Venezuela (VE)
Oil-rich South American nation with dramatic landscapes from the Andes to Angel Falls and the Caribbean coast, experiencing economic recovery after years of crisis, with a warm culture and very low cost of living for dollar-earning expats.
Bringing Pets to Venezuela
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Check with INSAI for current state-level breed restrictions before importing
💰 Costs
Veterinary health certificate: USD 30–80. INSAI import permit: USD 20–60. Official vet certification/endorsement: varies by country of origin. Airline pet cargo fee: USD 100–350 depending on airline and pet size. Total documentation + import: USD 200–600. Ongoing vet costs in Venezuela: USD 20–60 per consultation.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
No formal nationwide dog tax in Venezuela. Some Caracas municipalities (Chacao, Baruta) may require pet registration. Check local regulations in your municipality of residence.
Find a reputable private veterinary clinic in your area. In Caracas: eastern zone (Chacao, Las Mercedes, Altamira) has several well-equipped private clinics. The Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) veterinary hospital offers lower-cost services. Establish a relationship with a vet immediately on arrival — tropical diseases require prompt treatment.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Ensure your pet is microchipped to ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit) before travel — microchipping is strongly recommended though not legally required by INSAI. 2. Complete all required vaccinations — rabies must be given at least 30 days before travel. 3. Obtain an INSAI (Instituto Nacional de Salud Agrícola Integral) import permit from insai.gob.ve — apply at least 4 weeks before travel. 4. Get a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel date. 5. Have the health certificate endorsed by the relevant government veterinary authority in your home country. 6. Translate all documents into Spanish (sworn translation). 7. Arrive via Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) where INSAI inspectors are present. 8. Present all documents at the INSAI desk on arrival. 9. Register with a local Venezuelan vet within the first 2 weeks — tropical diseases (heartworm, leishmaniasis, leptospirosis) are serious risks.
Bringing pets to Venezuela requires careful advance planning. Key risks in Venezuela for pets: Leishmaniasis (sandfly-transmitted parasitic disease — monthly prevention injection essential), heartworm (mosquito-transmitted — monthly preventive treatment), leptospirosis (tropical bacteria — vaccination + hygiene), ticks and tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Babesia), heat stress in lowland areas. Venezuela has limited availability of some pet medications — bring a 3–6 month supply of all regular medications from your home country. Most international veterinary insurance does not cover Venezuela — budget for USD 500–2,000/year in veterinary costs. Caracas has several qualified veterinary specialists (dermatology, surgery, oncology) but equipment may be limited compared to developed countries.