Brazil requires all cats and dogs over three months old to have a rabies vaccination with at least a 21-day waiting period. An International Health Certificate (CZI) must be issued within 10 days of departure. Microchipping is optional but recommended. No quarantine is required, and Brazil has relatively straightforward import procedures compared to many countries.
Companies Listed
13
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
7 documented
Key Import Requirements
Rabies vaccination required for pets over 3 months (21-day waiting period after primary vaccination)
International Health Certificate (CZI) issued within 10 days of departure
Internal and external parasite treatment required before travel
Microchipping optional (not required by Brazil)
Other species require MAPA Import Authorization
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Brazil vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds can be imported into Brazil but require a MAPA import permit obtained in advance, and a CVI agreement must exist between the origin country and MAPA (check the SISREC system). Birds normally quarantine at the Cananeia Quarantine Station; exotic/wild birds additionally need IBAMA licensing. VIGIAGRO inspects documents on arrival.
Apply in advance for a MAPA import permit for live animals (with importer commitment and responsibility statements)
Confirm via SISREC that an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) agreement exists between the origin country's official service and MAPA
International veterinary health certificate from the origin country's official service
Quarantine at the Cananeia Quarantine Station (EQC); home quarantine is only permitted if EQC space is unavailable and MAPA approves home isolation conditions under veterinary supervision
IBAMA licensing for exotic/wild bird species (mandatory in addition to MAPA), plus CITES documentation for listed species
VIGIAGRO inspection of permit, health certificate and records on arrival at the port of entry
Birds from countries with avian influenza or Newcastle disease outbreaks must quarantine at the Cananeia Quarantine Station. The MAPA permit must be issued before the export health certificate is finalized. Exotic/wild birds face additional IBAMA licensing that can be restrictive. Exact fees and processing times depend on species and origin and are not stated here.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Brazil under MAPA rules. An official MAPA import permit must be obtained before the export health certificate is finalized, and VIGIAGRO inspects animals and documents on arrival. Health certification and origin-country disease testing (typically including equine infectious anemia) apply per the applicable bilateral sanitary protocol.
Obtain an official MAPA import permit before finalizing the export health certificate
International veterinary health certificate from the origin country's official service (e.g. USDA-endorsed for US horses)
Disease testing per the MAPA/origin-country equine protocol (typically including equine infectious anemia)
VIGIAGRO inspection of permit, identification and health records on arrival
Comply with quarantine or pre-export isolation if specified in the applicable protocol
Specific test panel, quarantine duration and timelines are governed by the bilateral equine sanitary protocol for the origin country (MERCOSUR or third-country) and were not enumerated in the general MAPA sources reviewed. Confirm the exact protocol with MAPA before booking. Exact fees are not stated here.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
Brazil prohibits importing exotic reptiles for use as pets; imports have been banned since 1998. Ownership and trade of wild/exotic animals are tightly regulated by IBAMA, with MAPA overseeing animal traffic. Private relocation of a pet reptile into Brazil is therefore impractical to impossible under current rules.
Import of exotic reptiles as pets is prohibited (banned since 1998) under IBAMA/MAPA regulation
Wild-fauna trade and ownership are restricted to IBAMA-authorized individuals/entities on the Federal Technical Registry
Any permitted wildlife import requires IBAMA CITES/non-CITES licensing plus MAPA authorization (not generally available for pet reptiles)
Do not attempt to transport a pet reptile to Brazil without explicit IBAMA authorization, which is not granted for ordinary pet purposes
Official and published sources confirm Brazil banned the import of exotic reptiles as pets in 1998; IBAMA enforces wild-fauna and CITES controls while MAPA supervises animal traffic. Legal captive keeping inside Brazil relies on domestically bred, IBAMA-registered animals rather than imports. Treat private import as not viable and consult IBAMA directly before any wildlife movement.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Brazil?
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