As the high travel season approaches, many people are planning vacations or business trips. For pet owners, this often means making arrangements for their furry companions. In Peru, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), through the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), reminds travelers that their pets—specifically dogs and cats—can accompany them on their trips, as long as the necessary health certification procedures are completed.
Traveling internationally with pets involves strict regulations, especially when it comes to health and vaccination requirements. These must often be completed well in advance of departure. Therefore, pet owners are responsible for ensuring they have all the required information and documentation for a smooth process.
SENASA’s Pet Export and Import Services
If you’re located in Lima, you have convenient access to three SENASA service centers where you can begin the export process for your pet. These centers are located in:
- Callao: Av. Elmer Faucett S/N – Lima Hub (Reference: Alt Puente Peatonal Quilca)
- Ate Vitarte: Senasa Lima Callao, located at Calle Los Diamantes s/n, Urb. Los Topacios
- Lurín: Km 38.5, Antigua Carretera Panamericana Sur – Nuevo Lurín
These centers are designed to assist with health certification for pets traveling abroad. In addition, SENASA provides decentralized services across other locations in Peru. You can also manage the certification process at SENASA’s Document Processing Centers or Executive Offices located in regions such as Ancash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Cusco, Ica, La Libertad, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, Tumbes, and Ucayali.
The Process of Exporting Pets from Peru
When planning to export a pet, there are several essential documents and steps involved. The pet owner or their authorized representative must submit the following:
- Application addressed to the Head of the Animal Health Department
- Sanitary import permits or the required health certificates established by the Official Competent Authority of the destination country
- Valid health certificate (formatted by the College of Veterinary Physicians of Peru) issued by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate must state the pet’s health condition, along with details on internal and external deworming or any other treatments received.
- Valid vaccination certificate (also formatted by the College of Veterinary Physicians of Peru) issued by a licensed veterinarian. This should include proof of rabies vaccination (for animals over 3 months of age, or according to the destination country’s requirements) and other vaccinations as necessary.
- Payment voucher for the inspection and issuance of the certificate (S/ 97.20)
Once these documents are submitted, the pet will undergo a clinical inspection to check for signs of infectious or parasitic diseases.
The Process of Importing Pets into Peru
If you’re arriving in Peru with a pet, there are certain documents and procedures you must follow to ensure your pet can enter the country legally. The pet owner or their authorized representative must present the following at SENASA’s office at Jorge Chávez Airport or other international air terminals in the country, as well as at border control points (for land travel):
- Application with your personal details and those of your pet
- Original sanitary export certificate issued by the Official Authority of the country of origin, containing the following information: current vaccinations (for dogs: Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Rabies; for cats: Feline Panleukopenia and Rabies). Rabies vaccination is mandatory for both pets from 3 months of age. It should also include internal and external deworming done within 30 days prior to the travel date, as well as information about the pet’s health condition.
After presenting these documents, a clinical inspection of the pet is conducted to check for any signs of infectious or parasitic diseases.
SENASA’s Commitment to Efficient Services
MIDAGRI, through SENASA, is committed to making the pet travel process as streamlined and efficient as possible. With the ongoing improvement of procedures and services, SENASA aims to ensure that travelers and their pets receive timely and high-quality assistance.
SENASA’s decentralized services help ensure that pet owners throughout Peru have access to these critical services, regardless of their location. Whether you’re traveling from Lima or the regions, you can count on SENASA to support you with the necessary documentation for your pet’s journey.
Contact Information for Pet Travel Assistance
For more information on how to request sanitary certificates for your pet, SENASA offers assistance via email at viajacontumascota@senasa.gob.pe. This information is also available on their official website, or you can inquire at Peruvian embassies for guidance.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure or work, ensuring your pet’s health and well-being is key. Following these steps, gathering the right documentation, and getting timely assistance from SENASA will make your pet’s travel experience smooth and hassle-free.
As the high season for travel approaches, it’s important to stay ahead of the requirements for traveling with pets. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy your travels knowing that your furry friend is with you, safe and well-prepared for the journey.
