Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, bordering nearly every country on the continent except Chile and Ecuador. Pet entry follows the Mercosur framework via an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI), with breed-specific rules varying significantly by state.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into Brazil requires a rabies vaccination for pets 90 days or older, parasite treatment, and an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) issued by the origin country’s veterinary authority — no blood test, quarantine, or import permit is required, making Brazil one of the more straightforward South American destinations.
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Health Certificate (CVI)
Required
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Blood Test
Not required
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Import Permit
Not applicable
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Min. Age
No fixed minimum*
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Min. Prep Time
3–5 weeks
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Age Requirements
Animals under 90 days old can enter if the exporting country’s veterinary authority certifies the pet’s age and confirms no contact with urban rabies in the past 90 days. Animals 90 days or older must be vaccinated against rabies, with no fixed minimum age otherwise.
Microchip
If an electronic identification system is used, the microchip must comply with ISO 11784 and/or ISO 11785, and its location on the body must be noted on the CVI.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory for all pets 90 days or older, using a vaccine authorised in the country of vaccination and within its validity period. For a primary vaccination, departure from the origin country is allowed only after a 21-day wait. A pet not revaccinated before its current vaccine expires is treated as receiving a primary vaccination again.
Parasite Treatment
A broad-spectrum treatment against internal and external parasites is required within 15 days before the CVI is issued, using a product approved by the exporting country’s veterinary authority.
International Veterinary Certificate (CVI)
Issued by the official veterinary authority of the exporting country, valid for 60 consecutive days from issuance (provided the rabies vaccination stays valid throughout). A clinical exam confirming the pet is healthy and parasite-free must be done within 10 days before the CVI is issued. The original CVI must stay with the owner — border staff cannot retain it. A valid pet passport from the country of origin can be authorized in place of a CVI if it contains the required information and is accompanied by Brazil’s official certificate model.
Customs Broker & Destination Agent
Neither is required, but both are highly recommended to handle the arrival process smoothly.
Breed Restrictions — Vary by State
There’s no single federal ban, but rules vary by state. Minas Gerais bans the entry and breeding of Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Fila Brasileiro. Santa Catarina restricts circulation and sale, and requires sterilisation, for Pit Bulls and related breeds. Federal law also requires muzzles and safety precautions in public for a longer list of large or “dangerous” breeds nationwide — including Neapolitan Mastiff, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Fila Brasileiro, Dobermann, Pit Bull, Bulldog, and Boxer. Check the rules for your specific destination state.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
1
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before departure (primary vaccination)
2
Parasite Treatment
Within 15 days before CVI issuance
3
Clinical Exam
Within 10 days before CVI issuance
4
CVI Issued
Valid 60 days from issuance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CVI and do I need one?
The International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) is the standard health document for pets entering Brazil under the Mercosur framework, issued by your origin country’s veterinary authority and valid for 60 days. A valid pet passport from your origin country may be accepted instead, if accompanied by Brazil’s official certificate model.
Do requirements change depending on which country I’m travelling from?
The core process — rabies vaccination, parasite treatment, and the CVI — applies the same way regardless of the pet’s country of origin, since Brazil does not add steps based on where the pet is coming from. What can vary is which government veterinary authority issues and endorses the CVI, and how that local process works. Note that breed-specific restrictions in Brazil depend on the destination state, not the origin country. Always confirm the exact steps with a certified pet relocation specialist for your specific country of departure.
Is there quarantine in Brazil?
No quarantine is required for compliant pets.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Brazil?
No — no rabies titer test or other blood test is required.
Are certain dog breeds restricted in Brazil?
There’s no single federal ban, but several states have their own rules — Minas Gerais and Santa Catarina restrict breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans most heavily. Nationwide, a longer list of large or “dangerous” breeds must be muzzled in public. Check the specific rules for your destination state.
How old does my pet need to be to enter Brazil?
There’s no fixed minimum age — pets under 90 days can enter with the right certification confirming their age and rabies-free status; pets 90 days or older need a valid rabies vaccination instead.
Which major airports have direct flights to Brazil?
São Paulo/Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro/Galeão, and Campinas/Viracopos are the main international entry points, with several land border crossings also available from neighbouring countries. Routing options depend on your departure country — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Brazil?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.