Bringing a pet to Ecuador

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Ecuador requires an AGROCALIDAD import permit (guía de importación) for all dogs, a health certificate endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority, proof of a current rabies vaccination, and an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented pets. Animals arriving without the permit or with incomplete paperwork can be held, returned, or quarantined at the owner's expense. The same core requirements apply regardless of the origin country's rabies status, so owners should start the permit process 4–8 weeks before travel.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK), endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Ecuador does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers, especially in cargo. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

AGROCALIDAD import permit (guía de importación)
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old and not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, AGROCALIDAD import permit ~$50–100, courier/endorsement fees ~$50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AGROCALIDAD.

No rabies titer test is required. The pet must travel with the owner or a designated person on the same flight; unaccompanied cargo may face additional requirements.

Apply / official dog import page

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

AGROCALIDAD import permit (guía de importación)
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old and not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Same requirements as free tier. No rabies titer test or quarantine. The health certificate must be endorsed by the government veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for US, DEFRA for UK).

Apply / official dog import page

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 of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

AGROCALIDAD import permit (guía de importación)
Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old and not more than 1 year old)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Ecuador does not impose additional requirements (titer test, quarantine) for pets from high-risk rabies countries beyond the standard permit, vaccination, and health certificate. However, airlines may have stricter rules for pets from high-risk countries; check with your carrier.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. AGROCALIDAD requires an import permit (guía de importación) for all dogs, regardless of origin country. Apply online at agrocalidad.gob.ec at least 4–8 weeks before travel. The permit is typically valid for 30 days, so time your application with your travel dates.

No. Ecuador does not require a rabies titer test for dogs entering from any country, including high-risk rabies countries. A current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old and not more than 1 year old) is sufficient.

No routine quarantine is imposed if your dog arrives with a valid AGROCALIDAD import permit, an endorsed health certificate, and proof of rabies vaccination. If paperwork is missing or invalid, AGROCALIDAD may order quarantine, return the animal, or require other measures at the owner's expense.

Ecuador generally allows up to 5 pets per traveller under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be treated as commercial, requiring additional import procedures and possibly a commercial import licence. Confirm current limits with AGROCALIDAD before travelling with multiple pets.

No. Ecuador does not exempt emotional support or service animals from the standard import requirements. Your dog still needs an AGROCALIDAD import permit, a health certificate endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority, and proof of rabies vaccination. Some airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the destination country's import rules still apply.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your dog's arrival in Ecuador and must be endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). A certificate signed only by a private vet is not sufficient.

Yes. Ecuador requires dogs to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip number must appear on the health certificate and vaccination records. If your dog already has a non-ISO microchip, bring your own scanner or ensure the number is clearly documented.

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

Microchip

Not required

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for Companion Animals, issued within 10 days before arrival
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip not required, but if implanted ~US$30–50; health certificate ~US$100–200; rabies vaccination ~US$20–50. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fees apply. Confirm current prices with a local vet and AGROCALIDAD.

Ecuador does not require a microchip for cats from free-tier countries. A rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate are sufficient. No quarantine. Cats must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination, but there is no separate minimum import age.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for Companion Animals, issued within 10 days before arrival
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year

Rough budget

Ecuador applies the same requirements to cats from low-risk and free-tier countries: no microchip, no titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for Companion Animals, issued within 10 days before arrival
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 1 year

Rough budget

Ecuador does not impose additional requirements for cats from high-risk rabies countries beyond the standard rabies vaccination and health certificate. No titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine. This is less strict than many other countries but reflects Ecuador's policy as of 2026.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Ecuador does not require a rabies titer test for cats from any country, including high-risk rabies areas. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.

No. Ecuador does not require a microchip for cats. If your cat is microchipped, it can help with identification, but it is not an import requirement.

Ecuador allows up to 5 pets (cats or dogs) per traveller without commercial import permits. More than 5 is considered commercial and requires additional permits and inspections from AGROCALIDAD.

No. Ecuador does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same import requirements: a rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival.

The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days before arrival in Ecuador. It must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation.

No. Ecuador does not impose quarantine on cats that meet the vaccination and health certificate requirements. Your cat can enter directly.

A current rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be valid for at least 1 year. Other vaccinations (e.g., feline distemper, calicivirus) are not required by Ecuador but are recommended for your cat's health.

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

Microchip

Not required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for small mammals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
Import permit issued by Agrocalidad, obtained in advance
Proof of origin (owner's declaration or pedigree) may be requested

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; confirm current fees with Agrocalidad and your vet. Import permit ~$50–100; health certificate ~$100–200; official endorsement ~$50–100; rabies vaccination ~$20–50. Total typically $200–450. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier.

Ferrets are classified as exotic or minor species, not dogs or cats, and fall under Agrocalidad's small mammal import rules. An import permit is mandatory even from rabies-free origins. Rabies vaccination is required regardless of origin. No quarantine if all documents are in order.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for small mammals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
Import permit issued by Agrocalidad, obtained in advance
Proof of origin (owner's declaration or pedigree) may be requested

Rough budget

Ecuador applies the same requirements as for rabies-free origins; there is no separate low-risk category for ferrets. Import permit and health certificate are mandatory. No quarantine for compliant ferrets.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Not required

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

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for small mammals, issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE-approved laboratory, completed at least 90 days before travel
Import permit issued by Agrocalidad, obtained in advance
Proof of origin (owner's declaration or pedigree) may be requested

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; confirm current fees with Agrocalidad and your vet. Import permit ~$50–100; health certificate ~$100–200; official endorsement ~$50–100; rabies vaccination ~$20–50; FAVN titer test ~$150–300. Total typically $350–750. No quarantine fee applies if documents are in order.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test in addition to standard requirements. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and completed at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine if all documents are in order, but Agrocalidad may impose quarantine on arrival if the titer test is missing or below 0.5 IU/ml.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are regulated as exotic or minor species by Agrocalidad, not as cats or dogs. You need an import permit from Agrocalidad, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. From high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) completed at least 90 days before travel is also required. No quarantine if all documents are correct.

Ecuador does not publish a specific numeric limit for ferrets in its non-commercial pet movement rules. Agrocalidad evaluates each import permit application individually. Bringing more than 3–5 ferrets may be reclassified as commercial, triggering additional requirements such as an import licence and veterinary inspection at the port of entry. For one or two ferrets with a single traveller, the non-commercial process applies.

No. Ecuador does not recognise emotional support animals as a category exempt from import requirements. Service animals (dogs) may have limited recognition under some airline rules, but ferrets — even if used for emotional support — must meet the same Agrocalidad import permit, health certificate, and rabies vaccination requirements as any other ferret. There is no exemption for ESAs.

A FAVN test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination, and the result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at an OIE-approved laboratory. The result is valid for 1 year from the blood draw date. The test must be completed at least 90 days before travel. If the titer is below 0.5 IU/ml, the ferret may be quarantined or refused entry.

Processing times vary, but typically 5–15 business days if all documents are in order. Apply at least 30 days before travel, because you also need time for the health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel) and, for high-risk origins, the FAVN titer test (which requires a 30-day wait after vaccination and must be completed at least 90 days before travel).

No. Ecuador does not require a microchip for ferrets. Identification is based on the health certificate and import permit, which include a description of the animal. A microchip is not mandatory, but if your ferret already has one, it can help link vaccination records.

If you arrive without a valid import permit, health certificate, or rabies vaccination proof, Agrocalidad may refuse entry, impose quarantine at your expense (typically 30 days or more), or require the animal to be returned to the origin country. Fines can also apply. Confirm current requirements with Agrocalidad before travel.

Good to know

AGROCALIDAD (Agencia de Regulación y Control Fito y Zoosanitario) is the competent authority for pet imports. The import permit must be requested online via AGROCALIDAD's system before travel and is typically valid for 30 days. Pets must arrive at an international airport with an AGROCALIDAD inspection point (Quito, Guayaquil, or Cuenca).

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 Ecuador, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).