Traveling to Panama with a Pet

For students in general, getting pets is a big commitment, not to be taken lightly.

International students need to think twice before getting a pet during college. Studying abroad it may not be able to provide stable homes for pets. Renting with pets is difficult. Finding places to board pets during off-school seasons is also a challenge. The biggest problem, however, is how to deal with the pet when they graduate and return to their home country. Preparing for travel to some countries can take months.

International students can be as good or as bad pet owners as anyone, as long as they are ready for the commitment.

The biggest thing to consider is what will be needed to bring the pet back to the home country.

Must Do’s for Pet Travel

  • Know the policy of the destination country
  • Check the airline rules
  • Prepare veterinary & vaccine certifications
  • Ensure the condition of the new home
  • Get approval from future co-residents
  • Anticipate flight & quarantine difficulties for pets

Additionally, it can be expensive to ship pets overseas. According to Transitions Abroad dot com, the cost includes multiple charges such as transportation, certifications, vaccinations, notarization, travel supplies, and custom charges in the destination country. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to make sure their pet has met the travel requirements, failure to do so can result in problems getting endorsement upon arrival in the country.

You can find the specific requirements for your destination country at: USDA: Take your pet from the United States to a foreign country

Airlines may have separate and additional requirements.

If you are still set on getting a pet there are still things to consider your pet will need in addition to love and attention. Raising a pet can will require a lot of time and energy, especially for properly housetraining. The average age of cats and dogs is 10-15 years and that means the additional financial responsibility for the same period of time. Along with food and treats there is the costs to spay and neuter, regular vet visits and grooming plus, treatment for fleas and heartworms.

Information Sources

Pet travel from the U.S. to Panama

A Health Certificate is required to take your dog from the United Sates into Panama. The Health Certificate must be signed by a USDA Accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS.

After the pet’s health certificate is issued by a USDA Accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS, it will need to be stamped and signed by a Panamanian diplomatic office (consulate or embassy) in the United States prior to travel.

  • If you live in a state that does not have a Panamanian diplomatic office in it, the health certificate can be signed (apostilled/ legalized) by the U.S. Government Office of Foreign Relations (U.S. Department of State) in your state. The owner must notify Panama at least three (3) days before the arrival of the pet by completing the Home Quarantine Request” that can be download from Ministerio de Salud de la República de Panamá.
  • This notification must be sent via email to cam@minsa.gob.pa. In the email, you will need to provide a scanned copy of your pet’s health certificate as well as information related to your pet’s date of arrival, time, flight number and airline.