For a visit to Colombia with a pet (dog or cat), you do not need complicated preparations. However, it is important to consider all pet import requirements in order for your pet to be allowed into the country during customs clearance.

You have to start preparing for a trip to Colombia in advance, a few months before departure. Your pet must meet the following veterinary requirements:

• All animals must be accompanied by a health certificate valid for at least 10 days. The certificate must be certified by the official veterinary authority of the country of export. Before receiving the certificate, the pet must undergo a clinical examination, during which it will be established that the pet is completely healthy and does not have any signs of infectious diseases. In addition to information about the examination, the certificate must contain the personal data of the pet (name, breed, gender, age, color);

• The pet owner must also provide a vaccination certificate, which will include all information about the pet's current vaccinations. All animals must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with WHO standards;

• Animal microchip is recommended, but is NOT a requirement to enter Colombia.

For preventive purposes, it is also recommended to vaccinate animals against the following viruses:

• Dogs – against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus;

• Cats – against viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

For maximum effectiveness, the vaccinations should be given no later than 2 weeks before departure to Colombia.

The following breeds of dogs are prohibited from being imported into Colombia:

• Pit Bull Terrier;

• Staffordshire Terrier;

• American Pit Bull Terrier;

• Any mix of the above breeds.