Pet Transport from USA to Brazil: MAPA Requirements, Airlines and the São Paulo Process
Brazil is home to millions of expatriates, and the USA-Brazil corridor is one of the busiest international relocation routes in the Americas. Bringing a pet from the USA to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro is straightforward when the paperwork is done correctly.
Brazil’s Requirements for US-Origin Pets
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) regulates live animal imports through the Secretary of Agriculture. For dogs and cats from the USA, the requirements are:
- A health certificate (Certificado Veterinario Internacional or CVI) issued by a USDA APHIS-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS
- Rabies vaccination (current; given at least thirty days and no more than one year before travel)
- Core vaccinations for dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis
- Core vaccinations for cats: herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia
- Internal parasite treatment within a specific window before travel (typically within seven days of departure)
- External parasite treatment (flea/tick) within a specific window before travel
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 strongly recommended)
A rabies titre test is not required for pets from the USA. Brazil’s import requirements are well-defined and LATAM Airlines, as the dominant carrier on this route, has processed countless pet shipments to Brazil.
The USDA APHIS Endorsement
The health certificate must be signed by a USDA APHIS-accredited vet and then endorsed by USDA APHIS. The APHIS endorsement can take several days by mail, or can be done same-day at an APHIS office. Plan this carefully so the endorsed certificate is in hand within ten days of your departure date.
Airlines from USA to Brazil
LATAM Airlines is the dominant carrier on US-Brazil routes and has a strong live animal cargo programme for South America. Key routes:
- LATAM from Miami (MIA) to São Paulo (GRU): Most common routing for USA-Brazil pet cargo
- American Airlines from Miami or New York to São Paulo: American serves GRU with live animal cargo
- United Airlines from Newark (EWR) or Houston (IAH) to São Paulo: United also serves GRU
São Paulo Guarulhos International (GRU) handles most pet cargo. Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont (SDU) and Galeão (GIG) also receive international shipments.
Practical Notes
Brazil has an excellent veterinary care system in major cities. São Paulo and Rio have international-standard clinics. Bring a supply of any prescription medications and carry your pet’s vaccination records as Brazilian vets will want to see them.
The climate varies widely across Brazil. São Paulo has a mild subtropical climate, while Rio is tropical and humid. Parasite prevention (heartworm, ticks, fleas) is essential from arrival.
Summary Checklist
- USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate, within 10 days of departure
- Rabies vaccination (30 days to 1 year before travel)
- Core vaccinations for dogs and cats
- Internal parasite treatment within 7 days of departure
- External parasite treatment within specified window
- Microchip
- IATA-compliant crate