Skip to content

Guide · Updated September 2026

Moving to Chile with your dog: a practical guide.

Moving abroad is exciting, but it can be overwhelming when your dog is coming too. Here's what Chile requires at the border, what to check with your airline, and how to plan the first few weeks.

What Chile requires to let your dog in

To bring a dog into Chile, the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) asks for documents that you show at border control when you arrive. No online pre-authorization is needed.

These are the requirements the Chilean government publishes today:

  • An original International Veterinary Certificate, issued by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin.
  • The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue, extendable by up to 5 more days.
  • A current rabies vaccine.
  • Internal and external deworming.
  • Permanent identification: a microchip or tattoo.
  • If you're traveling from the European Union, the EU pet passport is accepted.

Source: ChileAtiende and SAG, “Sanitary authorization to enter Chile with dogs, cats and ferrets” (in Spanish), checked on September 25, 2026. Requirements change: always confirm on the SAG website before you travel. ChileAtiende

Your airline has its own rules

On top of Chile's requirements, every airline sets its own conditions: crate size and type, weight, the seasons when pets can fly in the hold, and restrictions for some breeds. It's worth checking weeks in advance.

A dog that already knows its travel crate flies far more calmly. That's why we crate-train dogs before the trip and work on reducing stress.

Your first weeks in Chile

The first days in a new country are intense: temporary housing, schools, a new job. While you find a place to live, your dog can stay with us in Chicureo, with a steady routine, a vet on site, and photos and videos every day.

Many families who move to Santiago for work find us this way. We speak English and coordinate directly with the family or with the relocation company.

If you're leaving Chile with your dog

To leave Chile with your dog, SAG issues an export health certificate, and your destination country sets its own requirements, which can include tests or long lead times. Start early.

We can help you work through your case: pre-travel vet assessment, vaccines, paperwork and crate preparation.

Would you rather we coordinate it with you?

We handle the route, airline requirements, certificates and trip preparation, with veterinary supervision. And if you need it, Joshua or Cristina can fly with your dog.

Questions

Common questions about moving with a dog

What documents does my dog need to enter Chile?

An original International Veterinary Certificate issued by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin, a current rabies vaccine, internal and external deworming, and a microchip or tattoo. Dogs coming from the European Union can use the EU pet passport. Confirm on the SAG website before you travel.

How long is the vet certificate valid for entering Chile?

According to ChileAtiende, the International Veterinary Certificate is valid for 10 days from the date it's issued, extendable by up to 5 more days. That's why it pays to schedule the official vet visit around your exact flight date.

Does my dog need a microchip to enter Chile?

Chile requires permanent identification: a microchip or a tattoo. A microchip is the most common option, and many airlines and transit countries require one too, so it's best to have it implanted and registered before starting the rest of the paperwork.

Where can my dog stay while I look for a home in Santiago?

At The Place's, in Chicureo. We offer short and long stays while you settle in, with no kennels, an on-site vet, daily photos and an English-speaking team. We coordinate with your family or your relocation company.

Next step

Let's talk about your dog.

Send us your dates and a little about your dog on WhatsApp. We'll reply and set up the first meeting so you can get to know each other.

+56 9 4504 1271 · scubahappy@gmail.com · Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm · Sunday, reduced hours · Saturday, closed

Dogs sniffing the lawn in front of the house, with palm trees behind
Book on WhatsApp