The following outlines the procedures one must go through in order to bring your Pets into the Republic of Panama.
A licensed vet must fill out a state health certificate every state has one indicating the dog has:
Had a complete check up and is disease free. This must be dated to show the check up occurred within 10 days of the dogs arrival in Panama.
Had a Rabies vaccination. This must be dated to show the vaccination occurred more than 30 days, but less than 180 days prior to the dog s arrival in Panama.
This completed health certificate must be taken to a Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in the States where it will be authenticated and stamped accordingly. Costs $30. You will then bring the Certificate along with yourself and the dog to Panama. The vet at the airport, I assume you´re flying will take the Certificate from you and issue new papers allowing your dog to remain with you on "In House" quarantine for 40 days. Costs $130. If you have no authenticated certificate the dog must be held at the airport in quarantine for 40 days at $10/day. BE AWARE OF SOMETHING: The vet at the airport is only on duty Monday thru Friday 9AM to Noon and 1PM to 5PM. Saturdays 9AM to Noon. If he isn´t there when you arrive, the dog is impounded at the airport until he returns. TRY TO AVAOID ARRIVING AFTER 5PM WEEKDAYS, OR AFTER NOON SATURDAYS OR ANY TIME SUNDAYS. Unless, of course the thought of Fido in a box in an un-airconditioned cargo storage area doesn´t freak you. NOTE: If you are coming from the USA - after your vet signs the certificate, it must be "certified" by the USDA. Thee are offices all over the US. It is the doubly certified certificate certified by the vet AND by the USDA animal health office that must be sent to the Panamanian consulate for "authentication." AND: If you want a "home quarantine" you must also send a letter TWO WEEKS before the animal arrives, to the Panama Dept of Health.
For assistance in making these arrangements, contact
Douglas M. Choy at
ThinkPanama.com. He will be happy to provide any guidance and information you may need.
