Taking Your Dog to Brazil
Use this 2026 checklist to prepare your dog for Brazil entry, USDA paperwork, airline planning, and the trip back to the United States.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Brazil
ISO Microchip
Brazil does not require a pet microchip for dogs entering the country. If you plan to return to the United States, however, your dog must be microchipped to meet current CDC re-entry rules.
Not required by Brazil; strongly recommended before travel if returning to the U.S.Rabies Vaccination
Dogs 90 days of age or older must have a rabies vaccination approved by the veterinary authority. If it is the dog's first rabies vaccination, travel may occur only after 21 days have passed. Dogs under 90 days old may enter without rabies vaccination only if the official veterinary certificate states the puppy was under 90 days old at issuance and has not been kept on premises with reported urban rabies cases in the previous 90 days.
For first vaccination, at least 21 days before travel; vaccination must still be valid at entryRabies Titer Test
Brazil does not require a rabies antibody titer test for dogs arriving from the United States under the standard pet entry rules.
Not requiredHealth Certificate
You must present an International Veterinary Certificate issued or endorsed by an official veterinarian from the exporting country's veterinary authority. For travelers from the United States, this is handled through USDA APHIS endorsement of the export health certificate. The dog must be clinically examined within 10 days before the certificate is issued and found free of infectious or parasitic disease and fit for transport. Brazil states the certificate is valid for 60 days from issuance as long as the rabies vaccination remains valid.
Clinical exam within 10 days before certificate issuance; certificate valid 60 days from issuance if rabies vaccine remains validImport Permit
Brazil does not require an import permit for dogs and cats entering as pets.
Not requiredParasite Treatment
Brazil requires broad-spectrum treatment against internal and external parasites using products authorized by the veterinary authority. The certificate should identify the active ingredients used.
Within 15 days before the International Veterinary Certificate or pet passport is issuedQuarantine Period
Brazil does not impose a routine quarantine period for compliant pet dogs entering with the required veterinary documentation.
No routine quarantine if entry requirements are metBanned Breeds
No Brazil-wide official government ban on dog breeds was identified in the current pet import guidance reviewed. Airline breed restrictions may still apply, especially for brachycephalic or so-called dangerous breeds, so confirm directly with your carrier before booking.
Check airline rules before purchase and again before departureLeishmaniosis History
Brazil notes that it may not accept animals previously diagnosed with leishmaniosis.
Resolve with your veterinarian and airline well before travel if your dog has any history of leishmaniosisEstimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-150 | Typical private veterinary visit for the pre-travel exam needed before the export certificate is issued. |
| Rabies vaccination | $25-45 | Only if your dog's rabies vaccine is not current or first vaccination timing must be restarted. |
| Rabies titer test | $0 | Not required by Brazil for pet dogs arriving from the United States. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $101 | APHIS lists $101 per certificate when no laboratory tests are required. |
| Airline pet fee (cabin or cargo) | $200 | Example current published fee: Delta lists $200 each way for travel between the U.S. and Brazil on tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025. Some airlines may require cargo handling instead of cabin travel on certain Brazil routes. |
| Import permit fee | $0 | Brazil does not require an import permit for dogs entering as pets. |
| Microchip | $60-80 | Not required by Brazil, but often needed for return to the United States under CDC rules. |
| Total | $461-576 |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
When you return from Brazil to the United States, your dog must meet current CDC dog import rules. All dogs entering the U.S. must appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old, be microchipped, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt completed before arrival. Brazil is not listed by CDC as a high-risk country for dog-mediated rabies virus variants in the sources reviewed, so dogs returning after being only in Brazil generally follow the standard requirements for dogs from dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries. CDC notes that pets taken out of the United States are subject to the same rules when they return. Airlines may also require additional paperwork, and state or territory rules can add extra requirements at your final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brazil require a microchip for dogs entering from the United States?
No. Brazil's current pet import guidance says a pet microchip is not required to enter Brazil. However, a microchip is required for dogs returning to the United States under current CDC rules, so most U.S. travelers should still have one implanted before departure.
How long before travel does my dog's rabies shot need to be given?
If your dog is 90 days of age or older, rabies vaccination is required for entry to Brazil. If it is the first rabies vaccination, the trip can take place only after 21 days have passed. The vaccination must still be valid on the date of entry.
Do I need a rabies titer test for Brazil?
No. Brazil's current official pet import guidance for dogs does not require a rabies antibody titer test for standard pet entry from the United States.
Do I need an import permit for Brazil?
No. Brazil states that an import permit is not necessary for dogs and cats entering the country as pets.
When does the parasite treatment need to be done?
Brazil requires broad-spectrum treatment against internal and external parasites within 15 days before the International Veterinary Certificate or pet passport is issued. The active ingredients should be identified on the paperwork.
How close to departure must the health exam be done?
Brazil requires the dog to be examined within 10 days before the International Veterinary Certificate is issued, with no clinical signs of infectious or parasitic disease and fit for transport.
How long is the Brazil health certificate valid?
Brazil's guidance says the International Veterinary Certificate or pet passport is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, as long as the rabies vaccination remains valid.
Can my dog return to the U.S. after visiting Brazil?
Yes, but your dog must meet current CDC entry rules for the United States. That includes being at least 6 months old, microchipped, healthy on arrival, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt completed before arrival.