Bringing a pet to Brazil

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Brazil has strict, non-uniform pet import requirements that vary depending on the rabies-risk category of the origin country. There is no routine quarantine for pets from low-risk countries, but animals from high-risk areas may face additional testing or isolation. All pets need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by the official government agency.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch number and veterinarian signature)
  • International health certificate (CVI) issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for free-origin countries.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch number and veterinarian signature)
  • International health certificate (CVI) issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for low-risk origin countries.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with vaccine batch number and veterinarian signature)
  • International health certificate (CVI) issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with implantation date and location)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for high-risk origin countries.

MAPA Brazil

Frequently asked questions

No, Brazil does not require a rabies titer test for dogs from any origin. A valid rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait after the primary vaccine is sufficient.
The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before arrival in Brazil. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
No, Brazil does not impose quarantine on dogs arriving from any country. Your dog can go straight home after customs clearance.
You need an international health certificate (CVI) issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. If coming from the US, the USDA must endorse it; from the UK, DEFRA endorses it.
Brazil does not set a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet movement, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture if you plan to bring more than 2 dogs.
No, Brazil does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must still meet microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy and the dog's size (usually under 8 kg including carrier). Brazil's animal health authority does not regulate cabin vs. cargo — check with your airline for their specific rules.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, and date of administration)
  • International health certificate (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation (proof of implantation and ISO 11784/11785 compliance)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit needed. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cats from rabies-free origins (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) follow the same basic rules as low-risk origins.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, and date of administration)
  • International health certificate (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation (proof of implantation and ISO 11784/11785 compliance)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit needed. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cats from low-risk origins (e.g., US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia) require a valid rabies vaccine and health certificate.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine batch, and date of administration)
  • International health certificate (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation (proof of implantation and ISO 11784/11785 compliance)
  • Rabies titer (FAVN) test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, sample taken at least 90 days before travel)
  • Import permit from Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cats from high-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a rabies titer test and an import permit from MAPA. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

MAPA Brazil

Frequently asked questions

Brazil does not set a strict numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement, but if you bring more than 2 cats, customs may treat the shipment as commercial. For 3 or more cats, you likely need a commercial import license and additional paperwork. Confirm with MAPA before travel.
No. The US is classified as low-risk for rabies. Cats from the US only need a microchip, rabies vaccine (given at least 21 days before travel), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test or import permit is required.
No. Brazil does not recognize emotional support animals under pet import regulations. All cats, regardless of role, must follow the same import requirements based on origin country. Service dogs may have separate rules, but cats are not covered.
Brazil requires the rabies vaccine to be valid at the time of entry. There is no requirement to maintain validity during your stay. However, if you plan to export the cat from Brazil later, the destination country may have its own vaccine validity rules.
No. Brazil does not impose quarantine for cats arriving from any origin, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and if required, titer test and import permit) is in order. Quarantine is only ordered if documents are missing or the animal appears sick.
Yes, but the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age. If the kitten is younger than 12 weeks, it cannot be vaccinated, and you must obtain a special exemption from MAPA. The health certificate must still be issued within 10 days of travel.
The import permit issued by MAPA is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. You must enter Brazil within that window. The permit is a single-use document for the specific animal listed.

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 accredited by the origin country's animal health authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Veterinary statement that ferret is free of infectious disease and fit to fly

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No import permit or titer test fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA).

Brazil does not require a FAVN titer test or import permit for ferrets from rabies-free origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary service of the origin country. Ferrets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel; rabies vaccination is not required before 12 weeks of age.

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 accredited by the origin country's animal health authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Veterinary statement that ferret is free of infectious disease and fit to fly

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No import permit or titer test fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA).

Brazil does not require a FAVN titer test or import permit for ferrets from low-risk origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the official veterinary service of the origin country. Ferrets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel; rabies vaccination is not required before 12 weeks of age.

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 accredited by the origin country's animal health authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (≥0.5 IU/mL, sample taken ≥30 days post-vaccination and ≥90 days pre-travel)
  • Import permit issued by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Veterinary statement that ferret is free of infectious disease and fit to fly

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit processing ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA).

Brazil requires a FAVN titer test and an import permit for ferrets from high-risk rabies origins. The import permit must be obtained before travel. No quarantine is required upon arrival if all documents are in order. Ferrets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel; rabies vaccination is not required before 12 weeks of age.

MAPA Brazil

Frequently asked questions

Brazilian airlines generally allow ferrets in the cabin only if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 45x35x20 cm) and the combined weight of ferret plus carrier does not exceed 8 kg. Check with your specific airline at least 48 hours before departure. Ferrets must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight.
Yes, Brazil considers more than 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller as commercial import, which requires a different process and a licensed importer. For non-commercial entry, you may bring up to 5 ferrets with the standard documentation. If you need to bring more, contact MAPA for commercial import rules.
No. Brazil does not recognise emotional support animals or service ferrets under its pet import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk origin) FAVN titer test and import permit requirements. No exemptions are granted.
No. Brazil requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was administered after microchipping and is still within its validity period (typically 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine brand). A valid titer test does not replace an expired vaccine. You must get a booster vaccine and wait 21 days before travel.
The health certificate must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation into Portuguese. The certificate should be issued by an official veterinarian in the origin country and endorsed by that country's veterinary authority. Some airlines also require an English version. Check with MAPA and your airline.
Yes, but the ferret must be at least 8 weeks old to travel. If the ferret is under 12 weeks, a rabies vaccination is not required (since vaccines are not given before 12 weeks), but you must still have a health certificate and microchip. The ferret cannot enter from a high-risk origin without a rabies vaccine and titer test, so for high-risk origins, the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old and vaccinated.
Brazil requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. If your ferret has a non-ISO chip (e.g., AVID or other), you must bring your own compatible scanner to verify the chip at entry. Without a readable ISO chip, the ferret may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at your expense until a chip can be implanted and verified. Avoid this by using an ISO chip.

Good to know

Brazil requires all imported dogs, cats, and ferrets to be identified by a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) and have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure and endorsed by the Brazilian consulate or the competent authority in the country of origin.

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).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Brazil's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.