Taking Your Dog to Chile
Use this 2026 checklist to prepare your dog for Chile entry, USDA paperwork, parasite treatment, and the trip back to the United States.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Chile
ISO Microchip
Chile’s USDA/APHIS pet certificate includes an identification field for microchip or tattoo, but marks it as not required. For practical travel, a scannable ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip is strongly recommended because airlines and U.S. re-entry rules require a detectable microchip for dogs returning to the United States.
Best implanted before any rabies vaccination records and before travel.Rabies Vaccination
Rabies vaccination is required. If your dog is primary-vaccinated, the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before entry into Chile. Dogs that are not primary-vaccinated must have a current rabies vaccination schedule that remains valid under the rules of the country of origin; otherwise Chile treats them as primary-vaccinated.
Primary vaccination: at least 21 days before arrival in Chile; boosters must still be current on the date of entry.Rabies Titer Test
Chile’s current USDA/APHIS dog and cat certificate does not require a rabies antibody titer test for pet dogs entering from the United States.
Not required for standard pet entry from the U.S.Health Certificate
Your dog must travel with Chile’s country-specific Veterinary Health Certificate for export of pet dogs and cats from the United States to Chile. It must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS. The exam must be performed within 10 days before departure, and the certificate is valid for 10 days after issuance, with a possible extension of up to 5 days depending on journey conditions.
Veterinary exam within 10 days before departure; certificate valid 10 days after issuance, with up to 5 additional days if journey conditions qualify.Import Permit
USDA APHIS guidance for personal dogs and cats entering Chile does not list an import permit requirement for standard non-commercial pet travel under the posted certificate.
Not required for standard personal pet entry under the posted APHIS certificate.Parasite Treatment
Chile requires broad-spectrum internal and external antiparasitic treatment approved by the official health authority in the country of origin. Treatment must be given within 5 to 30 days before entry, and the treatment dates must be recorded on the export veterinary certificate.
Administer within 5 to 30 days before entering Chile.Quarantine Period
Chile does not impose a routine pre-arrival quarantine in the posted pet certificate, but APHIS notes that upon arrival animals may be placed under official observation for at least 30 days.
Possible official observation after arrival for at least 30 days if ordered by Chilean authorities.Banned Breeds
No Chile-specific banned dog breeds are listed in the USDA APHIS pet travel guidance for personal dogs entering Chile. Airline breed restrictions may still apply, especially for brachycephalic dogs.
Check airline rules before booking.Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $60-120 | Typical U.S. exam cost for the pre-travel appointment; your vet sets the final fee. |
| Rabies vaccination | $25-45 | Only if your dog needs a primary vaccine or booster to be current for travel. |
| Rabies titer test | $0 | Not required by Chile for standard pet dog entry from the United States. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $101 | APHIS fee for a pet health certificate with 0 laboratory tests. |
| Airline pet fee | $125-200+ | Varies by airline and whether your dog travels in cabin, checked baggage where permitted, or cargo. LATAM requires international cargo bookings through a cargo agency for pets traveling as cargo. |
| Import permit fee | $0 | No standard import permit fee listed by USDA APHIS for personal pet dogs entering Chile under the posted certificate. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | Not specifically required by Chile’s posted certificate, but strongly recommended and needed for U.S. re-entry compliance. |
| Total | $311-541+ |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
As of March 25, 2026, dogs returning to the United States from Chile generally follow CDC rules for dogs that have been only in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country during the previous 6 months. That means each dog needs its own CDC Dog Import Form receipt before arrival. The receipt is free, can be shown on a phone or printed, and is valid for 6 months as long as the country of departure and travel history do not change. In addition to the form, your dog must appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old, and have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner. If your dog has been in any CDC high-risk rabies country during the previous 6 months, additional CDC rules apply and you should verify them before booking your return flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chile require a microchip for dogs from the United States?
Chile’s current USDA/APHIS country certificate includes an identification field for microchip or tattoo and notes that it is not required. Even so, a universal microchip is strongly recommended because it helps match records and is required for returning to the United States under current CDC rules.
How long before travel does my dog need the rabies vaccine for Chile?
If your dog is receiving a primary rabies vaccination, it must be vaccinated at least 21 days before entering Chile. If your dog is already on a valid rabies booster schedule, the vaccination must still be current on the date of entry.
Does Chile require a rabies titer test?
No. The current USDA/APHIS pet dog and cat certificate for Chile does not require a rabies antibody titer test for standard pet entry from the United States.
When does the health certificate need to be issued?
Your USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your dog within 10 days before departure. The Chile export certificate is valid for 10 days after issuance, with a possible extension of up to 5 days depending on the journey.
Does my dog need parasite treatment before entering Chile?
Yes. Chile requires broad-spectrum treatment for internal and external parasites within 5 to 30 days before entry, and the treatment dates must be written on the veterinary export certificate.
Is there a quarantine for dogs arriving in Chile?
There is no routine pre-arrival quarantine listed in the posted certificate, but USDA APHIS notes that Chile may place arriving animals under official observation for at least 30 days.
Do I need a Chile import permit for my dog?
For standard non-commercial pet travel from the United States, USDA APHIS does not list an import permit requirement for personal dogs entering Chile under the posted certificate.
What do I need to bring my dog back to the United States from Chile?
For dogs that have been only in Chile or other CDC dog rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous 6 months, you generally need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Your dog must also be at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and have a detectable microchip.