How do you bring a pet to Chile in 2026?

SAG publishes companion-animal entry rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. For many dogs and cats travelling with their owners, the core pack is an official veterinary health certificate issued by the origin country’s competent authority close to departure, rabies vaccination that meets the age and waiting-period rules on the live SAG page, clinical exam timing that matches the certificate window, and approved internal and external antiparasitic treatment in the required days before entry. An ISO-compatible microchip is commonly expected so identity matches the certificate.

Before boarding, complete the digital sworn entry declaration on ingresoachile.cl and save the QR code for border control. SAG officers use that QR with the certificate pack; do not assume a handwritten paper note replaces it. Ferrets and non-traditional pets can need extra SAG authorisations. Recheck the SAG page in the weeks before travel rather than trusting an old forum thread.

At Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) or other ports of entry, SAG reviews certificates, may inspect the animal, and can stop incomplete arrivals. Owner-accompanied pets with complete files often continue without quarantine. Missing parasite timing, expired certificates, or no QR declaration create the painful exceptions.

Airlines add a second rulebook: cabin versus cargo, crate size, breed restrictions, and seasonal heat embargoes. Book the pet as early as the human ticket. After release, plan a local vet visit for Chilean records, and keep a pet-friendly lease path ready while your RUN and residence file advance: Apply for a residence permit and Get a RUT. Parque Forestal walks come after the paperwork: Living in Santiago.