In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Germany to Colombia
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
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Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
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Overview
Getting a pet from Germany to Colombia is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 20-26 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.
A rabies titre test may apply depending on where your pet is coming from, so check the requirements below. Start with the step by step process below and build your plan from there.
Step by step
The Germany to Colombia process
1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Colombia
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Checklist
Colombia: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Annual rabies vaccination required.
Rabies titre test
Required for: Not routinely required
Quarantine
No routine quarantine. Veterinary inspection on arrival at El Dorado or other main airports.
Import permit
Required. Import permit required from ICA.
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet. Valid for 14 days from issue. Certificate in Spanish or with certified Spanish translation required.
No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
5
Import permit application fee (Colombia)
6
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
The rules for bringing a pet into Colombia
Colombia has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Colombia for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
No routine rabies titre test is listed for this route. Requirements can change and may vary by origin, so confirm the current position with the destination veterinary authority before travel.
Yes, an import permit is required from the Colombia veterinary authority. Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Germany. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Colombia’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
American Airlines
Emirates
British Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Air France
KLM
Delta Air Lines
Air Canada
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.