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Brazil (BR)

South America's largest country, combining major work hubs, world-famous culture, beaches, Amazon biodiversity, strong digital payments, and complex but navigable bureaucracy for expats.

Capital: Brasilia
Region: Americas
Language: Portuguese
Currency: BRL (R$)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)
Emergency: 190

Bringing Pets to Brazil

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Not required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies — required; inactivated vaccine only; at least 30 days and less than 1 year before departure; primary vaccination requires 21-day wait before travel Dogs: distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, Bordetella Cats: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia (FVRCP) Parasite treatment — deworming and flea/tick treatment within 15 days of flight, documented on the health certificate with dates, manufacturer, and active ingredients

Restricted Breeds

No national breed ban for import. Condominium by-laws, municipal ordinances (e.g., São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro), and landlord rules may restrict large, guard, or bully breeds.

💰 Costs

Budget USD 300–2,000+ depending on origin country, airline cargo/cabin fees, IATA crate, government-endorsed health certificate, parasite treatment documentation, and any relocation agent fee.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip (must be before rabies vaccination). Brazil also accepts AVID chips. 2. Complete required vaccinations: rabies at least 30 days before departure (within 1 year). 3. Administer parasite treatment (deworming + flea/tick) within 15 days of the flight; have the vet document treatment name, date, manufacturer, and active ingredient on the health certificate. 4. Obtain an official health certificate from an accredited vet in your origin country — valid for 10 days from issue; endorsed by your country's government agricultural authority (USDA APHIS for USA; APHA for UK; etc.). 5. Book airline cargo — VIGIAGRO (Brazil's federal agricultural inspection service) is only present at certain airports and ports of entry; enter through São Paulo (GRU), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), or other approved VIGIAGRO ports. 6. On arrival, proceed to the VIGIAGRO inspection area before customs. VIGIAGRO officers inspect documents and may scan the microchip. 7. Register with a local vet within the first month of arrival.

Brazil is pet-friendly in many urban middle-class neighbourhoods (condominiums with pet areas, outdoor restaurants, parks) but pet-friendly rentals are not automatic. Always get written permission in the lease and check condominium by-laws before committing. The parasite treatment documentation requirement (within 15 days, with manufacturer details) is often missed — ensure the health certificate explicitly records this or VIGIAGRO may refuse entry.