Panama (PA)
Panama is one of the most popular expat countries in the Americas in 2026, especially for retirees, remote-income households, investors, entrepreneurs and families who want US-dollar living, strong air connectivity, private healthcare and established expat communities.
Bringing Pets to Panama
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Quarantine duration: 40-day home quarantine — mandatory for all pets entering Panama regardless of documentation compliance. The quarantine is served at your residence (not a government facility) with your pet. Pre-arrival: submit a Home Quarantine Request to MINSA (cam@minsa.gob.pa) at least 3 days before arrival with a scanned health certificate, arrival date, time, flight number, and airline. Fee: B/.130 per animal, paid in cash on arrival at Tocumen International Airport.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Condo buildings and individual landlords in Panama City frequently ban or restrict large or strong breeds — confirm pet permission in writing before signing any lease
💰 Costs
Veterinary health certificate: USD 50-200 depending on vet and destination requirements. Rabies titre test (if required by destination): USD 150-400. Airline pet cargo or cabin fee: USD 100-500+ depending airline and route. Import broker or agent (if used): USD 200-600. Approved travel crate: USD 60-300. Panama City vet registration and first visit: USD 60-150. Annual vaccines and flea/tick prevention: USD 200-600/year.
📋 Relocation Process
Step 1: Confirm airline pet policy for your specific route and pet size/breed — book early as pet spaces are limited. Step 2: Visit an accredited/USDA-approved (or equivalent) veterinarian 7-10 days before travel for the health certificate (certificado sanitario / health certificate). Step 3: Ensure rabies vaccination is current (not administered within 30 days of travel for some routes). Step 4: At least 3 days before travel, submit the Home Quarantine Request form to MINSA: complete the form at minsa.gob.pa and email cam@minsa.gob.pa with a scanned copy of the health certificate plus arrival date, time, flight number, and airline. Step 5: On arrival at Tocumen International Airport, present all documentation to MIDA/AUPSA/OISA inspectors and pay the mandatory B/.130 home quarantine fee per animal in cash. Keep the payment receipt for the duration of the quarantine. Step 6: Observe the 40-day home quarantine at your Panama residence — your pet stays with you but must not leave the property. Step 7: Bring rabies certificate, core vaccination record, health certificate, owner passport and pet photos. Step 8: Before signing any lease, obtain written landlord/condo-administration permission for your pet. Step 9: After completing the 40-day quarantine, register with a local vet for local vaccines (leptospirosis, bordetella for dogs) and heartworm/tick prevention appropriate to Panama's tropical climate.
Panama is generally pet-friendly in expat areas, particularly Boquete, Pedasi, Coronado and parts of Panama City. However, many apartment buildings and condo developments prohibit pets or restrict by size/breed — confirm in writing before signing. Street dogs (zaguates) are common; socialisation and leash training are important. Heat, tropical parasites (ticks, heartworm, leishmaniasis in some areas), fireworks during holidays and balcony/terrace safety need planning. Bring a multi-month supply of any prescription or specialty pet medication — availability in Panama varies.