US
EC

Pet Transport USA to Ecuador: AGROCALIDAD Permit and Direct Flights in 2026

Getting a pet from United States to Ecuador is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is a middle of the road route, and about 4-8 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets …

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4-8
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
None
Quarantine on arrival
Medium
Route complexity
3
Airlines on this route
Lead time needed
4-8 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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In short: Preparing to move a pet from United States to Ecuador typically takes around 4-8 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations verified
Step by step

The United States to Ecuador import process

01
Before health certificate process.
ISO microchip confirmed.

Responsible: Your US vet

02
Before travel.
Current rabies vaccination confirmed.

Responsible: Your US vet

03
4-6 weeks before travel.
AGROCALIDAD import permit applied for. Allow 4-6 weeks.

Responsible: You or Ecuador-side agent

04
Close to travel.
USDA-endorsed health certificate issued.

Responsible: USDA-accredited vet and USDA APHIS

Requirements

Ecuador entry requirements

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

Microchip
ISO-compatible microchip recommended. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Rabies titre test
Not required for US pets entering Ecuador. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets from the USA. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Import permit
Zoosanitary import permit from AGROCALIDAD required before travel. Apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Leaving United States

Export requirements

Export permit
No routine US export permit required. USDA-endorsed health certificate is the key US document.
Health certificate
Official USDA-endorsed health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Must meet Ecuador AGROCALIDAD requirements. Issued close to travel. Source: USDA APHIS.
Costs

What this route typically costs

USDA vet and health certificate: USD 150-400
USDA APHIS endorsement: USD 38 plus processing
AGROCALIDAD import permit: USD 50-150
Travel crate: USD 80-300 if needed
Pet in hold or cargo fee: USD 200-1,200
Total typical range: USD 520-2,050

Critical points

The AGROCALIDAD permit must be obtained before travel. Apply early.

Quito Mariscal Sucre (UIO) is at 2,400 metres altitude. This affects cargo handling temperature conditions and can be a consideration for brachycephalic breeds.

Breed restrictions apply in Ecuador: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Dogo Argentino are restricted.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
LATAM AirlinesLATAM operates from Miami (MIA) and New York (JFK) to Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE). LATAM accepts pets in the hold as checked baggage and as manifested cargo. One of the most direct and consistent options for USA to Ecuador pet transport.Cargo and Hold
American AirlinesAmerican operates from Miami (MIA) to Quito and Guayaquil. American accepts pets in the hold on select routes. Miami is the primary US gateway for Ecuador-bound cargo.Hold Baggage
United AirlinesUnited connects to Quito and Guayaquil from Houston (IAH). United accepts pets in the hold on this route.Hold Baggage

The rules for bringing a pet into Ecuador

Ecuador 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

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

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

Yes. LATAM Airlines and American Airlines operate direct flights from Miami to Quito and Guayaquil and accept pets in the hold. United Airlines also serves this corridor from Houston. Direct flights are available, making this route simpler than many international pet moves.
The AGROCALIDAD zoosanitary import permit is Ecuador’s pre-travel import clearance for pets. Apply via the AGROCALIDAD online portal at least 4-6 weeks before travel. The permit accompanies your USDA health certificate on arrival.
Yes. Ecuador restricts Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Dogo Argentino. Verify that your dog’s breed is not on the current restricted list with AGROCALIDAD before starting the process. Source: AGROCALIDAD, 2026.
Airline guides
  • LATAM Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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