Colombia (CO)
Colombia offers expats an extraordinary combination of year-round spring climate (especially in Medellín), very affordable living, rich culture, improving safety, and one of Latin America's most welcoming visa systems.
Bringing Pets to Colombia
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
Vet checks and certifications: USD $100–300. ICA import permit fee: COP $150,000–300,000. Airline pet fee: USD $100–400 depending on airline and cabin/hold. If using a pet relocation agent: USD $500–1,500. Microchip implantation in Colombia: COP $50,000–80,000. Rabies titre test (if required by destination country later): USD $200–300 at accredited Colombian lab.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
No nationwide dog tax in Colombia. Some municipalities (Bogotá, Medellín) require pet registration with the local Secretaría de Ambiente or Secretaría de Salud — usually free or nominal fee. Bogotá: "Registro de Mascotas" via the Secretaría Distrital de Ambiente — free registration online.
Colombia has excellent veterinary services. Veterinary clinics (clínicas veterinarias) are abundant in all cities. 24-hour emergency vets available in Bogotá (e.g., VetEmergencias, VetNox), Medellín, and Cali. Monthly costs: food COP $80,000–400,000; routine vet visit COP $50,000–120,000; annual vaccines COP $80,000–150,000; flea/tick treatment COP $30,000–80,000. Pet-friendly apartments are common in El Poblado (Medellín), Chapinero/Usaquén (Bogotá), and Laureles. Always check "permite mascotas" (pets allowed) in rental listings — many buildings have weight or breed restrictions.
📋 Relocation Process
Step 1 — Microchip: Ensure ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) microchip is implanted before any vaccinations for identification purposes. Step 2 — Vaccinations: Complete all required vaccinations within the required timeframe. Rabies must be given between 30 days and 12 months before entry. Step 3 — Veterinary Health Certificate: Obtain an official health certificate from a registered vet using the ICA-approved format. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Step 4 — ICA Import Permit: Apply for the Permiso de Importación from the Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) before travel. Submit online at ica.gov.co or at the ICA office. Required documents: health certificate, vaccine records, microchip number, owner passport copy. Processing: 3–7 business days. Fee: ~COP $150,000–300,000. Step 5 — Apostille (if from non-Spanish speaking country): Veterinary certificate must be apostilled or legalised + officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Step 6 — Travel: Fly into El Dorado (Bogotá), José María Córdova (Medellín), or Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (Cali). ICA veterinary inspector at the airport will check documents. Pets arriving without complete paperwork may be detained, treated, or returned at owner's expense. Step 7 — Colombian registration: Register with a local vet (veterinaria) within 30 days. Update microchip records in the national registry (SINIGAN for livestock; municipal pet registries for dogs/cats). In Bogotá: register with the IDU/Secretaría de Ambiente via the Portal de Bogotá.
Colombia is NOT a rabies-free country — rabies is present in wildlife and occasional domestic animal populations, particularly in rural areas. Keep pets vaccinated annually and avoid contact with street dogs in rural zones. Restricted breeds (Ley 746 de 2002): Pit Bull-type, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, and others require: registration with the municipality, mandatory sterilisation in some cities, third-party liability insurance, muzzle and 2-metre leash in public spaces, minimum owner age 18. Non-compliance: fines COP $500,000–5,000,000 and possible confiscation. Bogotá climate (2,640m altitude, 7–19°C): ideal for most European dog breeds. Cartagena/coast climate (28–35°C): challenging for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds — French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs need special attention and airlines may refuse to transport them in cargo hold. Pet-friendly transport: Transmilenio (Bogotá bus) allows pets in carriers during off-peak hours. Taxis and Ubers generally accept pets in carriers. Domestic airlines (Avianca, LATAM, Viva) allow pets in cabin (up to 8–10 kg) for COP $80,000–200,000 per flight.