Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Bolivia with your dog or cat is not something to be taken lightly. Between veterinary formalities, administrative permits, airline restrictions, and adapting to altitude or tropical climate, a poorly planned relocation can quickly become a headache. However, with proper planning, it is entirely possible to bring your companion under good conditions, without quarantine and while staying within the bounds of Bolivian regulations.
This article details all the essential steps, from health preparation to daily adaptation, to successfully relocate your pet to Bolivia.
Understanding the General Framework: Who Decides What for Animals in Bolivia
Before discussing vaccines or air transport, it’s useful to know which authorities are involved in the process. In Bolivia, the rules for importing dogs and cats are defined at the national level and controlled upon arrival.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Lands (MDRyT) sets the overall regulatory framework for the entry of pets into the territory. It establishes the main guidelines: health certificates, required vaccinations, conditions for commercial or non-commercial import, etc.
SENASAG is the authority that issues the mandatory Zoosanitary Import Permit (PZI) for dogs and cats. Applications are made online via Gran Paitití or at its offices, and information is centralized on the VUCE portal. Health inspections are also carried out upon the animals’ arrival.
Two points may seem contradictory when reading various sources, but they complement each other in practice:
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Role of the MDRyT | Establishes import regulations for pets |
| Role of SENASAG | Issues zoosanitary permits (PZI), conducts health inspections upon arrival |
| Import of pet dogs/cats | No classic commercial permit required, but SENASAG requires a PZI for entry |
| Commercial Import | Import of batches or animals for commercial purposes: permit mandatory |
In summary, a private individual arriving with their dog or cat does not need a “commercial” import permit, but SENASAG requires, in practice, a Zoosanitary Import Permit (PZI) for dogs and cats. It is therefore better to follow the PZI procedure to avoid any bad surprises at the airport.
The Bolivian “Pet Passport”: A Dossier, Not a Booklet
In Europe, the term “European Pet Passport” refers to a standardized document. In Bolivia, when people talk about a “pet passport“, it is actually a set of documents that, when put together, constitute a dossier compliant with Bolivian requirements.
This dossier must systematically include:
To export an animal to Bolivia, several documents are mandatory: proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination, certificates for other recommended vaccines, and a health certificate for export issued by an accredited veterinarian in the country of origin. Proof of internal and external parasite treatments must also be provided, as well as the microchip number, which must match on all documents. All these documents must be legalized by the Bolivian consulate and translated into Spanish.
This homemade “passport” is therefore a set of coherent documents rather than a single booklet. For countries like the United States or Canada, Bolivia requires this certificate to be issued on specific forms (APHIS Form 7001 for the US, CFIA international certificate for Canada), then approved by the health authorities of the country of origin and legalized by the relevant Bolivian consulate.
Vaccines, Microchip, Parasite Treatments: Preparing the Animal for Departure
The medical aspect is the foundation of any relocation project with a pet. Without a perfectly squared-away health dossier, entry into Bolivia can be denied, or the animal may even be sent back or placed in quarantine if facilities exist.
Rabies Vaccination: The Pivot of the Dossier
For all dogs and cats over three months old, vaccination against rabies is mandatory. Bolivia is very specific about the schedule:
– The vaccine must have been administered at least 30 days before arrival.
– It must not be more than 12 months old at the time of entry, even if the product is a multi-year vaccine.
– So-called “three-year” vaccinations are not recognized: an injection less than one year old is required.
Proof of vaccination can take the form of a separate vaccination certificate, a vaccination booklet issued by a public authority, or a European pet passport. In all cases, this document must be signed and stamped by the veterinarian who administered the injection.
To enter Bolivia, no rabies serological test (like FAVN) is required. However, this test may be required for a later return to your country of origin or transit through certain areas. It is recommended to have it done before your departure if necessary.
Additional Vaccinations: Strongly Recommended
Beyond rabies, Bolivia recommends a bundle of additional vaccines, which are not always listed as mandatory, but provide good health guarantees, especially considering local risks.
For dogs, the authorities recommend:
| Species | Recommended Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Dog | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis |
| Cat | Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia |
For cats, the common combo (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) is advised, plus vaccination against feline leukemia. All these injections, along with their dates, must appear on the international health certificate that will be presented to the Bolivian authorities.
Parasite Treatments: A Mandatory Step
Bolivian regulations also emphasize treatments against internal and external parasites before entry:
– A treatment against internal parasites (deworming).
– A treatment against external parasites (fleas, ticks).
– Specifically, a treatment targeting ticks and tapeworms is required.
Treatments must be performed with products authorized in the country of origin and recorded on the health certificate. Before departure, a veterinary check is imperative to verify the absence of fleas and ticks, as the presence of these parasites can lead to stricter control or temporary refusal.
Microchip: Recommended but Not Yet Mandatory
Bolivia does not make the microchip mandatory for dogs and cats, but authorities and pet transport specialists strongly recommend it. The preferred standard is very clear:
– 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784 or 11785.
– Frequency of 134.2 kHz, readable by international scanners.
The microchip must be implanted by a veterinarian or duly trained personnel, using a hypodermic needle, without surgery. The most important thing paperwork-wise is that the microchip number appears on all documents: health certificate, vaccination booklet, transport forms, etc.
If the animal is already identified with a non-ISO chip (old 9 or 10-digit chips, some AVID models), it is theoretically possible to travel, but sometimes a compatible reader will need to be provided upon arrival. Note that numbers starting with “999” are considered non-unique and are not accepted in some systems.
In case of an unreadable chip shortly before travel, a new ISO chip must be implanted and the entire import process must be restarted, which implies restarting a new rabies vaccination schedule, hence the importance of checking all this several months before departure.
The Health Certificate: Key Document Validated and Legalized
The health certificate is the centerpiece of the Bolivian “pet passport.” It is not simply a letter from your veterinarian, but a document written on a recognized form by the authorities of the departure country and then validated by the state.
Mandatory Content of the Certificate
Regardless of the country of origin, the certificate must be issued by a veterinarian accredited by the national veterinary authority. It must include:
– Complete identification of the animal: species, breed, sex, age.
– Identification: microchip number if present.
– Owner’s identity and contact details: name and address.
– Destination address in Bolivia.
– Details of vaccinations, with date, type of vaccine, and lot number for rabies.
– Details of parasite treatments (internal and external).
– A statement indicating that the animal is in good health, fit to travel, free from contagious disease, and not originating from a rabies-restricted zone.
The certificate must be legible, complete, and without erasures. Any inconsistency or missing information can lead to rejection by the authorities of the country of origin or by Bolivia, thus blocking the process.
Specific Procedures from Certain Countries
From the United States, the health certificate must be completed on APHIS Form 7001 by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. It must then be signed and submitted to an APHIS office for endorsement. Once approved, it must be legalized by a Bolivian consulate, for a fee.
From Canada, the procedure relies on an international certificate for dogs and cats issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This document is first authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, then sent to the Bolivian embassy in Ottawa for legalization, with a payment of 50 USD (by money order or certified check) and a prepaid return envelope if you do not live in Ottawa.
British and European authorities have their own procedures and forms (Export Health Certificate – EHC) via their veterinary portals (APHA/DAERA). Before any procedure with the Bolivian consulate, the certificate must absolutely be validated by the official veterinary authority of the exporting country.
Translation into Spanish and Legalization
Bolivia requires the certificate to be written or translated into Spanish. In practice, many international forms are bilingual, but when they are not, a certified Spanish translation is necessary. After endorsement by the veterinary authority of the departure country, the dossier (certificate + annexes) must be legalized by the competent Bolivian consulate or embassy, which will affix an official stamp.
Also note the issue of timelines: some texts mention a certificate valid if issued within three months prior to arrival, others require certification within the ten days preceding departure. To avoid any ambiguity, the safest practice is to have the certificate issued and endorsed within the ten days before travel, while respecting the 30-day to 12-month window for the rabies vaccine.
The Zoosanitary Import Permit (PZI): The Bolivian Layer
Once the “departure country” part is settled, the purely Bolivian part remains: the Zoosanitary Import Permit (PZI) for dogs and cats, issued by SENASAG.
How to Obtain the PZI
The application must be made before travel:
– Either online, via the SENASAG Gran Paitití platform.
– Or in person at a SENASAG office in Bolivia (a solution mainly used by local intermediaries).
The official information and guidelines are accessible via the VUCE portal, which details the requirements and application process. For a private individual, the simplest option is often to go through a pet relocation provider or a local contact, but it is possible to handle it alone if you master administrative Spanish.
The application dossier generally includes: the required documents, personal information, supporting documents for the situation, and any other element necessary depending on the type of application.
| Element Required for the PZI | Description |
|---|---|
| Import application letter | Addressed to the SENASAG District Chief |
| Liquidation form | Internal document used for billing the permit fees |
| Proof of payment | Bank deposit or transfer receipt |
| Copy of the original health certificate | Photocopy of the legalized veterinary certificate |
Once the dossier is deemed complete by the Zoosanitary Registration and Certification Service, SENASAG issues the permit. It must be printed and presented upon arrival, along with the original health certificate.
Upon Arrival: Inspection and Scenarios in Case of Problems
Animals must enter by air via El Alto International Airport, located about 8 miles from La Paz. This is where SENASAG agents conduct the initial inspection of dogs and cats.
The owner must be present at the time of customs clearance, with:
– The printed PZI.
– The original health certificate and its translations.
– The original vaccination certificates.
– Any other documents justifying parasite treatments or identification.
Pets (dogs and cats) are examined upon arrival to verify the absence of diseases transmissible to humans and the compliance of their dossier. If these checks are satisfactory, no quarantine is imposed.
In case of non-compliance (missing or out-of-date rabies vaccine, incomplete documents, sick animal), several options are possible, all at the owner’s expense:
– Placement in quarantine, if suitable facilities exist.
– Refusal of entry and return to the country of origin.
– Euthanasia as a last resort, for serious or non-rectifiable cases.
Hence the importance of meticulously checking all dates, signatures, and stamps before departure.
Air Transport: Choosing the Airline and Travel Class
Traveling with a pet to Bolivia involves using an airline that accepts dogs or cats on the relevant routes. Three modes of transport must be distinguished: cabin, hold (checked baggage), and cargo. Each airline has its own rules.
LATAM Airlines: A Major Player in South America
LATAM serves Bolivia and accepts dogs and cats on its flights, with several options:
– In the cabin: only small dogs and cats are accepted, in an approved carrier that must fit under the seat. The animal must be clean, in good health, non-aggressive, and travel with a passenger aged 12 or older. This service is only available in Economy and Premium Economy classes, never in Business. The maximum weight allowed in the cabin is 8 kg (animal + carrier), with pricing combining a flat rate up to 5 kg and a supplement per kilo beyond, up to 8 kg. On some routes, LATAM publishes sample fares: for example, around 172–179 USD between Bolivia/Colombia/Peru and the rest of South America, or 288 USD/230 EUR between Bolivia and Europe.
For heavier animals, non-brachycephalic and of non-dangerous breeds, LATAM allows transport in the pressurized and air-conditioned hold. Conditions: the flight must be operated entirely by LATAM with a maximum connection time of less than 7 hours. The animal must be at least 16 weeks old, in good health, not sedated, and if it is a female, she must not be pregnant nor have given birth in the previous 48 hours.
– In cargo: for unaccompanied animals or very large ones, the cargo option is possible, but must be organized via the cargo service or a specialized company.
A crucial point if you are traveling from or via the United States: due to new US rules on the importation of dogs, LATAM has temporarily suspended the transport of dogs between the United States and several South American countries, including Bolivia. Therefore, you must check well in advance if a route involving US territory is feasible or if you should favor a route via other hubs (Europe, other Latin American countries).
Bookings for pets must be made via the LATAM call center. It is recommended to do this as soon as the owner’s ticket is issued, and no later than 4 hours before departure for cabin animals, and 48 hours in advance for those traveling in the hold.
Copa Airlines, Wingo, and Boliviana de Aviación: Other Options to Bolivia
Copa Airlines also serves Bolivia and accepts dogs and cats in the cabin, in an approved soft carrier measuring 45.7 x 28 x 28 cm. Only passengers aged 11 and older can travel with an animal in the cabin. Copa does not transport animals as checked baggage: larger dogs and cats must go via cargo (Copa Cargo), and only from Monday to Thursday. Fees for an animal in the cabin are 25 USD on domestic flights (for Copa) and 125 USD on international flights.
Wingo, a regional low-cost carrier, accepts animals only in the cabin, in a soft carrier of 55 x 35 x 25 cm, with a maximum weight of animal + carrier of 10 kg. There is no hold transport with Wingo. The number of spots per flight is limited, and the reservation must be made at the time of ticket purchase or via the call center. Fees start at 60 USD depending on the route.
The airline Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) allows dogs and cats over three months old in the cabin, provided the total weight (animal + carrier) does not exceed 8 kg. The container must measure a maximum of 36 x 33 x 25 cm and remain under the seat for the entire flight. For heavier animals or certain routes, transport can be done via BoA Cargo as freight, in an IATA-approved carrier.
Adapting to Airlines’ Often Changing Rules
Each airline has a more or less long list of banned breeds (especially brachycephalic and reputedly dangerous dogs), excluded routes, temperature limits, or schedules for hold transport. Some outright prohibit animals in the cabin on certain segments (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, etc.).
Two things to keep in mind:
– It is always the policy of the “operating” carrier (the one operating the flight) that applies, even if you bought your ticket from another carrier under a codeshare agreement.
– In case of a connection with a change of airline, the animal may have to be retrieved, go through customs, and then be re-checked on the next flight, with all that entails in terms of time and documentation.
Conversely, some airlines mentioned in research (Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, etc.) are known for their seriousness in transporting animals and their temperature control in the hold, but they do not always serve Bolivia directly, which requires connections.
High Altitude, Tropical Jungle: Adapting the Journey to the Bolivian Climate
Relocating to Bolivia with a pet isn’t just about handling paperwork. It’s also exposing your companion to very different environments: the dry high altitude of the Altiplano, the humid tropical climate of the lowlands, and the temperate valleys in the center of the country.
The Altiplano: Thin Air and Freezing Nights
La Paz and its El Alto airport are located around 3,600 to over 4,000 meters above sea level. Cities like Uyuni, Potosí, or the Lake Titicaca region also reach over 3,600 meters, with marked temperature variations. In the dry season (May-October), daytime temperatures often range between 50-61°F (10-16°C), but can drop to 14 to -4°F (-10 to -20°C) at night in some areas.
For an animal, this combination of thin air + cold nights is a real physiological stress. Before settling permanently on the Altiplano, it is wise to:
Before a high-altitude trip, consult your veterinarian to check for the absence of heart or respiratory insufficiency. Plan for gradual acclimatization (for example, avoid going directly to Uyuni after a long flight, especially in winter). Prepare cold-weather gear (coats, blankets, insulated bedding). Monitor breathing rate, appetite, and behavior in the first days (look for extreme fatigue, exercise intolerance, or abnormal coughing).
Lowlands and Amazonia: Heat, Humidity, Mosquitoes
In contrast, the regions of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, or the Amazon area have a hot and humid tropical climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 59 to over 86°F (15 to over 30°C), sometimes higher, and high humidity.
The risks there are of a different nature:
In summer, dogs, especially those with short snouts or dense coats, are exposed to heatstroke. This season also favors the proliferation of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and mosquitoes. It is crucial to maintain a rigorous parasite control protocol and be vigilant about tropical diseases these insects can transmit.
In this context, it is crucial to:
– Provide the animal with shaded areas and good ventilation.
– Ensure permanent access to clean, cool water, especially during travel.
– Schedule walks during the coolest hours.
– Renew external parasite treatments frequently, following the recommendations of the local veterinarian.
Valley Cities: A Comfortable Compromise
Cities like Cochabamba or Sucre, located between 2,500 and 2,800 meters, offer a much milder climate, often compared to an eternal spring, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool but rarely extreme nights. For many animals sensitive to both heat and very high altitude, this type of region can be an interesting compromise.
Accommodation and Pet-Friendly Lodgings in Bolivia
Whether for the first few days after arrival or for a longer stay, there is a growing supply of hotels, apartments, and rental houses in Bolivia that accept pets.
Platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb list hundreds of “pet-friendly” accommodations in La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Uyuni, El Alto, Samaipata, Copacabana, Rurrenabaque, etc. For example, La Paz has nearly 490 vacation rentals listed on one platform, over 450 with Wi-Fi, and several dozen clearly marked as accepting pets.
Minimum price per night for simple accommodation with pets, found on some platforms.
The essential condition, again, is transparency: inform the host or hotel at the time of booking about the presence of a pet, check for any possible surcharges or house rules (maximum size, prohibition of leaving the animal alone, unauthorized areas, etc.).
Safety, Stray Dogs, and Local Habits
An aspect often underestimated before arriving in Bolivia is the significant presence of loose dogs, sometimes in packs, in certain cities or villages. They are not always “ownerless” dogs: many are “semi-domestic”, belonging to families but roaming freely in the street.
This context can pose several problems for a newcomer with their leashed dog:
– Risk of dog fights.
– Threats or bites to humans trying to separate the animals.
– Significant stress for dogs unaccustomed to confrontation.
In some localities like Uyuni, packs of dogs can become aggressive towards other animals or people. To safely keep overly insistent dogs at a distance, some travelers use a non-lethal spray made of water and vinegar. It is important to note that using more aggressive sprays, like pepper spray or bear spray, may be illegal locally.
Caution remains the best weapon:
– Limit walks in villages or neighborhoods where the presence of pack dogs is known.
– Avoid dump sites or market areas where dogs congregate.
– Keep your dog on a short leash and monitor the surroundings from a distance.
– Consider calmer walking routes or enclosed parks, when they exist.
Professional Help: When to Call a Pet Relocation Company
The steps described so far can be handled alone, but they require solid organization, especially if you have to juggle multiple connections or transit countries with their own rules (European Union, United States, etc.).
Several companies specialized in international pet relocation serve Bolivia (or South America more broadly). Some, established for several decades, claim thousands of successful relocations and offer scalable service levels:
| Type of Relocation Service | What It Often Covers |
|---|---|
| Door-to-Door (VIP) | Pick-up at origin home, complete formalities, delivery in Bolivia |
| Residence → Arrival Airport | Document organization, departure formalities, flight, handover of animal upon arrival |
| Airport → Residence | Pick-up at airport, entry formalities, delivery to home |
| Book & Fly (Airport → Airport) | Cargo booking, advice, but few or no ground services |
These companies can, for example:
Our comprehensive support for your animal’s export, ensuring compliance with all international administrative and logistical procedures.
Providing and implanting a microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standards, essential for international identification.
Compiling the entire health certificate and import dossier required by the destination country.
Managing the application for the International Zoosanitary Permit (PZI) with SENASAG, the national veterinary authority.
Booking air cargo journeys with recognized airlines specialized in animal transport.
Supervising and organizing any quarantines imposed by transit or destination countries.
The costs are not negligible: a package for relocating a dog or cat from the United States to South America can range from 2,500 to over 6,000 USD, depending on the animal’s size, distances, connections, and services selected. But for complex relocations (large packs, sensitive breeds, routes with regulatory stops), this investment can avoid costly mistakes.
Returning to the Country of Origin or Moving On: Think About the Return Trip From the Start
Finally, a detail often forgotten: Bolivia is rarely the final destination for a lifetime. One day, you may need to return to your country of origin or move on to a third country. Some authorities, like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have strengthened their requirements for dogs returning from countries where rabies is circulating.
For a return to the United States, for example, the main points to anticipate are:
To import a dog into Mauritius, it must be microchipped and at least six months old. It must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and appear healthy upon arrival. For dogs coming from high-risk rabies countries, a rabies vaccination administered after microchipping is mandatory, and a serological test may be required. In the absence of a valid serology, a 28-day quarantine is imposed, with different modalities depending on whether the animal is a pet or imported for adoption or sale.
Tests like FAVN, while not mandatory for entering Bolivia, therefore become potentially necessary for leaving. It’s best to discuss this with your veterinarian even before leaving, to plan blood draws and avoid being stuck at the last minute.
In Conclusion: Anticipate, Document, Adapt
Preparing a relocation with a pet to Bolivia means juggling three main categories of constraints: regulatory (MDRyT, SENASAG, certificates, PZI, legalizations), logistical (airlines, IATA-approved carriers, connections), and sanitary/environmental (vaccines, parasites, altitude, tropical climate, stray dogs).
To import your dog or cat into Bolivia without quarantine and under good conditions, it is essential to: consult a veterinarian experienced in animal exports, inquire directly with Bolivian authorities (SENASAG and consulate), carefully choose the airline, and take into account the geographical specificities of the country.
Bolivia does not publish an official list of banned dog breeds and is, overall, open to pets as long as the rabies vaccination, parasite treatments, and health certificate are impeccable. The rest is up to you to organize so that your companion copes as well as possible with the altitude of La Paz or the humidity of Santa Cruz, and to find a local veterinarian on-site who will take over to maintain their health status in their new adoptive country.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
