Moving to Brazil from Canada with a dog or cat means starting the paperwork months before your flight.
This route is one of the more document-heavy international pet routes. Start preparations at least 16 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Brazil requires mandatory quarantine (30 days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around.
Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for dogs and cats. |
| Import permit | Required. Issued by: MAPA |
| Export permit (Canada) | No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate. |
| Export health certificate | {'required': 'If required by destination country', 'issued_by': 'CFIA District Veterinarian or accredited veterinarian (endorsed by CFIA if needed)', 'process': 'Visit accredited vet for examination, vet prepares health certificate, submit to CFIA for endorsement if destination requires government endorsement', 'timing': 'Typically within 10 days of travel (or as specified by destination country)'} |
How the Process Works
Brazil: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for dogs and cats. |
| Quarantine | Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: MAPA quarantine station |
| Import permit | Required. Issued by: MAPA |
| Health certificate | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue |
Leaving Canada: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate. |
| Health certificate | {'required': 'If required by destination country', 'issued_by': 'CFIA District Veterinarian or accredited veterinarian (endorsed by CFIA if needed)', 'process': 'Visit accredited vet for examination, vet prepares health certificate, submit to CFIA for endorsement if destination requires government endorsement', 'timing': 'Typically within 10 days of travel (or as specified by destination country)'} |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Import permit application fee (Brazil) |
| 5 | Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination) |
| 6 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
Key requirements for moving your pet to Brazil
Brazil has specific requirements that trip people up when they haven’t researched properly. The documentation process is thorough but manageable if you start early.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Brazil (at MAPA quarantine station) for 30 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) regulates imports.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Canada
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Routes to Consider
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