Traveling To Bolivia With Your Dog: What You Need To Know

Bolivia is a pet-friendly country, but there are some important steps to take before travelling there with a dog. First, it is recommended that your dog is microchipped, and you should register your contact information in case your dog is lost or separated from you. Your dog must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the country, and may also be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. A health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than three months before your arrival, and endorsed by the Bolivian Consulate in your country. This must include the complete identification of the animal, breed, sex, age, owner's name and address, address at destination, date of rabies vaccination and product used, and any other vaccines that were given. A parasite or tapeworm treatment is also required shortly before entering Bolivia.

Vaccinations and health certificates

Vaccinations:

• Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months before entering Bolivia. Ensure you have a record of the date of vaccination and the product used.
• It is recommended that your dog also receives vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus.

Health Certificates:

• Obtain a health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) for your dog from an accredited veterinarian in your country of origin. This certificate must be issued within three months before your arrival in Bolivia.
• The health certificate must include complete details of your dog, such as breed, sex, age, and your information as the owner, including your name, address, and destination address in Bolivia.
• The health certificate must be endorsed by the relevant government agency responsible for the import and export of live animals in your country of origin.
• Have a Spanish translation of the health certificate available for Bolivian customs officials, although it does not require official endorsement.
• Ensure that the health certificate is endorsed by the Bolivian Consulate in your country of origin for a fee. This step is crucial for legalizing the document before your travel to Bolivia.
• Keep in mind that the final, endorsed health certificate must accompany your dog during travel and should be in paper format.

Microchipping and identification

Although Bolivia does not require your dog to be identified with a microchip, it is highly recommended that you microchip your dog and register your contact information before travelling. This will help identify your dog should it become lost or separated from you.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder, about the size of a grain of rice. It is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle by a veterinarian. The procedure is no more painful than a typical injection and does not require surgery or anaesthesia. The microchip itself does not have a battery and is activated by a scanner. The chip then transmits an identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen.

It is important to note that microchips are not GPS devices and cannot be used to track your dog's whereabouts. They are simply a unique identifier that cannot be lost. Therefore, it is still important for your dog to wear a collar and identification tag.

To register your dog's microchip, you will need to enter all relevant contact information, including landline and cell phone numbers. It is also important to keep your contact information up to date with the registry. Different registries offer different services, with some providing a Lost Pet Alert that broadcasts your dog's information to a network of vets, shelters, and volunteers in your area.

In addition to microchipping, your dog must be accompanied by an official health certificate for export, issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin. The certificate must be prepared no more than three months before your arrival in Bolivia and should be endorsed by the Bolivian Consulate in your country.

Airline requirements

When travelling with a dog to Bolivia, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and procedures that need to be followed. Here is a detailed overview of the airline requirements for taking your dog with you to Bolivia:

When travelling by air with your dog, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to contact your chosen airline well in advance to inquire about their specific policies and requirements for transporting pets. Each airline may have its own set of rules and restrictions, so early communication is key. Some airlines may require your dog to travel in a specific type of crate or carrier, while others may have weight limits or restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the cabin or cargo hold. Understanding these policies will help you make the necessary arrangements for your dog's comfort and safety.

Additionally, health certificates and vaccinations are crucial aspects of airline requirements. Most airlines will request an official health certificate for your dog, issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin. This certificate should include detailed information about your dog's health, vaccinations, and any relevant treatments. It is important to ensure that the health certificate meets the specific requirements of the airline and complies with any applicable international standards.

In the case of Bolivia, there are specific health requirements that need to be met. Your dog must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the country. Additionally, it is recommended to vaccinate your dog against common canine diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. The health certificate should also include your dog's complete identification, breed, sex, age, your contact information, and the address of your destination in Bolivia.

To facilitate the process, it is advisable to have both an English and Spanish version of the health certificate available. The Spanish version will be particularly useful when interacting with customs officials in Bolivia. Endorsement of the health certificate by the relevant government agencies and the Bolivian Consulate in your country is typically required, and there may be associated fees for this legalisation process.

Furthermore, timing is an important consideration. Health certificates for Bolivia are generally required to be issued within three months prior to your arrival in the country. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead and ensure that all veterinary appointments and necessary procedures are completed within the required timeframe.

Lastly, it is worth noting that some airlines may have additional requirements or restrictions, especially if your dog has specific needs or belongs to a particular breed. It is always best to consult directly with the airline and seek advice from your veterinarian to ensure that you have met all the necessary airline requirements for travelling with your dog to Bolivia.

Quarantine laws

Firstly, obtain a health certificate for your dog. This certificate should be issued by an accredited or licensed veterinarian in your country of origin. It must include detailed information about your dog, such as breed, sex, age, and the owner's name and address. Crucially, it should also mention the date of the rabies vaccination and any other vaccines administered. This certificate must be issued within three months prior to your arrival in Bolivia and endorsed by the relevant authorities, including the Bolivian Consulate in your country. It is also beneficial to have a Spanish translation of the health certificate for customs officials in Bolivia.

Additionally, ensure your dog has been vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months before entering Bolivia. While Bolivia does not require microchipping, it is recommended for the safety of your pet. If your dog is not microchipped, ensure they wear identification tags with your contact information.

Furthermore, some additional requirements include a parasite treatment shortly before entering Bolivia and ensuring your dog is free of any diseases communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport.

By complying with these regulations, you can confidently travel to Bolivia with your dog, avoiding any unexpected quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Pet-friendly accommodation

When travelling with a dog, finding pet-friendly accommodation is crucial. Here are some options for dog-friendly stays in Bolivia:

La Paz

The Hotel LP Columbus* allows pets for an extra fee of $20 per night, and you will need to bring your dog's crate. There are also other dog-friendly hotel options in La Paz that you can find on Booking.com.

Copacabana

Hostal Center in Copacabana offers luggage storage for your dog's crate for $10 for 24 hours. This is a great option if you want to explore Lake Titicaca without your dog for a day.

Isla del Sol

Hostal Jacha Inti in Isla del Sol used to allow pets, but it seems that they don't anymore. However, there are other dog-friendly accommodation options on the island that you can find on Booking.com.

Uyuni

When visiting Salar de Uyuni, you can book a 3-day tour with an off-road 4x4 through Sunrise – Sol de Mañana. They allow dogs on their tours as long as the other passengers agree to travel with your dog, and there is no extra fee for pets.

La Paz and Aranjuez

The Rio Selva Hotel in Aranjuez, La Paz, has been reported to allow pets. The owner of this hotel stayed there with two Aussies and a cat for three months and had a fantastic experience.

Frequently asked questions