute. If a return to the US is part of your plans, contact us before beginning preparation -- we will plan both legs of the journey from the start.
Import Permit Lead Time: The MAPA import permit is the most time-sensitive step in the Brazil relocation process. Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks and must be secured before your health certificate can be issued. Apply for the permit as soon as your move date is confirmed -- do not wait for vaccinations to be completed first.

Planning Timeline

Brazil Pet Transport Timeline

The MAPA import permit processing window is the primary driver of the Brazil timeline. Start the permit application as early as possible -- it runs in parallel with vaccination preparation.

Pet Has Current Vaccinations

If your pet has a current ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and up-to-date core vaccines, the timeline focuses on the import permit and health certificate.

  • 8 Wk.Apply for MAPA import permit immediately
  • 4-5 Wk.Permit issued and confirmed
  • 10 DaysHealth certificate from USDA-accredited vet
  • ASAPUSDA APHIS endorsement submitted
  • TravelPet departs -- VIGIAGRO inspection on arrival
Pet Needs Vaccinations Updated

If your pet needs vaccination updates, run the permit application and vaccination preparation concurrently -- don't wait for one to finish before starting the other.

  • 10 Wk.ISO microchip implanted (if needed)
  • 10 Wk.Rabies + core vaccines administered
  • 8 Wk.MAPA import permit application submitted (simultaneously)
  • 4-5 Wk.Permit issued and confirmed
  • 10 DaysHealth certificate + USDA APHIS endorsement
  • TravelPet departs -- VIGIAGRO inspection on arrival

Step-by-Step Requirements

Brazil Pet Import Requirements -- In the Correct Sequence

Each step must be completed correctly. The import permit must be in hand before the health certificate is issued. Documentation errors on arrival result in your pet being held by VIGIAGRO authorities.

1
ISO Microchip Strongly Recommended

While Brazil does not have a strict federal microchip mandate for entry in all cases, an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip is required by most airlines operating cargo routes to Brazil and is strongly recommended for all international travel. The microchip must be implanted before vaccination to ensure it appears correctly on all documentation.

The microchip number must match identically across every document in the import file. At every veterinary visit, have the chip scanned and confirm the number is recorded correctly. If your pet has an older non-ISO chip, a second ISO-compliant chip should be implanted before the vaccination and permit process begins.

Do This First Implant the ISO microchip before the rabies vaccination. Required by all major airlines regardless of Brazilian federal requirements.
2
Rabies Vaccination 30+ Days Before Travel

All dogs and cats entering Brazil must have a valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping. The vaccination must be given at least 30 days before travel and must remain current and valid at the time of arrival.

  • Must be administered after the ISO microchip is implanted
  • Must be given at least 30 days before departure
  • Must be current and valid at the time of arrival in Brazil
  • Must be documented with vaccine name, manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date
  • Pets younger than 3 months are typically not eligible for international travel due to age restrictions on rabies vaccination
Valid at Arrival Confirm the vaccination will remain valid on your arrival date in Brazil -- not just when the health certificate is issued. An expired vaccine at the border means your pet will be held.
3
Core Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

In addition to rabies, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against common infectious diseases. All vaccinations must be current at the time of travel and documented with product name, batch number, and expiration dates.

Dogs -- Core Vaccinations
  • Distemper
  • Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
  • Parvovirus
  • Parainfluenza
  • Leptospirosis
Cats -- Core Vaccinations
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
  • Feline Calicivirus
  • Feline Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
4
Parasite Treatments

Veterinary-administered parasite treatments must be completed before departure and documented on the USDA health certificate. Brazil's MAPA health certificate requires specific parasite treatment entries -- ensure the product names and treatment dates are recorded correctly by your veterinarian.

  • External parasites: Treatment for fleas and ticks
  • Internal parasites: Treatment for roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms
  • Must be administered by a licensed veterinarian
  • Product name, active ingredient, batch number, and treatment date must be recorded on the health certificate
Timing Coordinate at your pre-travel vet appointment when the health certificate is completed -- within 10 days of departure.
5
MAPA Import Permit Apply Early -- 3-4 Week Processing

Before your pet can travel to Brazil, an official import permit must be issued by MAPA (Ministerio da Agricultura, Pecuaria e Abastecimento). This permit is required before the USDA health certificate can be finalized and must be presented to VIGIAGRO authorities on arrival.

  • Application submitted to MAPA through the SISCOMEX system or via a licensed Brazilian trade agent
  • Requires pet details, microchip number, vaccination records, and travel itinerary
  • Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks -- apply as soon as your move date is confirmed
  • Permit specifies the approved port of entry -- your pet must arrive at that airport
  • The Pet Porters coordinate the application and manage correspondence with MAPA on your behalf
Start This First
Apply for the permit immediately once your move date is set. Run permit and vaccination preparation concurrently -- do not wait for one to finish before starting the other.
6
USDA-Endorsed Veterinary Health Certificate

Within 10 days of departure, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete an official health certificate on the MAPA-required format confirming your pet meets all Brazil import requirements. The MAPA import permit must already be in hand before this appointment.

The certificate must include:

  • ISO microchip number matching all prior documentation and the MAPA permit
  • Rabies vaccination date, product name, lot number, and expiration date
  • Core vaccination records for dogs or cats
  • Parasite treatment details and dates
  • MAPA import permit number
  • Statement that the pet is clinically healthy and free of contagious disease

The signed certificate must then be submitted to a USDA Veterinary Services office for federal endorsement. The endorsed original must accompany your pet to Brazil.

USDA Endorsement Processing typically takes 1-3 business days. Submit immediately after the vet signs -- the 10-day validity window runs from the vet exam date, not the endorsement date.
7
Airline Cargo Booking & VIGIAGRO Arrival Inspection

Pets traveling from the United States to Brazil must travel as manifest airline cargo. Most pets arrive at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo or Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro -- your MAPA permit specifies the approved port of entry.

  • Primary carriers include LATAM Cargo, American Airlines Cargo, and United Airlines
  • Pets travel in IATA-compliant kennels in climate-controlled cargo holds
  • VIGIAGRO officers inspect import permit, microchip, vaccination records, and health certificate on arrival
  • Pets meeting all requirements are released to their owners or agents after clearance
  • Pets with documentation errors may be held at the VIGIAGRO facility at the owner's expense
Primary Entry Airports Guarulhos (GRU) -- Sao Paulo and Galeao (GIG) -- Rio de Janeiro are the primary approved entry airports. Your MAPA permit specifies which airport must be used.

Important -- Return Travel

Returning to the United States from Brazil

Brazil is a high-risk screwworm country. Dogs and cats returning from Brazil to the USA require USDA inspection and treatment before re-entry. This is not optional and cannot be arranged at the last minute.

What is Screwworm?

Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest living tissue of warm-blooded animals. It is a significant livestock pest that does not exist in the United States. Brazil is classified by the USDA as a high-risk country because screwworm is present there. To prevent introduction into the US, all animals -- including pets -- traveling from Brazil to the United States must be inspected and treated before re-entry.

What is Required for Return to the USA?
  • Physical examination by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in Brazil before departure
  • USDA-required screwworm inspection -- all body openings examined for larval infestation
  • Treatment with approved insecticides if any signs of infestation are found
  • USDA APHIS documentation completed and endorsed for US re-entry
  • Arrival at a USDA-approved US airport with live animal inspection capability
  • Valid US-compliant rabies vaccination documentation for dogs
Plan Ahead: The US return process from Brazil must be arranged before you leave the United States. Contact The Pet Porters before beginning your Brazil relocation if a return trip is planned -- we will coordinate both legs of the journey from the start to ensure your pet can return without complications.

Common Questions

Brazil Pet Transport FAQ

No -- Brazil does not require a rabies antibody titer test for pets traveling from the United States. A valid rabies vaccination after microchipping, combined with the MAPA import permit and USDA-endorsed health certificate, is sufficient for entry. This is a significant advantage compared to Japan, Australia, or South Korea, which all require titer testing with 180-day waiting periods.
There is no mandatory quarantine for pets entering Brazil from the United States, provided all MAPA requirements are fully met. Pets with a valid microchip, current vaccinations, MAPA import permit, and properly endorsed USDA health certificate are released to their owners after the VIGIAGRO arrival inspection. Pets with documentation errors or missing permits may be held at the port of entry at the owner's expense until the issue is resolved.
MAPA import permit processing typically takes 3-4 weeks, though processing times can vary. The permit is the most time-sensitive step and should be applied for as soon as your move date is confirmed. We recommend running the permit application simultaneously with vaccination preparation rather than waiting for one to complete before starting the other. The Pet Porters manage the application and maintain correspondence with MAPA on your behalf throughout the process.
Your MAPA import permit specifies the approved port of entry -- your pet must arrive at the airport listed on the permit. Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Sao Paulo is the most common entry point for US-origin pet cargo as it is the largest international airport in Brazil. Galeao International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro is available for Rio destinations. It is important that your travel itinerary aligns with the airport named on your permit before airline cargo is booked.
Brazil is classified by the USDA as a high-risk country for screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) -- a parasitic fly not present in the United States. To prevent introduction of screwworm into the US, the USDA requires all dogs and cats returning from Brazil to undergo a physical inspection and treatment before departure, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in Brazil. The process requires specific documentation, must be arranged before the US-bound flight, and your pet must arrive at a USDA-approved US airport with inspection capability. We plan the return process as part of our standard Brazil relocation service for families who expect to return to the US with their pets.
In-cabin pet policies vary by airline on US-Brazil routes. Some carriers -- including LATAM and certain routes on American Airlines -- may permit small pets in-cabin on flights to Brazil, while others require manifest cargo. We review airline-specific policies for your departure city, destination airport, and pet size to confirm available options. Regardless of how your pet travels, all MAPA documentation requirements must be fully met and the import permit must be in hand before departure.
Other Latin American Destinations
Mexico

No import permit required -- 4-6 week timeline. One of the most accessible Latin American destinations.
Chile

SAG import permit required -- 8-12 week timeline with specific parasite treatment windows.
All Latin America

Compare requirements and timelines across all Latin American destinations we serve.
Regulatory Notice: Brazilian pet import regulations and US re-entry requirements for pets from Brazil are subject to change without notice. MAPA, VIGIAGRO, USDA APHIS, and the CDC may update requirements, permit procedures, approved entry airports, or screwworm inspection protocols at any time. Always verify current requirements with MAPA, the USDA, and your airline before beginning the relocation process. This guide reflects general requirements as of publication and may not include the most recent regulatory updates. The Pet Porters verifies all current requirements before every booking.

Ready to Move Your Pet to Brazil?

Tell us your destination city, your pet's details, and current vaccination status -- and whether you plan to return to the US. We will begin the MAPA import permit application immediately, build a preparation timeline for both directions of travel if needed, and manage every step from your home in the United States to release at Guarulhos or Galeao.