Guatemala Pet Import Requirements

What is a Pet Passport?

We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Guatemala pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Guatemala will include proof of current rabies vaccination, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.

Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements

These rules apply to the transport of domestic dog and cats including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO GUATEMALA below.

Find a Licensed Veterinarian

Before beginning any pet export procedure, owners, agents, or anyone transporting a pet should ensure that their veterinarian is licensed by the governing authority in their country that is responsible for the movement of live animals. This veterinarian should administer all vaccinations and treatments, as well as issue all required documentation.

Quarantine for Pets Entering Guatemala

There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Guatemala if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.

Guatemala Pet Import Requirements

Step 1: Pet Microchip

Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. Firstly, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Third, most countries require that pets be microchipped and compliant microchips may be difficult to find should your pet ever leave the country.

Although it is not required to import a pet to Guatemala, it is strongly recommended to have your pet identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digit pet microchip that meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785.

If microchipped, all documents should reflect the microchip number. If you want to be sure that veterinary inspectors can read your pet’s microchip, you can provide a microchip scanner that will read the microchip.

Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database.

If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pet is wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner. Having a photo of you and your pet is always a good idea.

Step 2: Vaccinations

Your dog or cat must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Guatemala. This country does not accept multi-year rabies vaccinations.

The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp:

• a rabies certificate or
• government-issued vaccination booklet or
• EU Pet Passport

Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination.

Other Vaccinations

Dogs and cats must be vaccinated for the following additional diseases:

• Dogs:  distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus

• Cats: feline panleukopenia (distemper), rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and leukemia

All vaccinations must be recorded on the pet health certificate (step 5).

Step 3: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test

A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It should be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination.

A rabies titer test is not required for pets when entering Guatemala from any country; however, Guatemala is classified by the World Organization of Animal Health as a high-rabies risk country, and this test may be required for your pet to return to your country should your pet be returning.

Step 4: Parasite Treatments

An internal and external parasite treatment is required prior to entering Guatemala. The treatment should be
included on the health certificate if an endorsement is required. Otherwise, it can be administered within 3 months of entering the country or according to product directions.

Step 5: Health Certificate

All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information:

Shortly before travel (check with your airline, can be between 10 and 30 days), a licensed veterinarian must issue the pet health certificate for Guatemala. The governing authority of your country responsible for the import and export of animals must endorse the certificate. The certificate should be issued in Spanish or translated into this language.

Step 6: Import Permit

An import permit is not required when entering Guatemala with a personal pet.

Other Information

Importing Puppies and Kittens to Guatemala

Puppies and kittens under three months of age can enter Guatemala without a rabies vaccination.

More information on transporting a puppy

Breeds Banned from Import to Guatemala

Guatemala does not publish a list of banned breeds. Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior.

Entering Guatemala by Air

Pets entering Guatemala by air can do so via La Aurora International Airport. Pets can arrive in the cabin, checked baggage or air cargo according to airline pet policies.

In all cases, pets must travel in a pet carrier or pet crate that is in accordance with the policies set by the International Air Transport Association.

Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant?

All pets transiting the European Union are subject to additional requirements.

Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance. They will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any signs of contagious diseases when evaluated at the entry airport. Importers will need to pay for further veterinary testing if the health of your cat or dog is not acceptable.

Importing Other Animals to Guatemala

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination; however, they will have to meet other requirements. They should have an import permit and health certificate to enter Guatemala. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications.

Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections.

Related: Search the CITES database or Search the Species+ database

Related: Read more about CITES

Need More Detailed Pet Import Requirements for Guatemala?

Visit PetTravelStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Guatemala at minimal cost. Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.

Here’s what is included in the Guatemala pet passport package:

• Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to Guatemala from any country available in six languages
• Required Vaccinations and Intervals
• ISO 11784/11785 Compliant Microchip Information
• Parasite Treatments
• Health Certificate Information
• IATA Carrier and Crate Requirements
• Layover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet Travel
• Responsibilities of a Pet Transporter
• FREE unlimited email support both for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions

Also included at no additional cost:

• Veterinary Health Certificate for Guatemala (US/Canada)
• Airline Health Certificate
• Inoculation Record

Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Guatemala?

Have a comment about importing a pet to Guatemala? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, Forum, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.

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

Current Information

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 or
• return your pet to the country of origin, or
• euthanize your pet.

We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Guatemala pet import regulations.