Bringing a pet to Brazil

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Brazil requires a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination for dogs, with additional rules for pets from countries with poor rabies control. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented dogs. Incomplete documents can lead to refusal of entry or return of the animal at the owner's expense. Verify current requirements with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) or a Brazilian consulate before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Brazil.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Brazil does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines and transport carriers may refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers due to respiratory risks, especially in cargo. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 1 year old
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g. pet passport or export certificate from the origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAPA.

For dogs from countries considered free of rabies (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), Brazil does not require a rabies titer test or an import permit. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and must state the dog's microchip number and rabies vaccination details.

MAPA Brazil

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 1 year old
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g. pet passport or export certificate from the origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAPA.

Dogs from low-risk countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and most of Europe are not required to have a rabies titer test or an import permit. The same 10-day health certificate validity and 21-day post-vaccination wait apply. Brazil may require additional documentation for dogs originating from countries with specific disease concerns, so check with MAPA before travel.

MAPA Brazil

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not more than 1 year old
Rabies antibody titration test (FAVN or RFFIT) result with titer ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel
Import permit issued by MAPA prior to travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g. pet passport or export certificate from the origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAPA.

Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a rabies titer test and a prior import permit from MAPA. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but dogs arriving without the required titer test or permit may be denied entry or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense.

MAPA Brazil

Frequently asked questions

Brazil generally allows up to 5 dogs per traveller for non-commercial purposes without requiring commercial import procedures. If you are bringing more than 5 dogs, the shipment may be treated as commercial and you will need to comply with additional MAPA requirements, including a commercial import permit and possibly a different health certificate. Confirm the current limit with MAPA or the Brazilian consulate before travel.

It depends on the rabies-risk status of the country you are travelling from. Dogs from countries considered free of rabies (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) and most low-risk countries (e.g. United States, United Kingdom, Japan, EU member states) do not need a rabies titer test. Dogs from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN or RFFIT test showing a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The test result is valid for 1 year.

No, Brazil does not impose routine quarantine on dogs that arrive with a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate issued within 10 days, and (if required) a rabies titer test and import permit. However, if your dog arrives without the required documents or from a high-risk country without a titer test, it may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at your expense. Quarantine is not automatic and is typically used only for non-compliant animals.

The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your dog's arrival in Brazil. It must be issued or endorsed by an official government veterinarian in the origin country and must include your dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination details (date and vaccine type), and a statement that the animal is healthy and free of infectious diseases. A certificate older than 10 days is not accepted.

Yes, your dog must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number must be recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate and the health certificate. If your dog was vaccinated before the microchip was implanted, the vaccination may not be considered valid for import purposes, so ensure the microchip is implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.

No, Brazil does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules. Airlines may have their own policies for service dogs in the cabin, but the Brazilian agricultural authorities apply the same import rules regardless of the animal's role.

If your dog arrives without the required rabies vaccination, health certificate, microchip, or (for high-risk origins) titer test and import permit, the Brazilian agricultural inspector may deny entry and order the animal returned to the origin country at your expense. In some cases, the animal may be placed in quarantine at a designated facility until the situation is resolved, also at your expense. Verify all documents with MAPA before travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Brazil.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin pets) endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for cats, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary service
Proof of current rabies vaccination (certificate or official record showing vaccine name, batch, date, and valid until date)
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate (CVI) ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and VIGIAGRO/MAPA.

Brazil does not maintain a formal 'rabies-free' list equivalent to the EU; in practice, cats from territories with negligible rabies risk (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) are treated like low-risk origins. No quarantine for cats from any origin if paperwork is complete. Cats are not subject to the dog-specific Leishmania or leptospirosis testing that some high-risk-origin dogs face.

MAPA Brazil

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin pets) endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for cats, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary service
Proof of current rabies vaccination (certificate or official record showing vaccine name, batch, date, and valid until date)
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number

Rough budget

This covers most origins: EU member states, US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc. Brazil requires a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel for cats older than 3 months. No FAVN titer test and no import permit are required for cats from these countries. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin's government veterinary service (for the US, that means a USDA-accredited veterinarian and APHIS endorsement).

MAPA Brazil

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin pets) endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit (Licença de Importação) issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) prior to travel
International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for cats, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary service
Proof of current rabies vaccination (certificate or official record showing vaccine name, batch, date, and valid until date)
FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory, showing ≥0.5 IU/ml
Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate (CVI) ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150 (varies by Brazilian consulate/agency). No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and VIGIAGRO/MAPA.

High-risk origins are those on the CDC list of countries where dog rabies is a high risk (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). For cats, Brazil requires a rabies titer test and an import permit. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. There is no quarantine if all documents are in order. The import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 2–4 weeks. Cats from high-risk origins are not subject to the same Leishmania testing as dogs, but the rabies titer requirement applies.

MAPA Brazil

Frequently asked questions

Brazil does not publish a fixed numeric cap for non-commercial pet cats. In practice, VIGIAGRO treats up to 5 cats per traveller as non-commercial if they are personal pets, accompanied by the owner, and not intended for sale. Above that number, the shipment may be reclassified as commercial, requiring additional import licences and tax registration. If you are moving with more than 5 cats, contact MAPA/VIGIAGRO in advance to confirm the commercial import process.

No. Brazil does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from veterinary import requirements. A service cat still needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. If the cat originates from a high-risk rabies country, the FAVN titer test and import permit are also required. Airlines may allow a service cat in the cabin, but that is separate from the agricultural import rules — you must still clear VIGIAGRO at the port of entry.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from low-risk origins (US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, etc.) do not need a FAVN titer test. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN test done at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test result is valid for the duration of the rabies vaccine's validity.

No. Brazil does not impose quarantine on cats if all import documents are correct and the animal is healthy on arrival. If paperwork is missing or the cat shows signs of illness, VIGIAGRO may order isolation or return the animal to origin at the owner's expense. There is no routine 30- or 90-day quarantine for cats from any origin.

The cat must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. In practice, this means the cat will be at least 4 months old on arrival. Kittens younger than 3 months cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement and are not permitted entry under normal pet rules.

You need an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for cats, issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country (for the US, that is a USDA-accredited veterinarian and APHIS endorsement). The certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Brazil. It must state the cat's microchip number, rabies vaccination details (vaccine name, batch, date, valid until), and confirm the cat is free of infectious diseases. A bilingual certificate (English/Portuguese) is recommended.

Airlines set their own cabin policies, but Brazilian import rules do not prohibit cats from arriving in the cabin. You must still present the cat to VIGIAGRO at the first point of entry in Brazil for document inspection. If you are flying into a major international airport (GRU, GIG, etc.), VIGIAGRO has an office there. Allow extra time — inspection can take 30–60 minutes if the airport is busy.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Brazil.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for ferrets, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, valid for at least 12 months)
Import permit (Licença de Importação) issued by MAPA prior to travel
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) or legible tattoo applied before rabies vaccination

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus possible broker fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAPA.

Brazil does not recognize 'free' rabies status as exempt for ferrets; all ferrets require an import permit and a health certificate. Ferrets are not considered pets under some Brazilian state rules, but MAPA treats them as companion animals for import. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid at entry. The microchip must be implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination.

MAPA Brazil

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for ferrets, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, valid for at least 12 months)
Import permit (Licença de Importação) issued by MAPA prior to travel
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) or legible tattoo applied before rabies vaccination

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus possible broker fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAPA.

Same requirements as for 'free' tier. Brazil does not differentiate between low-risk and free countries for ferret imports; all must meet the same conditions. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid at entry. The microchip must be implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination.

MAPA Brazil

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) for ferrets, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate (inactivated vaccine, valid for at least 12 months)
FAVN or RFFIT rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory, with titer ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days after vaccination
Import permit (Licença de Importação) issued by MAPA prior to travel
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) or legible tattoo applied before rabies vaccination

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus possible broker fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MAPA.

Brazil requires a rabies titer test for ferrets from high-risk countries. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination, and the ferret must wait 90 days after the blood draw before entering Brazil. The titer must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The microchip must be implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination. No quarantine is imposed if all requirements are met.

MAPA Brazil

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are subject to strict import rules. You need an import permit from MAPA (Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento), a rabies vaccination certificate, a microchip, and an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is also required, and you must wait 90 days after the blood draw before entering Brazil.

Brazil does not set a specific numerical limit for ferrets in non-commercial movement, but each animal must have its own import permit and health certificate. In practice, travellers typically bring 1–2 ferrets. If you are bringing more than 5 animals, Brazilian authorities may consider it a commercial import, which triggers additional requirements. Confirm with MAPA before travelling with multiple ferrets.

No. Brazil does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. Ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same veterinary and permit conditions as any other ferret. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the Brazilian government does not waive import rules for service or support animals.

If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (as defined by the CDC), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required. The test must be performed at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. You must then wait 90 days after the blood draw before your ferret can enter Brazil. For low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.

The import permit (Licença de Importação) is issued by MAPA and typically takes 5–15 business days to process, but it can take longer. Apply well in advance — at least 30 days before travel is recommended. The permit is valid for a specific period, usually 90 days, so time your application accordingly.

Yes. Your ferret must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (or a legible tattoo applied before rabies vaccination). The microchip must be implanted before or at the time of rabies vaccination. If the microchip is not ISO-compliant, you may need to carry a microchip reader.

No quarantine is imposed if all import requirements are met: valid rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, import permit, and (for high-risk countries) a passing rabies titer test with the required waiting period. If documents are incomplete or the titer test fails, the animal may be quarantined, returned, or euthanized at the owner's expense.

Good to know

Brazil's pet import rules are set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and enforced at the point of entry by federal agricultural inspectors. Requirements differ by species and by the rabies-risk status of the origin country. A health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival is standard for dogs and cats, and must be issued or endorsed by an official government veterinarian. Dogs from countries with no or poor rabies control generally face additional requirements such as a rabies antibody titration test and, in some cases, a prior import permit.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Brazil, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).