Official Import Rules
- Brazil requires: a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure, valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), an International Zoosanitary Certificate (CVI), and MAPA clearance.
- CRITICAL: The health certificate must be endorsed by your origin country's government vet AND legalized by the nearest Brazilian consulate.
- This consular step is unique to Brazil and catches many owners off guard.
- According to the official MAPA English-language guide, a microchip is not required for a dog or cat to enter Brazil.
- While microchipping is recommended best practice, it is not a legal entry requirement.
- The correct and current document required by Brazil is the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI — Certificado Veterinário Internacional), issued or endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the origin country.
- The CVI model was updated and made mandatory from 6 September 2025 under Portaria MAPA 741/2024.
- The term 'CZI' (Certificado Zoossanitário Internacional) is not the current official terminology used by MAPA.
- No prior MAPA import authorization or clearance is required for dogs.
- The official MAPA page states that for dogs and cats, no prior import authorization is needed — only official sanitary certificates must be presented at entry.
- A MAPA import authorization is only required for other species (rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, etc.).
- No Brazilian consulate legalization of the health certificate is required.
Official MAPA documentation states that dogs and cats must enter with a CVI (or official Passport) issued or endorsed by the veterinary authority of the origin country — no additional Brazilian consulate legalization step is mentioned in any official MAPA, APHIS, or Itamaraty source.
- For a primary (first-time) rabies vaccination, the official MAPA/APHIS bilateral health certificate specifies the vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before departure.
- The page's claim of '30 days' for the main requirement is inconsistent with the official bilateral certificate template which states 21 days for primary vaccination.
- ANTIPARASITIC TREATMENT: Under the CVI model mandated by Portaria MAPA 741/2024, dogs must undergo a broad-spectrum antiparasitic treatment covering both internal and external parasites within 15 days before the date the CVI is issued.
- The treatment details — including the product name, active ingredient, and date of application — must be recorded on the health certificate.
- This is a documented requirement confirmed across multiple official MAPA/gov.br sources.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
No federal import ban; some states/cities (e.g. Rio de Janeiro) require muzzles in public for pit bull-types and similar breeds.
Muzzle & leash laws
State-level: Rio and several states mandate muzzle + lead for listed breeds in public.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Confirm airline pet acceptance, cabin or cargo availability, carrier rules, aircraft limits, and destination entry mode before booking.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for dogs with complete documentation from most countries.
City & Housing Notes
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, and Florianópolis are dog-friendly. Brazil has a strong pet culture with excellent pet supply stores and veterinary care. Apartment rentals generally accept dogs. Use QuintoAndar and ZAP Imóveis for pet-friendly searches.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Brazil has good veterinary care, particularly in major cities. The CRMV (Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine) regulates practitioners. Emergency clinics available in major cities. Common parasites: fleas (year-round), ticks, heartworm, and leishmaniasis (in some regions). Year-round parasite prevention is essential in Brazil's tropical climate.
Leaving Brazil With Your Dog
Exiting Brazil requires a CZI issued by VIGIAGRO, health examination, and compliance with destination country requirements.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Brazil require consular legalization?
Brazil uniquely requires the health certificate to be legalized by a Brazilian consulate in the origin country. This adds time and cost but is mandatory.
Is Brazil safe for dogs?
Yes. Brazil has a strong pet culture and dogs are well-regarded. Veterinary care is affordable and widely available.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.