Pet Microchip

Panama does not require that your pet be identified with a pet microchip, but it is recommended that you microchip your pet with a 15 digit ISO 11784 compliant microchip and register your contact information prior to traveling as a means of identification should your pet be lost or separated from you.

Vaccinations

Your dog or cat will need proof of current rabies vaccination a minimum of 30 days prior to entry. Dogs and cats must not be vaccinated for rabies before 3 months of age.

Dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and Parvovirus. Cats should be vaccinated against viral rinotraqueitis, calcivirus and panleucopenia.

Rabies Titer Test

A rabies titer test is not required to enter Panama from any country.

Pet Health Certificate

A licensed veterinarian in the origination country must then complete the Panama pet health certificate. After issuance, a government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of animals should endorse the forms.

The health certificate must be legalized by the Consulate to Panama in the origination country.

Pets entering the United States as part of a layover (changing airline companies) must obtain the health certificate for Panama issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and legalized by the Panamanian Consulate.

Ticks and Tapeworm Treatment

A ticks and tapeworm treatment is required just prior to entering Panama. Products used should be reflected on the heatlh certificate.

Entering Panama by Air

>

Pets can enter the country at Panama Tocumen International Airport during normal business hours and also on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with advance notification. Pets can arrive in the cabin, checked baggage or air cargo.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If your pet is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense.

Pet owners should file for home quarantine to the airport a minimum of 3 days prior to arrival to avoid 14 days of quarantine in a government facility. Pets will be subject to 4 months of home quarantine.

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens over 3 months of age entering Panama are subject to rabies vaccination requirements per step #2. It is not advisable to import a pet under 3 months of age to Panama.

Exporting Pets Living in Panama

All resident pets leaving the Panama must have relevant paperwork required for the destination country. Additionally, pet owners must have export permits from Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario and proof of rabies vaccination.

Other Animals

In order to bring your pet bird with you to Panama, you must have an import permit. This permit is issued by Panama's National Environmental Authority (ANAM).

Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Panama. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

CITES

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, 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. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.

Need More Assistance?

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM EST.

 

HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS???

Due to the high demand, we may be unable to respond to your  question quickly if posted below. If you need a fast response, you can post them directly to our Facebook page, blog, or forum. We will respond as soon as we can.

Please note that the accuracy of comments made from Facebook users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.