If it seems to you that more people are traveling with pets, you’re right. According to figures from Santiago Airport, between January 2023 and May 2024, the terminal recorded 44,335 pet arrivals into the country.
Similarly, during this period, 30,479 registered pet departures from Chile were recorded, with destinations including Argentina, Colombia, the United States, Peru, and various European Union countries.
In Chile, this issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), which, in response to the increase in pet travel, has implemented measures to simplify the process.
As a result, the Zoosanitary Export Certificate (CZE)—a document that certifies your pet meets the entry requirements of the destination country—can now be obtained digitally through the Cerofilas platform.
The service reports that since the implementation of this system, more than 1,100 digital certificates have been issued. These can be verified via a QR code and are valid for 60 days, provided the rabies vaccine is up-to-date.
Things to Consider for Your Pet to Leave Chile with You:
The CZE has a cost and must be requested at least 10 days in advance. You can submit the application online using your Clave Única and Chilean ID card. Once ready, the certificate can be picked up at a SAG office within 3 business days.
Your pet must be registered in the National Pet Registry. Additionally, you need a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, dated no more than 10 days before departure, and proof that your pet has received the required vaccinations and deworming treatments, such as the rabies vaccine, six-in-one/eight-in-one for dogs, or triple feline for cats. These must comply with the specific requirements of the destination country, which you can check in SAG’s online catalog.
If you’re traveling to a European Union country, it’s important to select the correct options in the catalog: “European Union” in COUNTRY, “Live Animals” in CATEGORY, the corresponding SPECIES, and “Pet or companion” in GROUP. Additionally, dogs and cats under 4 months old, who have not completed their vaccination schedule, have special requirements that should be consulted directly at SAG offices.
For the European Union, in addition to the rabies vaccination, which must be up-to-date and administered at least 21 days before travel, countries like Finland, Ireland, Malta, and the United Kingdom require specific deworming for Echinococcus multilocularis. Three additional documents must also be presented: a declaration from the companion, a statement of no contact with wild animals, and another for transit without contact with wild animals.
Remember that these regulations apply only to domestic pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, and not to wild species, hybrids, or those protected by the CITES Convention.
Keep in mind that this is just a guide; the official information is available on the Agricultural and Livestock Service website.
Do You Want to Live or Work in Europe?
At AIM Global, we are experts in international mobility, and we can advise you on your plans to obtain residency or citizenship in Europe.
There are options that allow you to obtain a European passport without needing to relocate to the host country; in others, a period of stay is required. You can also choose to work remotely, invest in funds, buy property (and rent it out), start a business, or live off passive income.
All these options can be in your future and that of your family. Schedule a meeting with our team today and explore the possibilities of becoming a global citizen.
