Thinking about bringing your dog or cat to Panama? Whether you're moving, vacationing, or retiring in this tropical paradise, it's important to follow Panama’s pet import regulations carefully to avoid delays or quarantine.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about traveling to Panama with pets, including required documents, vaccination rules, airport procedures, and home quarantine exemptions—all updated for 2025.
Panama enforces strict pet travel rules to protect public health. The process is managed by MINSA (Ministry of Health) and MIDA (Ministry of Agricultural Development). Here's what you need:
Must be issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than 10 days before your flight.
Needs to be apostilled or authenticated by your country’s relevant authority (e.g., USDA and Panamanian Consulate for U.S. travelers).
| Pet Type | Required Vaccines |
|---|---|
| Dog | Rabies (≥30 days), Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus |
| Cat | Rabies, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis |
Vaccination dates must be clearly listed on the health certificate.
To avoid quarantine and expedite entry:
Apply for the Home Quarantine Waiver 3–5 business days before arrival.
Email mascotas@minsa.gob.pa with:
Health certificate (PDF)
Passport copy
Flight itinerary
Pay the fee (typically $130)
Without this waiver, your pet could face up to 40 days of quarantine at your cost.
When you land at Tocumen Airport in Panama City:
Head to Area 9, the designated pet clearance zone near customs.
Officials will inspect documents, verify vaccines, and confirm waiver approval.
Recommended arrival times:
📅 Monday–Friday
⏰ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Arriving outside these hours may require special arrangements and extra fees.
To fly pets into Panama, airlines typically require:
IATA-compliant pet carriers (hard-sided, ventilated on 3+ sides)
Valid health and vaccine records
Water and absorbent padding
Travel as checked baggage or air cargo
Each airline has unique rules—always check with your airline 2–4 weeks before your departure.
Once you arrive, Panama offers a pet-friendly lifestyle, especially in expat hotspots like:
Panama City
Coronado
Boquete
Pedasí
You’ll find:
Veterinarians and 24/7 animal clinics
Grooming and pet boarding facilities
Pet supply stores and delivery services
Parks and beaches that welcome dogs
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Health Certificate (10 days max) | ✅ |
| Vaccinations complete | ✅ |
| Apostille or Consulate stamp | ✅ |
| Home Quarantine Waiver Requested | ✅ |
| Fee paid ($130) | ✅ |
| IATA-approved crate confirmed | ✅ |
| Airline notified | ✅ |
How to bring pets to Panama in 2025
Panama dog import requirements
Traveling internationally with pets to Panama
Home quarantine waiver Panama pets
Panama cat travel documents
Pet entry regulations Tocumen Airport