So you want to go to Peru, but you don’t want to leave your animal companion behind? Totally understandable! They deserve a chance to enjoy the culture, history, and natural beauty of this wonderful country too. So, you might be wondering:
The answer is yes! But, as with all countries, traveling to Peru with pets does require paperwork, certifications, and fees. This applies whether it is an emotional support dog, mobility assistance dog, or just your best pal. Keep reading to learn more about everything it takes to travel with your pet to Peru.
Before we move on to the technicalities, do bear in mind traveling with a pet can be exhausting. Some hotels may not allow them, most restaurants have heavy restrictions about animals on-premises, and tours may not welcome them along. Typically, unless traveling to Peru for an extended period, travelers leave their dog or cat with a loved one or dog watcher. However, if you’re committed to bringing your fur-baby on your Peruvian adventure (again, totally get it), here’s what you need to know.
If you will be traveling to Peru, it is required that your pet is vaccinated. They should receive their Rabies vaccine between 21 days and 12 months before your trip. In addition to Rabies, you must be also able to show proof of Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parovirus vaccinations. If you are traveling with a cat, you will need to show proof of their Feline Vioral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccinations.
Aside from the vaccination report, you will need to carry with you a Veterinary Certificate for Peru, that has been completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (or CFIA, if in Canada). You will also need a ticks and tapeworm examination conducted shortly before your trip. These forms will all need to be endorsed by the USDA, CFIA, or, if you’re not in the USA or Canda, with your national Governing Authority. These documents will need to be endorsed within 14 days of departure.
There are also fees involved with traveling with your pet to Peru. Of course, the above vet examinations and certifications have costs involved. In addition, airlines will have their own extra fees as well. For example, with JetBlue and United Airlines, there is a fee of $125 each way for pets permitted to travel in-cabin.
In addition, when you arrive at Peru’s Lima Airport, you will be directed to the SENASA Office. Here you will have to pay a small fee for a pet certificate, which you should keep in a safe, accessible place throughout your time in Peru. There is also a small Peruvian customs fee.
Though not required, microchips are a really good idea if you are traveling with your pet to Peru. The chips themselves are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under the skin as a permanent method of electric identification. Before you leave for your trip, ensure that all your contact information is up-to-date. This is very helpful in case your pet gets lost, as there is a much higher chance that a shelter, vet, or local council will be able to scan their chip and contact you.
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens under 12 weeks need an import permit to enter Peru. In addition, you should check directly with both your international airline and domestic Peruvian airlines to see if there are any further requirements. Some airlines may not permit puppies under a certain age to fly. Typically, for domestic airlines within Peru, the pup or kitten must be at least 8 months old. For international, 16 weeks is typically the requirement, but these specifications can vary from airline to airline.
Peru Travel Advisor and Lima resident Matthew Hay provided some insight about certain dog breeds that need special permission to travel with Latam, a popular Peruvian airline. This is a top option for travelers journeying between Lima and Cusco. “My girlfriend’s sister took her English Bulldog (Nala) to the U.S. and needed to take her as an emotional support dog to be allowed,” Hay shares. “Latam also said the dog needed a muzzle to be allowed to travel. She also needed a note from a psychologist to say Nala is an emotional support dog.”
The following breeds need this special permission for Latam airlines, as they are short-muzzled:
Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Bulldog (all breeds), Cane Corso or Italian Mastiff, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Brussels Griffin, Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel), Lhasa Apso, English Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Chinese Shar-pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, American Bully, Akita Ken, Argentinian Mastiff, Brazilian Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, Japanese Tosa, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), English Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie), American Pitbull Terrier, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Bordeaux Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff).
Nala mid-flight with Latam Airlines. Photo by Daniela Forton.
“For your Machu Picchu Tour, only service dogs for the blind (seeing-eye dogs) are allowed into the site, no other exceptions,” says Leila Dancuart, Sales Management Team Member for Peru for Less. “In Aguas Calientes, the little village at the base of Machu Picchu, the budget hotel Gringo Bills allows your pup to stay in the room while you go on your Machu Picchu Tour, so this is a good alternative option as well.”
Machu Picchu Tours:
Some insight about the requirements and restrictions for other popular tours in the Peruvian Andes region, from Dancuart.
Here are excellent hotels in some of Peru’s top destinations that accept pets. Note there is typically an additional cost involved, which differs depending on the hotel:
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh from Pexels
Want to grab a bite to eat? No problem. Your dog can come along to the following Lima restaurants:
First, do not skip any of these steps. If you do, two results can occur. 1. Your pet will be quarantined and then sent back to the country you brought him or her from. Or 2. Your pet will be quarantined and agents will assist you with the missing paperwork. If all goes well, you will be reunited. In either case, you will be responsible for the hefty fees of the quarantine service. There is no clear way to know how long your pet can be held in quarantine.
It is crucial that you do your due diligence if you are traveling with your pet to Peru. Directly contact all of your airlines, governing offices, veterinarians, hotels, and tours before travel to receive personal confirmation and any further instruction.
Are you thinking about traveling with your pet to Peru? Feel free to reach out to our team and we will be happy to help you set up your pet-friendly adventure.
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