🇧🇷 Pet Import to Brazil

Brazil's pet import rules are administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) through its Sistema VIGIAGRO network, which operates inspection posts at all major international ports of entry. Unlike most large economies, Brazil does not require a microchip — it accepts tattoo identification as a valid alternative, making it one of the few major destinations where ISO microchipping is optional rather than mandatory. A CVI (Certificado Veterinário Internacional / International Veterinary Certificate) is required for all imported pets and must be issued by a government-accredited veterinarian in the country of origin within 60 days of travel. The certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority and declare compliance with Brazilian health requirements. Rabies vaccination is compulsory: it must have been administered no fewer than 30 days and no more than 12 months before the travel date, and the animal must be at least 90 days old at the time of import (animals under 90 days are generally refused entry as they cannot be validly vaccinated). Internal and external parasite treatment must be completed within 15 days of travel and documented in the CVI. Compliant pets are not subject to quarantine but undergo a VIGIAGRO inspection at the port of entry, which typically takes 3–4 hours. Brazil imposes no federal breed ban, though individual states and municipalities — notably São Paulo — restrict the breeding and import of certain breeds including pit bulls. Exotic species and native Brazilian wildlife fall under strict CITES controls and require IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) permits; in practice such imports are rarely approved. Personal importation is limited to two pets per traveller; additional animals require a commercial licence. For travel between Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, the Mercosur pet passport is accepted, streamlining documentation for movement within the regional bloc.