What steps would you take to bring (pets) dogs into Panama?

Question

What steps would you take to bring (pets) dogs into Panama?

Answer 1

You follow the directions of the government of Panama. I did this two years ago. It's a hassle and can be costly, but is do-able. Included in regulations are:  Health Certificate not more than 10 days old, certain kennel requirements, airline requirements, etc. Start out with airline requirements, then look up travel rules through Panama Consul in D.C. Rules change often down here. Good luck. The only quarantine is house 'arrest' for 90 days. Nobody ever came by to check my dog during that time.

Answer 2

The procedures are not too difficult, really. Before anything else, you have to get your veterinarian to produce a Health Certificate for your pet. This should be done at least ten days prior to your departure. Every animal seeking entry into a foreign country has to be accompanied by such a certificate as prove that the pet is in good health and most importantly, parasite-free. This certificate should include details such as the name of your pet, the breed, the owner’s name and country of residence, the routine vaccinations and a certificate which confirms the pet was vaccinated for rabies during the last 6 months before the date of departure.

Thereafter, you have to make a trip down to a USDA office within your state to get them to endorse the certificate. Two copies of the certificate have to be presented to them and a fee of $24 will be charged for an endorsement form. This same form can be used for more than one animal. Once the endorsement is done, you have to bring the health certificate to the Panama Consulate for authentication. You are required to pay around $10-$20 for the authentication. This completes all the procedures required before your departure to Panama.

When you arrive in Panama, you will be referred to the airport veterinarian who will replace your health certificate with new documents. The preparation of the documents can be rather time-consuming, usually between 2-5 hours and you will be charged a fee of $130. When the documents are ready, your pet will be released back to you, but it is subject to a 40 day home quarantine. In the event that you do not have any health certificate, you will have to leave your pet in the airport for 40 days of quarantine, and each day will cost you $12.

There are certain things you have to be aware of when you transport your pet. If you are going to Panama during the peak season, it is better to call the airline to find out if they transport pets, because certain airlines do not carry pets during busy months. Depending on the size and weight of your pet, some airlines allow you to carry your pet into the cabin which is the best alternative because accidents are known to happen in cargo compartments. The rates for transportation of pets vary from airline to airline, some charge a fixed rate while others charge according to weight.

For more info see http://www.panamaexpertos.com/forum/pet-...

Answer 3

Ok you will need the pet's vaccination chart and a good health certificate from a Vet to be legalized at a Panamanian Consulate.

Try to get a morning flight into Panama.  If you get here on an evening flight your pet has to spend the night at the airport.

There's a company in Panama that specializes in this.  Do a search for Pet Relocation in Panama and you will find them.

Answer 4

You're best to get an international health certificate confirming that your dogs are healthy and their vaccinations and immunizations are up to date

You should get this no more than 9 days before your departure date!

There is usually a vet at the Tocumen Airport that will inspect your pets and give them any additional shots (if needed.) The cost is generally $140/pet for the various forms, and you can usually leave the same day with your dogs.

Note: Larger pets are not allowed to travel during the cold and hot months due to heat/cold inside or outside the plane.  This is a VERY good rule.  Trust them on this.

Small dogs/pets (within reason) can go with you in the cabin.  Just make sure put them in an "airline approved" kennel.

Be sure to choose an airline that is 'pet friendly.'  You'll want to do your homework on this.

Water and feed your pets (maybe 1/2 a meal) just before you check them in.

Above, be cautious, as airline travel with pets can be very harmful/deadly to your pet during the wrong weather.

Good luck!