KE
CL

Pet Transport from Kenya to Chile

Planning a pet relocation from Kenya to Chile is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Give yourself close to 20-26 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Compliant …

Get your free quote →
20-26
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
None
Quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
10
Airlines on this route
Lead time needed
20-26 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Moderate
Airlines
10 carriers on this route
Start my quote
In short: Preparing to move a pet from Kenya to Chile 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.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The Kenya to Chile import process

01
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

02
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

03
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

04
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Chile

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

05
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)

06
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

07
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

Requirements

Chile entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current vaccination required.
Rabies titre test
Required for: Dogs and cats from countries classified as rabies-endemic by SAG. Not required for: Pets from countries with equivalent rabies-free status. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets. SAG inspection at Santiago Airport.
Import permit
Required. Permit required. SAG reviews documentation before approving.
Health certificate
Required. Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Issued by: Official government vet. Valid for 10 days from issue. Must list microchip, vaccinations, titre test (if applicable), and parasite treatments. Apostille or legalisation required.
Leaving Kenya

Export requirements

Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
Required. Issued by DVS-authorised official vet.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (Chile)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

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.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
Kenya AirwaysSmall pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: pets in pressurised hold via Kenya Airways Cargo. Connects Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta hub to European and African destinations. IATA-compliant crate required. Advance approval needed.Cabin and Cargo
American AirlinesSmall pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes applyCabin and Cargo
EmiratesCargo: 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
LufthansaSmall 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-roundCabin and Cargo
British AirwaysCargo: 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 AirlinesCargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasonsCargo Only
Cathay PacificCargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be metCargo Only
Air FranceSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoesCabin and Cargo
KLMSmall pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargoCabin and Cargo
Delta Air LinesSmall pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargoCabin and Cargo

Chile import rules, explained

Chile keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.

Practical tips for this move

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.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

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 Chile 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.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Chile. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from the Chile 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 Kenya. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Chile’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
  • Kenya Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Air France
  • KLM
  • Delta Air Lines
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet
to Chile.

Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. We map the complete preparation timeline and costs. No commitment required.

Get my free quote
Chat with us