Official Import Rules
Bolivia requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the competent veterinary authority of the origin country. A microchip is recommended but not strictly required. No import permit is needed for personal pets. SENASAG inspects animals on arrival.
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.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None
City & Housing Notes
La Paz (Zona Sur), Santa Cruz (Equipetrol), and Cochabamba are the main cities. Bolivia has a growing pet culture in urban areas. Altitude is the major consideration — La Paz sits at 3,640m.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Basic but functional vet care in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Santa Cruz has the best facilities at lower elevation. Costs are very affordable. Outside major cities, vet care is extremely limited.
Leaving Bolivia With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a SENASAG-approved vet. Processing is usually same-day or next-day.
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
Will altitude affect my dog?
Very likely if moving to La Paz (3,640m) or Sucre (2,800m). Dogs may need several days to acclimatize. Santa Cruz is near sea level and much easier.
Is vet care affordable?
Very. Bolivia has some of the lowest vet costs in South America. A basic consultation costs around Bs 50–100 (~$7–14).
Is Bolivia easy for pet imports?
Yes, one of the simplest in South America. No import permit, no quarantine, straightforward documentation.
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.