US
United States
✈️
PE
Peru

Pet Transport USA to Peru: SENASA Permit and Checking the Titre Test Requirement

6-10 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Medium
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview
Peru requires a SENASA import permit for all pet animals, and the USA’s non-rabies-free status means a titre test may well be required. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets arriving in Lima, and American Airlines, LATAM, and United all offer direct or single-connection services from US hubs. Start by confirming the titre test requirement with SENASA, as this significantly affects your preparation timeline.
Step by step

The United States to Peru process

1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet

2
At least 21 days before travel.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet

3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. Verify requirement with SENASA before proceeding.
Titre test if required by SENASA

Responsible: Approved laboratory

4
At least 4 weeks before travel.
Apply for SENASA import permit

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
After permit confirmed.
Book cabin or cargo transport

Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent

6
Within 10 days of travel.
USDA health certificate

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS endorsement

7
On arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport.
SENASA inspection on arrival at Lima

Responsible: SENASA Veterinary Services

Checklist

Peru: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre testMay be required for US pets. Verify with SENASA Peru before committing to a travel date, as the USA's non-rabies-free status means a titre test is possible.
QuarantineNo routine quarantine. SENASA veterinary inspection on arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima.
Import permitRequired. Issued by SENASA Peru (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria). Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Health certificateUSDA-endorsed health certificate.
Leaving United States

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitNo formal US export permit. USDA endorsement serves as export documentation.
Health certificateUSDA-accredited veterinarian health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Must list microchip, vaccinations, and any treatments required.
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Cargo airline fee: $900 to $2,200 from US hub to Lima depending on routing and crate size
2Cabin pet fee: typically $125 to $200 one way
3USDA health certificate plus endorsement: $200 to $450
4Titre test if required: $150 to $350
5SENASA import permit fee: confirm with SENASA Peru
6Pet transport agent fee (optional): $400 to $1,500
7IATA-compliant travel crate: $60 to $400
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Verify the titre test requirement with SENASA Peru early. The USA's non-rabies-free status means a titre test is a real possibility.
⚠ The SENASA import permit is mandatory. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
⚠ Pit Bull types face breed restrictions in Lima and some other Peruvian regions. Confirm with SENASA before applying.
⚠ USDA APHIS endorsement takes 2-10 business days. Time the vet appointment so the certificate is valid on arrival.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

American Airlines
Miami, Dallas, and other US hubs to Lima directly. Primary US carrier for Peru. Cabin and cargo pet options.
Cargo and Cabin
LATAM Airlines
Via Miami to Lima. Peru's main carrier. Good cabin and cargo pet policy.
Cargo and Cabin
United Airlines
USA to Lima via connection. Accepts pets in cabin and cargo.
Cargo and Cabin

Confirming the titre test requirement and getting the permit

SENASA classifies origin countries by rabies risk, and US pets may be required to have a titre test. Contact SENASA Peru at the start of your preparations to get a definitive answer. If a titre test is required, blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination, adding several weeks to the process.

The SENASA import permit application should go in at least 4 weeks before travel. Provide microchip details, vaccination history, any titre test result, and your planned entry date at Jorge Chavez International Airport. The permit must be confirmed before you book cargo. SENASA inspectors at the airport will check the permit on arrival.

Arriving in Lima and breed restrictions

On arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, SENASA veterinary officers inspect arriving pets before customs clearance. For pets with a valid permit, endorsed USDA health certificate, and current vaccinations, no quarantine follows. The inspection is typically brief.

Peru has breed restrictions affecting Pit Bull Terrier types in Lima and some other municipalities. These are enforced locally rather than through a single national list, but if your dog resembles a restricted type, confirm the position with SENASA before applying for the import permit. The permit process can flag breed issues before you travel rather than on arrival.

FAQ

Common questions

SENASA Peru classifies countries by rabies risk, and US pets may be required to have a titre test. The USA is not classified as a rabies-free country, so a titre test is a real possibility. Verify the current requirement directly with SENASA Peru before starting your preparations. If required, the blood draw must be at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination.
Contact SENASA Peru (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria) with your pet’s microchip details, vaccination records, any titre test documentation, and your planned travel date and entry airport. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel. The permit is confirmed in writing. Do not book cargo before the permit is confirmed.
No routine quarantine for pets arriving with correct documentation, a valid SENASA import permit, and current vaccinations. SENASA veterinary officers inspect arriving pets at Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport before customs. For compliant pets the inspection is brief. If documentation is incomplete, an extended hold or refusal of entry is possible.
American Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and United Airlines all offer services from US hubs to Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport with cabin and cargo pet options. American flies direct from Miami and other hubs. LATAM connects through Miami. For cabin travel, typical weight limits are around 20 lbs total with carrier. Cargo is available for larger pets. Confirm the current pet policy directly with your airline before booking.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Chat with us