In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Chile
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
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Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
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Overview
Planning a pet relocation from United States to Chile is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 4-6 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival.
The guide below walks through each stage so nothing gets missed.
Step by step
The United States to Chile process
1
Before vaccinations if being microchipped.
Microchip implanted (recommended)
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
2
At least 21 days before travel.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
3
Within 30 days before arrival. Active ingredient, dosage, and date must be on the health certificate.
Parasite treatment
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
4
As soon as travel date is confirmed.
Book cabin or cargo transport
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
5
Clinical examination within 10 days of travel. USDA endorsement 2-10 business days. Then apostille.
USDA health certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS, then apostille authority
6
On arrival. Before customs.
SAG inspection on arrival at Santiago
Responsible: SAG Veterinary Services
Checklist
Chile: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Recommended but not mandatory under current SAG rules.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered at least 21 days before travel.
Rabies titre test
Not currently required for US pets under SAG regulations. Check the current SAG country list for any updates.
Quarantine
None for compliant pets. SAG veterinary inspection on arrival at Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport.
Import permit
Not required for personal pet dogs and cats travelling with their owners.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed health certificate, apostilled by the US Secretary of State (state level) or by the US Department of State for federal use. Must list vaccinations, parasite treatments, and clinical examination within 10 days of travel.
No formal US export permit. USDA endorsement and apostille serve as export documentation.
Health certificate
USDA-accredited veterinarian health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Must be apostilled for Chile SAG acceptance.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Cargo airline fee: $1,000 to $2,600 from US hub to Santiago depending on routing and crate size
2
Cabin pet fee: typically $150 to $200 one way
3
USDA health certificate plus endorsement: $200 to $450
4
Apostille fee: approximately $20 to $50 depending on state/federal processing
5
Parasite treatment: $20 to $80
6
Pet transport agent fee (optional): $400 to $1,500
7
IATA-compliant travel crate: $60 to $400
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ The USDA health certificate must be apostilled before travel. Without the apostille, SAG may not accept the document. Allow extra time for apostille processing after USDA endorsement.
⚠ Parasite treatment (internal and external) is mandatory within 30 days of arrival. The active ingredient, dosage, and date must appear on the health certificate.
⚠ Clinical examination must be within 10 days of travel. Time the vet appointment carefully, factoring in USDA endorsement and apostille processing times.
⚠ Microchipping is recommended even though not currently mandatory. Future travel from Chile may require it.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
American Airlines
Multiple US cities to Santiago directly or via Miami/Dallas. Accepts small pets in cabin and larger pets as cargo. Primary US carrier to Chile.
Cargo and Cabin
LATAM Airlines
Via Lima or direct to Santiago from Miami and other US hubs. Chile's main carrier. Good cabin and cargo pet options.
Cargo and Cabin
United Airlines
US to Santiago via connections. Accepts pets in cabin and cargo on qualifying routes.
Cargo and Cabin
How Chile handles incoming pets
Chile keeps its requirements reasonable, though a few steps have fixed timing. Map those out first and the rest falls into place.
What experienced owners do
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
Chile’s SAG does not currently mandate a titre test for dogs and cats from the USA. Current requirements focus on rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), core vaccinations, and parasite treatment. Check the current SAG country classification list for any changes before travel, as classification decisions can be updated.
An apostille authenticates the USDA APHIS endorsement on your health certificate for use in Chile. It is issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the health certificate was endorsed (for state-level apostilles) or by the US Department of State for federal documents. Bring your USDA-endorsed health certificate to the appropriate apostille authority or send it by mail. Processing fees and times vary by state. Pet transport agents can manage this step on your behalf.
SAG requires internal and external parasite treatment within 30 days before arrival in Chile. The health certificate must specify the product used (by active ingredient name, such as praziquantel for tapeworm), the dosage administered, and the date of treatment. Ask your vet to record this information in detail on the health certificate. General statements without specific details are not accepted by SAG.
Yes, for small pets. American Airlines, LATAM, and United Airlines all permit small pets in the cabin on routes to Santiago. Typical cabin weight limits are around 20 lbs including the carrier. For larger dogs, cargo is the standard option. Confirm the current cabin pet policy, carrier dimension limits, and breed restrictions with your airline before booking, as policies vary by carrier and route.
Airline guides
American Airlines
LATAM Airlines
United Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.