Your Pet Can Come With You
Colombia welcomes pets — there's no quarantine period, the import requirements are straightforward, and Medellín is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Latin America. Parks, cafés, and many apartment buildings accommodate dogs and cats. The logistics just require planning.
Import Requirements
Colombia's agricultural authority (ICA — Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) regulates pet imports. Requirements for dogs and cats:
- International Health Certificate — issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (for US departures) or equivalent authority in your country. Must be issued within 15 days of travel.
- Current rabies vaccination — administered at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before travel
- General health exam — confirming the animal is healthy and free of infectious diseases
- USDA endorsement — the health certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS (for US departures). Cost: $38 per certificate.
- Microchip — ISO-standard microchip (15 digits) recommended for identification
Airline Policies
Most airlines serving Colombia allow pets in-cabin (under ~8 kg including carrier) or as checked baggage/cargo:
- In-cabin: $75–$200 per flight depending on airline. Reserve early — most airlines limit cabin pets to 1–2 per flight.
- Cargo: $200–$500+ depending on animal size and airline. Temperature restrictions apply — some airlines embargo pet cargo during peak summer heat.
- Pet-friendly airlines for Colombia routes: Avianca, Copa, JetBlue, Spirit (in-cabin for small dogs/cats). American Airlines and United accept cargo.
Pet-Friendly Apartments in Medellín
Most Colombian apartment buildings allow pets, though some have breed or size restrictions. Key points for pet-owning renters:
- Colombian law (specifically rulings under Ley 675) generally protects pet ownership in residential buildings. Administración (HOA) boards can impose rules about common area usage but face legal limits on outright bans.
- Confirm pet policies with the portero or administración before signing a lease.
- There is no formal "pet deposit" system in Colombia — any additional charges should be clearly specified in the lease.
- Dog walking services run approximately COP 15,000–25,000 ($4–$7) per walk. Full-day pet sitting: COP 40,000–80,000 ($11–$22).
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Colombia does not require a quarantine period for dogs or cats arriving with proper documentation (health certificate, rabies vaccination, USDA endorsement for US departures).
Yes, if your dog weighs under ~8 kg (17.6 lbs) including the carrier. Most airlines serving Colombia accept cabin pets for $75–$200 per flight. Reserve early as spots are limited.
Most are. Colombian law generally protects pet ownership in residential buildings. However, some buildings have breed or size restrictions. Always confirm with the building administration before signing a lease.
A standard vet visit costs COP 40,000–80,000 ($11–$22). Vaccinations: COP 30,000–60,000 ($8–$16). Spay/neuter: COP 150,000–300,000 ($40–$81). Emergency 24/7 clinics are available in El Poblado and Laureles.