How to bring pets from Italy to Panama in 2025

For legally bring your pet from Italy to Panama, you must comply with a series of health and administrative requirements that regulate the entry of animals into the country. These requirements are intended to protect public health and prevent zoonotic diseases (such as rabies) from entering Panamanian territory.

The procedures are divided between the documents you must obtain in Italy before traveling and the steps you must take upon your arrival in Panama. Below, we explain what your dog or cat needs to cross borders without problems.

Prerequisites in Italy

Before your flight, it's essential that you have the following up-to-date documents:

• Official veterinary health certificate issued by the authorized veterinary service in Italy
• Daily vaccination record, including rabies vaccination
• Anti-parasitic treatment (recommended but not required)
• Identification microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

El health certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to the trip and must be sealed by a veterinarian authorized and legalized by the Italian health authorities. Make sure that all information is written clearly and in English or Spanish, as it will be reviewed by Panamanian authorities.

Panama Import Permit

In addition to the Italian documents, you must process a animal import permit granted by the National Directorate of Animal Health (DINASA) of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) in Panama.

This permission must be requested at least 5 business days before the pet's arrival, and can be obtained by presenting a copy of the Italian veterinary certificate and the complete documentation of the animal.

Documents required upon arrival in Panama

When you land at Tocumen International Airport, staff from the Animal Quarantine Department will inspect the documentation and evaluate the pet's condition. These are the documents you must submit:

• Import permit approved by the MIDA
• International Health Certificate
• Updated rabies vaccination evidence
• European veterinary passport (if applicable)

In most cases, if everything is in order, a quarantine period will not be necessary in Panama, but it will depend on the evaluation at the time. That's why it's so important that you strictly comply with all Requirements for pets.

Remember: Failure to comply with any of these steps could result in the retention of the pet, the application of mandatory quarantine or even the return to its country of origin at the owner's expense.

One of the main filters for Traveling with pets From Italy to Panama it is the animal's health status. Panama requires that all animals entering the country have a system of full vaccination And a official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.

Required vaccines

The mandatory vaccine for dogs and cats traveling to Panama is the vaccine against rage, without exception. This must have been applied at least 30 days before the trip and no more than 12 months before arrival, depending on the type of vaccine applied.

In addition to anti-rabies, it is not mandatory but highly recommended that your pet have the following daily immunizations:

• Dogs: parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis
• Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus

This set of additional vaccines may be requested if your pet shows symptoms of illness under veterinary control when entering Panama.

Veterinary Health Certificate

El international health certificate It is an official document that verifies that the animal is clinically healthy and in a suitable condition for travel. You must meet the following requirements:

• Be issued by an official veterinarian authorized by the Italian health authorities
• Be dated within 10 days prior to entering Panama
• Include details such as race, age, sex, color, microchip number, and vaccines
• Be written in English or Spanish

In Italy, this certificate must be legalized or apostilled before the competent veterinary authority and then validated by the Panamanian embassy or consulate if the airline requires it (some companies ask for certified translation as well).

This document will be reviewed upon arrival in Panama, so it must be complete, clear and signed. The erroneous presentation of this certificate may cause delays or even denial of entry.

What if my pet doesn't have all this up to date?

If your pet does not have mandatory vaccinations or a valid certificate, Panamanian authorities may impose a health quarantine or deny entry. To avoid this scenario, start preparing the documentation at least one month in advance and keep in contact with an authorized veterinary clinic in Italy to guide you through the process.

Comply with the health requirements for taking dogs to Panama not only is it a legal obligation, but a way to ensure the well-being of your pet and the safety of everyone. Don't leave this step until the last minute: planning is the key.

One of the most common questions when Bringing pets from Italy to Panama is if they will have to go through a period of quarantine. The short answer: it depends on prior compliance with health requirements and of the approval of the import permit managed before the trip.

For most dogs and cats from Italy — a country with a low risk of rabies — a mandatory quarantine is not required if you have all the documents in order and up to date.

What happens when I arrive at Tocumen Airport?

When you arrive at Tocumen International Airport, your pet will be evaluated by the staff of the Agricultural Quarantine Unit, under the MIDA (Ministry of Agricultural Development).

Here are the main steps that are carried out:

1. Verification of documents: The veterinary health certificate, the vaccination card with the valid rabies vaccine and the previously approved import permit are reviewed.
2. Physical inspection: A MIDA veterinarian examines your pet to ensure that it has no visible signs of illness.
3. Inspection fee payment: There is a small cost for the review process. It is advisable to carry cash in dollars.

If everything is in order, the immediate release of your dog or cat is authorized without the need to remain in quarantine.

In what cases does quarantine apply in Panama?

Although rare, Panama may require quarantine for pets in these situations:

• Lack of required documentation or expired health certificate
• Rabies vaccination given less than 30 days before the trip
• Physical signs of contagious diseases

Under these circumstances, the animal may be held by the authorities for a specified period in a specific MIDA facility or handed over to the owner's temporary care under conditions of health surveillance.

To avoid an unexpected quarantine, it is essential to validate all requirements with the Panamanian Consulate in Rome and coordinate with the MIDA before the trip. Remember that Moving with pets requires preparation and any omission may result in legal delays upon arrival.

Once the process in Tocumen has been approved, you can leave the airport and continue to adapt your pet to its new home.

Air travel is one of the key aspects of traveling with pets from Europe to Panama. Choosing the right airline not only influences the comfort of your dog or cat, but also your peace of mind and compliance with current regulations for Bringing pets to Panama.

From Italy, several airlines offer connecting flights to Panama, but their policies regarding animals can vary significantly. It's crucial to review each airline's specific conditions in advance before booking your flight.

International airlines that allow pets to Panama

These are some of the main companies that fly from Italy (Rome or Milan) and that accept animals in the cabin or hold, depending on the size:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Pets are allowed in the cabin (maximum 8 kg with a carrier) and in the cellar. Flights via Amsterdam.
• Lufthansa: Option widely used by those traveling from Europe. Extensive experience in transporting animals, with strict veterinary protocols.
• Iberia: Pets are allowed in the cabin or in the cellar. Flights from Rome or Milan with a stopover in Madrid and connection to Panama.
• Air France: Similar to KLM, it is dog and cat friendly, with a good reputation for pet management. Stopover in Paris.
• Copa Airlines: Although it does not fly direct from Italy, it allows connections from Europe with final sections operated by this Panamanian airline.

In all cases, it is necessary book in advance a space for your pet because space per flight is limited. In addition, each airline has specific requirements for approved carriers, maximum weights and travel conditions.

Cabin or cellar?

When deciding how to transport animals from Italy to Panama, consider:

Cabin: Ideal for small pets used to indoor environments. It reduces stress and allows you to keep an eye on your companion during the trip.

Winery: Required for medium or large dogs. Make sure it's a sturdy and ventilated IATA carrier.

Key Tips:

● Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours in advance

● Bring printed copies in English or Spanish of the health certificate and vaccines

● Avoid feeding your pet just before the flight to prevent dizziness or discomfort

Traveling with pets internationally requires coordination, but having a reliable airline that respects Procedures for bringing pets to Panama will make the journey from Italy much easier - both for you and for your furry friend.

In the next section, we will explain to you the estimated budget for this move, the preparation times and practical tips for stress-free travel planning.

Once you are clear about the Requirements for pets and you choose the right airline, it's time to talk about the logistical aspects: costs, estimated times and practical recommendations for organizing a move with pets from Italy to Panama without setbacks.

How much does it cost to bring a pet from Italy to Panama?

The costs may vary depending on the type of pet (dog or cat), its size and the mode of transport (cabin or cellar). In general, these are the main expenses to consider:

• International veterinary certificate: Between €30 and €80, depending on the veterinarian.
• Certified translation of documents: Some certificates must be in Spanish. Legally translating them can cost around €25 to €50 per page.
• Import Permit in Panama: It costs approximately USD $20, processed by the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).
• Reservation for veterinary inspection in Tocumen: Value of USD $16.50, mandatory for entry to the country.
• Air transport: From €150 to more than €600, depending on the airline, if your pet is traveling in the cabin or in the hold, and the total weight.
• Approved cage: Mandatory according to IATA standards. It can cost between €50 and €150.

In total, the entire process can range from €350 to €900, not including additional costs such as hotel nights or ground transportation.

How long does the entire moving process take?

Los Procedures for bringing pets to Panama should be planned several weeks in advance. This is a basic schedule of times:

1 month before: Confirm mandatory vaccines, especially anti-rabies vaccines, which must be applied for at least 30 days but less than 12 months.

2-3 weeks before: Visit the veterinarian for the health certificate and start collecting the documents needed to travel with pets.

1 week before: Officially request the permit to import animals into Panama through the MIDA.

48 to 72 hours before the flight: Notify Tocumen airport and book an appointment with the official veterinarian. The Animal Quarantine office must be notified by mail for inspection upon arrival.

Practical tips for a stress-free ride

Beyond documents and payments, the most important thing is to ensure the well-being of your pet. Here are some key recommendations:

• Get your pet used to the cage: Do it early to reduce flight stress.
• Consult with the veterinarian: Ask if using pheromones or natural treatments for travel anxiety is recommended.
• Label the cage: With your name, contact number and flight route. It includes information in Spanish and Italian for safety.
• Avoid feeding your pet just before the flight: Especially if you are traveling in a warehouse.
• Arrive early at the airport: Airlines have special check-in times for animals.

Remember that traveling from Italy with a dog or cat requires more than tickets and vaccines. It is a process that involves coordination between veterinary services, health authorities, airlines and customs. Preparing in time is the best way to protect your pet's health and comply with customs rules for animals without shocks.