For many travelers, pets are their best companions. With the advancement of tourism, airlines have adjusted their services to include dogs and cats in our vacations, both domestic and international. Traveling with pets within Chile is an experience you'll never forget, but it requires careful planning to ensure the well-being of our furry friends.

Before traveling, it is crucial to comply with airline and country regulations, especially if you are coming from abroad. This includes obtaining health authorizations and travel insurance for your pets, which cover veterinary care in case of accidents or illnesses.

What pets are allowed in Chile?

Chile permits the entry of dogs, cats, and ferrets. These pets must meet a series of health requirements to prevent the introduction of infectious and parasitic diseases that could affect both animals and humans.

To enter Chile with your pet, you need a health authorization that certifies compliance with national requirements. This process aims to prevent the entry of diseases like rabies, which has a prevention and control program in the country.

This authorization applies to dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), cats (Felis silvestris catus), and ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) traveling with their owners or transported by transportation services. It does not apply to other species of companion animals, such as birds, rodents, or reptiles.

Necessary documentation

Depending on the type of entry, you will need different documents:

• Traveling to and returning to Chile within 21 days: Zoosanitary export certificate and rabies vaccination. For ferrets, the DIPROREN Resolution is required.
• Traveling and returning after more than 21 days or from abroad: Zoosanitary import certificate (CZI) or EU Passport, plus the DIPROREN Resolution for ferrets.

The Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI), issued by the health authority of the country of origin, must meet Chilean health requirements. For animals coming from the European Union, the EU passport is valid. For ferrets, a specific resolution from the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) is also required.

CZI Requirements:

• Clinical examination: Performed by a veterinarian within 10 days prior to entering Chile, ensuring the animal shows no signs of infectious diseases.
• Rabies vaccine: Administered at least 21 days before entry. For ferrets, the vaccine must be species-specific.
• Deworming: Treatment against internal and external parasites carried out between 5 and 30 days before entry.

The CZI is valid for 10 days, extendable for an additional five days depending on travel conditions.

Sanitary Authorization to enter Chile with dogs, cats, and ferrets

Traveling by air with pets

Chilean airlines, such as LATAM Airlines, SKY Airlines, and JetSmart, have specific policies for pet transportation, including size, weight, and health restrictions.

For example, on LATAM, pets can travel in the cabin if they meet certain requirements: they must be healthy, at least 16 weeks old, and not travel sedated. They must fit in a bag or kennel that complies with airline dimensions. The rigid bag should not exceed 36 cm in length, 33 cm in width, and 19 cm in height; the flexible bag can be up to 40 cm in length, 28 cm in width, and 25 cm in height.

For animals that cannot travel in the cabin, there is the option of traveling in the hold, always meeting specific weight and kennel type conditions. Maximum weight of 45 kg for pet and kennel, with maximum dimensions of 300 cm linear and a maximum height of 115 cm.

8 Additional Considerations

1. Airline requirements: Ensure you meet all size and container conditions, as otherwise, the pet will not be accepted.
2. Country regulations: Research the health regulations of the country of origin, in addition to Chilean regulations, to avoid inconveniences.
3. Application process: Generally, it can be done online, at sales offices, or through customer service. It is crucial to do it in advance, especially for international trips, due to flight quota limitations.
4. Consult your veterinarian: Get specific advice and necessary documentation.
5. Suitable bag or kennel: Ensure it complies with regulations and is comfortable for your pet.
6. Prior training: Get your pet accustomed to the bag or kennel before the trip.
7. Hydration yes, Food no: To prevent nausea and vomiting, avoid feeding your pet but keep it hydrated.
8. Attention during and after the trip: Keep your pet calm during the trip and observe it after the journey for any signs of discomfort.

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