How to Bring Your Dog from the United States to Panama: Everything You Need to Know

Panama is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Latin America, offering a welcoming environment for dog lovers. If you’re planning to relocate to Panama with your dog from the United States, this guide covers everything you need to know about the requirements, processes, and resources to make your move smooth and stress-free. 

Why Panama is a Great Destination for Dog Lovers

Before diving into the logistics, it’s worth noting that Panama is a great place for dogs. The country is known for its warm climate and outdoor lifestyle, which makes it perfect for pets. Dogs can enjoy long walks in the fresh air, and many places are pet-friendly. Whether you’re in Panama City, Boquete, or Coronado, you’ll find pet-friendly parks, stores, malls, restaurants, and even hotels. 

Bringing your dog from the United States to Panama requires careful preparation and following official procedures. From airline policies to health checks and required documents, every step ensures a smooth and stress-free journey for your pet. Here’s a clear guide to help you navigate the process.

1. Start Early: Preparing Your Dog for Travel to Panama

The first step in bringing your dog to Panama is to begin preparing at least three months before your planned arrival. During this time, you’ll need to:

• Research airlines and check their pet policies to determine whether your dog can travel in-cabin or needs to go in cargo. Each airline has different requirements, including the size of the crate and the number of pets allowed in the cabin. If your dog is large, it will likely need to travel in cargo, so make sure you choose an airline with the right accommodations.
• Plan your travel dates carefully. Some airlines impose seasonal restrictions on flying pets due to weather conditions (extreme heat or cold). 

Panama’s Ministry of Health requires pets to arrive during business hours (8 am – 11 pm) on weekdays. Arriving outside of these hours can result in your pet being held in quarantine until the veterinarian is available. 

Pets arriving on weekends or holidays will be kept at the airport kennels. Here are some of the upcoming Holidays in Panama from November 2024 to June 2025. 

Consult Your Veterinarian before traveling, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog is fit for the journey. You’ll need to obtain a health certificate stating that your dog is free from contagious diseases and fit for travel. While doing that, It’s also a good idea to discuss any potential travel stress your pet might face, especially if they are traveling in the cargo hold.

2. Vet Check and Health Requirements for Dogs Traveling to Panama

As part of the pet importation process, your dog will need to be in good health and up to date on specific vaccinations. Here’s what to do:

• Visit your vet to obtain an International Health Certificate. This certificate confirms that your dog is free from contagious diseases and is fit to travel. If flying on a charter plane, the certificate cannot be more than 30 days old. The cost for this certificate is typically between $150-$200.
• Authenticate the health certificate with the USDA They will verify the authenticity of the certificate and ensure it meets Panamanian standards. Ask your vet if they can do this for you as some include the authentication as part of their services. You can also get it authenticated in person directly at the Department of Agriculture, or send it to them via Federal Express next-day delivery. 
• Authenticate the health certificate with the Panamanian Consulate. Before traveling to Panama, your pet’s health certificate must be stamped and signed by a Panamanian consulate or embassy in the United States. If your state doesn’t have one, you can have the certificate apostilled (officially verified) by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. Learn more on their official website.
• Proof of vaccination ensures that your dog is vaccinated for rabies and any other diseases required by Panama’s regulations (e.g., distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, hepatitis, etc). The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel.

3. Home Quarantine Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Panama

Panama mandates a home quarantine for pets upon arrival. This means your dog will stay in your home or yard for 40 days after entering Panama. To arrange this quarantine:

• Submit the home quarantine request form 3-5 days before your arrival to the Ministry of Health (MINSA) at camzoonosis@gmail.com and cam@minsa.gob.pa. 
• The form is available through the Ministry of Health’s website please note this requires a $130 fee per pet. 
• The Ministry will confirm your quarantine approval before you arrive, so ensure the form is submitted on time. If you arrive outside of office hours or during a public holiday, your pet may be held in a kennel until the vet can inspect them.

4. Flying with Your Dog: Flight and Arrival Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help make your pet’s journey to Panama as smooth as possible:

• Choose a non-stop flight to Panama if possible. Non-stop flights reduce travel stress for your dog and minimize the risk of mishandling during layovers.
• Be aware that airlines charge additional fees for pets, typically around $150 for in-cabin travel and higher for cargo.
• Prepare Your Pet’s Carrier: Ensure your pet’s carrier meets the airline’s specifications for size, ventilation, and safety. Make it as comfortable as possible by adding familiar bedding, a water bowl, and some of your dog’s favorite toys.
• Limit Food and Water Before the Flight: To avoid motion sickness, feed your dog a light meal a few hours before the flight and limit water intake just before departure. Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated before the journey.
• Take Precautions for Stress: Traveling can be stressful for pets, especially in cargo. Consider natural calming products like pheromone sprays or anxiety wraps to help your dog stay calm during the flight. 
• Stay Calm and Reassuring: Dogs can sense their owner’s emotions, so staying calm and positive during check-in and takeoff will help ease their anxiety.
• Arrive at the Airport Early: Get to the airport early to allow plenty of time for check-in, security screening, and any necessary paperwork. This reduces stress for both you and your dog.
• Have a Pet-Friendly Hotel Ready: After a long flight, your dog may need a comfortable space to rest. Plan and book a pet-friendly hotel near the airport or your final destination in Panama.
• Keep Health and Travel Documents Ready: Keep all required documentation (e.g., health certificates, vaccination records, home quarantine approval) accessible during the flight. Having these ready will streamline the process during the inspection at the airport.
• Prepare for arrival: Once you land in Panama, you’ll need to have your dog inspected by a Panamanian veterinarian at the airport. This inspection is part of the quarantine process, so make sure to arrive within the appropriate hours (8 am – 11 pm) to avoid delays. Upon landing, you’ll have to pay the application form $1, the license $5, and the veterinarian inspection $10, for a total of $16 in cash. When it’s required that the pet stays under quarantine custody, an extra cost of $3.50 will be charged for the service.

5. Post-Arrival Considerations for Your Dog in Panama

Once you arrive in Panama with your dog, there are important guidelines to follow to ensure both your pet’s safety and compliance with local health regulations. These are the key requirements during the 40-day home quarantine period:

• Indoor or Residence Area Only: Keep your pet indoors or within the immediate residence area for the full 40-day quarantine period. This is essential to prevent contact with local wildlife or other domestic animals.
• Avoid Contact with Other Animals: During the quarantine period, your pet should not come into contact with native exotic species, or other domestic dogs and cats. This reduces the risk of potential disease transmission.
• Veterinary Care and Maintenance: It’s important to establish a relationship with a local veterinarian for ongoing care. Maintain regular immunizations, preventive care, and proper nutrition to ensure your pet’s health.
• Hygiene and Cleanliness: Ensure that your pet’s living area is kept clean and hygienic. Regular cleaning of their bedding, toys, and surrounding environment will contribute to their well-being.
• Proper Feeding and Care: Maintain a balanced diet and provide fresh water to your pet daily. Offering the right care and attention is vital to their health during this adjustment period.
• Veterinary Oversight: The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor your pet’s health through the Small Animal Quarantine Veterinary Doctor. If necessary, the veterinarian will contact you regarding your pet’s status and any potential health concerns.
• Report Health Issues: If you notice any changes in behavior or symptoms of illness in your pet, it is essential to contact the Health Ministry immediately. You can reach the Department of Zoonosis Control via phone at (507) 238-3855 or (507) 238-4059, or by email at cam@minsa.gob.pa. 

By following these guidelines, you will help prevent the transmission of contagious diseases and ensure your pet remains healthy and comfortable as they settle into their new home in Panama.

6. Hiring Help for the Process

If all these steps feel overwhelming or if you want to ensure a smooth transition for your dog, you can hire a pet relocation company to assist with the process. These services typically charge between $3000 – $5000, but they will handle everything from document submission to airport assistance and even transportation to your home in Panama.

After completing these steps, your dog will be right by your side, ready to enjoy all the wonderful things Panama has to offer. Whether it’s exploring the lush landscapes, relaxing at pet-friendly spots, or simply enjoying the sunshine together, you’ll both have plenty of opportunities to make amazing memories. 

It’s worth mentioning that Panama is home to a strong community of animal welfare organizations that focus on rescue and adoption efforts. If you’re also interested in adopting a dog in Panama, or helping out local dogs in need, you can check out our Adopt a Pet page for more information. 

Once your furry friend settles in, you’ll be ready to embark on this exciting new chapter of your life in Panama. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a home, Casa Solution is here to help you find the perfect property to suit you and your pet’s needs. Click here to see All Available Listings, and we’ll assist you in finding a home where you can create wonderful memories, with your dog while enjoying Panama’s beauty, culture, and warmth.

Useful Resources

• Panama Relocation Tours – Bringing Your Pets to Panama
• USDA – Pet Travel Information for Panama
• Embassy of Panama – Travelling with Pets
• REPUBLIC OF PANAMA HEALTH MINISTRY DEPARTMENT OF ZOONOSIS CONTROL INFORMATION TO INTRODUCE SMALL ANIMALS IN THE COUNTRY