Transporting cats and dogs to Chile: Cost and Requirements

Relocating to Chile with a pet can go smoothly if you prepare all the necessary documents in advance and follow the regulations. This helps avoid border delays, fines, or other complications. In this article, we will outline the main requirements for transporting dogs and cats, as well as provide estimated costs.

Main Requirements for Importing Dogs and Cats

The import of animals into Chile is regulated by the state Agricultural and Livestock Service (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero – SAG). The rules are the same for all countries, including Europe and Russia. If all the paperwork is in order, there is typically no quarantine at a special facility (at the border or in an SAG clinic). The pet is released immediately after the border inspection. However, after entry, the animal must be kept in isolation (confinamiento) at the owner's residential address for 10 days. Microchipping is highly recommended for safety and travel convenience but is not mandatory.

To cross the border, the animal will need:

• A veterinary clinical examination to confirm the pet is clinically healthy and shows no signs of infectious diseases. This must be performed shortly before departure, usually no earlier than 10 days prior.
• Rabies vaccination for dogs and cats older than 3 months. The vaccination must be administered no earlier than 12 months and no later than 30 days before entry into Chile. Prices vary: for example, this vaccination costs 10-40 USD in Russia and 25-80 USD in Europe. For puppies/kittens under 3 months of age (when vaccination is not yet possible), entry is only permitted with a rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/mL).
• Parasite treatment, including internal deworming (against worms, echinococcus, etc.) and external treatment for fleas, ticks, etc. These procedures can be done separately or with combined medications. The total price for one full treatment ranges from 10 to 120 USD and depends on the animal's size, country, and brand of medication.
• A veterinary health certificate (Certificado Zoosanitario de Importación – CZI or an official equivalent, such as an EU Pet Passport), issued and stamped by the official state veterinary service of the departure country, confirming the pet's clinical examination, parasite treatment, and rabies vaccination.
• Airfare, the cost of which depends heavily on the method of transport, size of the pet, airline, route (from Europe, Russia, or the USA), and season. Animals can be transported in the following ways:

– In the aircraft cabin (in-cabin) – suitable only for small-sized cats and dogs. The total weight of the pet together with the carrier typically must not exceed 8-12 kg (the exact limit depends on the airline). Estimated prices for 2025: 100-400 USD (most commonly 150-300 USD; slightly higher from Europe/Russia, closer to the lower end from the USA).

– In the baggage hold as checked or excess baggage – for medium-sized animals. The total weight with the container is most often up to 50 kg, costing approximately 200 to 800 USD.

– As cargo or manifested cargo – for large dogs or when other options are unavailable. Prices vary between 500 and 2000+ USD, depending on the weight of the crate and the distance (for large dogs from Europe or Russia, it's often 800-1500 USD).

• Transport crate, the price of which depends on the type of construction (soft or rigid), dimensions, durability, brand, and whether the model complies with IATA standards (mandatory for most airlines). For non-large animals, such a crate will cost on average 50–150 USD; for medium-sized animals – 100–250 USD. Carriers for very large pets are significantly more expensive: basic options start at approximately 200–600 USD, while prices for premium models with reinforced construction and additional amenities can reach 500–700 USD and higher.

Planning your budget in advance and obtaining accurate information from your chosen airline and veterinary services will help reduce stress for both you and your animal, making the relocation as calm and safe as possible. With proper preparation, your pet can successfully cross the border into Chile and adapt more quickly to its new home.

Life with a Pet in Chile After the Move

Once the flight is over and the border crossing is complete, it's worth thinking about how your four-legged companion will live within the country. Animals are treated quite well in Chile thanks to a progressive law on responsible pet ownership.

Renting accommodation or booking pet-friendly hotels in Chile is usually not too difficult. Many options are pet-friendly, and pets are often accepted for free, but prior agreement with the owner is almost always required. In some cases, an additional fee may be charged (5-20 USD per night or a fixed amount for the entire stay), and a cleaning deposit may also be required.

Food from popular brands such as Royal Canin, Hill's, or Purina is easy to find in pet stores, veterinary clinics, and large supermarkets at quite affordable prices, so your pet will definitely not be without its usual diet.

In large cities, especially Santiago, there are plenty of parks and walking areas: for example, Parque Bicentenario in Vitacura, Parque Araucano in Las Condes, or Cerro San Cristóbal.

Dogs are usually allowed into shopping malls and stores on a leash in common areas (but not in food courts and indoor premises).

The country also has popular services like dog walkers (from 10–20 USD per walk), dog sitters, and cat sitters through apps like PetBacker, as well as specialized pet hotels (from 15-35 USD per day depending on the pet's size and conditions).

Conclusion

In summary, the international transportation of a pet is not just about gathering a package of mandatory documents and purchasing an airline ticket, but also about thoughtful planning of all associated expenses. Beyond veterinary examinations, vaccinations, parasite treatments, and the official health certificate, one should account for the cost of the transport crate, possible airline fees for carrying an animal, and additional services such as airport processing or logistical assistance.

When organizing the trip independently, hidden costs may arise, such as additional veterinary procedures, document preparation, ground transportation to and from the flight, as well as accessories for your pet's comfort during the journey.

Upon arrival, you will find a country that is pet-friendly: from pet-friendly accommodation and a wide selection of pet food to numerous parks, dog walking services, and pet hotels. Chile offers comfortable conditions for living with a four-legged friend, and its progressive legislation protects the rights of both animals and their owners.