Bringing Your Dog to Brazil: Requirements, Quarantine & Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

For most expats moving to Florianópolis, their dog isn't optional — it comes along. Florianópolis is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Latin America: long beaches, parks, and open-air cafés where dogs are welcome have long been part of daily life here.

But the process of importing an animal into Brazil is a serious bureaucratic challenge. Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) enforces strict requirements: any documentation gap can result in your pet being sent back at your expense.

This guide is based on official MAPA regulations and firsthand experience from expats who've moved to Florianópolis with dogs.

1. Good News: Brazil Does NOT Require Quarantine

Many expats fear the phrase "border quarantine." In Brazil's case, this is a myth — the country does not require quarantine for dogs, provided all documentation is complete and correct. Your dog arrives with you and goes straight home.

Exception: if illness is detected during inspection, the animal may be held for observation — which is exactly why full compliance matters.

2. Complete MAPA Requirements (2026)

2.1 Mandatory Vaccines

Key note on rabies: If the dog is receiving its first-ever rabies vaccine and is under 3 months old — entry is not possible. Initial rabies vaccination only counts after 30 days. Plan well in advance.

2.2 Parasite Treatment

Brazil requires treatment for both ectoparasites (fleas, ticks) and endoparasites (worms):

• Treatment must be administered no more than 15 days before the date of CVI issuance
• The product name and date are recorded by your vet in the official documents

2.3 Microchip

• Not mandatory under federal MAPA regulations for entry into Brazil
• Nevertheless strongly recommended: for animal identification, for future travel (many countries require it), for airline policy compliance
• ISO standard 11784/11785, 15-digit code
• If implanted, the chip number must be recorded on all official health documents

2.4 International Veterinary Certificate (CVI)

The CVI (Certificado Veterinário Internacional) is the main document:

• Filled out by a government-accredited veterinarian in your country
• Stamped by an official government authority (e.g., USDA in the US, APHA in the UK)
• Translated into Portuguese or English
• The animal must undergo a clinical examination within 10 days before the date of CVI issuance

Validity: The CVI is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance — your animal must enter Brazil within this window. Do not confuse this with the clinical exam (10 days before issuance) or your departure date.

2.5 Owner's Health Declaration

Some airlines and airports additionally require a signed owner's declaration (declaração) about the animal's health status.

3. Countries with Simplified Requirements

Animals from low-rabies-risk countries (most EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia) may face simplified requirements. For other countries, the full standard documentation package applies.

Always verify the current list on MAPA's official website: gov.br/mapa.

4. Airline Rules for Traveling with Dogs

In-Cabin

Most airlines allow in-cabin travel for dogs up to 8–10 kg (including the carrier bag):

• Carrier must fit under the seat
• Typical max dimensions: 40×30×25 cm
• The dog must not stick out or make noise

Important: Rules vary by airline. Always confirm when booking and register your pet separately (fee applies).

In the Cargo Hold

For large breeds, this is the only option:

• IATA-certified aviation container required
• Dog is checked as special baggage
• Most major airlines offer temperature-controlled pet services

Community tip: Choose direct or minimal-connection flights. Each layover is additional stress for the dog and extra document checks.

Recommended Airlines for Flying Dogs to Brazil

• LATAM — leading pet transport carrier, excellent Brazil network
• TAP Portugal — direct Lisbon–Florianópolis route (via GRU)
• Lufthansa/Swiss — reliable carriers with clear pet transport protocols

5. Arrival Procedure in Brazil

1. VIGIAGRO customs check — on arrival you go through veterinary control at the Vigilância Agropecuária Internacional (VIGIAGRO) desk
2. Present all documents: CVI, vaccination records, health certificate
3. Animal inspection: the vet does a visual check of your dog
4. Stamp and release: if everything checks out, documents are stamped and you're free to go

Main airports with VIGIAGRO: GRU (Guarulhos, São Paulo), GIG (Rio de Janeiro), POA (Porto Alegre), FLN (Florianópolis, Hercílio Luz) — though FLN's VIGIAGRO capacity is limited; many expats recommend entering through GRU.

6. Life with a Dog in Florianópolis

Florianópolis is an excellent city for dog owners:

• Pet-friendly beaches: Officially permitted at several city beaches outside peak season (April–November). Campeche and Armação are popular with dog owners
• Vets: High-quality veterinary care, clinics throughout the island
• Pet stores: Rações & Cia, PetLove (online delivery) — international-quality food and accessories
• Rentals: Always disclose your pet when renting — not all landlords allow pets (pet-friendly vs sem animais)

📍 Community Experience (HelpinFloripa): Firsthand accounts from expats who brought pets to Brazil, vet recommendations, and pet-friendly housing tips — HelpinFloripa channel.

7. Step-by-Step Checklist

3–6 months before departure:

• Get ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted
• Complete V8/V10 combo vaccination
• Start rabies vaccination series (if not done)

1–2 months before:

• Verify requirements at MAPA website or embassy
• Book your dog's spot on the flight
• Purchase or prepare IATA-certified travel crate

7–10 days before departure:

• Administer antiparasitic treatment
• Obtain CVI from government-accredited vet
• Get CVI stamped by official government authority
• Make copies of all documents

Day of departure:

• Arrive at airport with extra time (+1.5 hrs minimum above normal)
• Check your dog in separately at the airline counter

Summary

Bringing your dog to Brazil is absolutely doable — but requires careful preparation. The key steps: microchip → vaccines → CVI → antiparasitic treatment. No quarantine, provided your paperwork is in order.

Florianópolis will welcome you and your dog with open beaches, excellent vet care, and a tolerant, pet-loving community.

For more on relocating to Florianópolis, see our Brazil Visa Guide 2026 and the Digital Nomad section.