Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Colombia is definitely one of the places you want to visit in your lifetime. It is a colorful concoction of music, rhythm, architecture, and culture. It is located in South America and its capital city is Bogota. However, the most famous city in Colombia is Medellin, known for its funky neighborhoods and many hills the city lies on. Colombia is well known for many famous people who came from this country, such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juan Pablo Montoya, Shakira, Sofia Vergara, and of course, the famous gangster Pablo Escobar. So, if you are travelling there and bringing your dog along, there are many things the two of you can do and have the time of your lives!
Before you go to any foreign country, you need to prepare thoroughly. Especially when you are travelling with your beloved dog. The last thing you want is to be returned home or for your dog to be sent back without you because you don’t have proper documentation. Ten days before traveling, your veterinarian has to complete the vet certificate for your doggo, and if you are from the U.S it has to be accredited by the USDA. The certificate in the USA is called APHIS Form 7001. You need both health and rabies certificates, that you have to send to the USDA to be approved. Your pet also needs to be vaccinated.
Unless you have decided to go to Colombia by bus or hitchhiking, you will most probably travel there on a plane. Flying for humans is easy, but flying with pets requires a bit of research and prep time. First of all, you need to inform yourself on the airline and see if they allow dogs. Almost all airlines would require you to give them 24-hour notice at least to let them know that you will be traveling with a pet. Also, you will probably need to pay a little extra, and prep your dog for the adventure.Â
When you get off the plane, before you can go and explore Colombia and soak up all of its wonders, you have to declare your pet first to make sure that they can go along on this wonderful adventure with you. Once you get your luggage, you will need to go to the ICA office and take care of the paperwork. Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario, or ICA office is a Colombian agency that deals with pet importation into the county. You will need your doggo, the documents, and some money to pay the ICA fee.Â
You need to know that 11 dog breeds are not allowed to enter Colombia and they are: Neapolitan Mastiff, Japanese Mastiff Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Argentine Mastiff, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Brazillian Mastiff, and American Pit Bull Terrier, as well as the hybrids and crosses of these dogs. So, be aware if your doggo is any of these breeds, they will not be able to get in.
Finally, once you have all the paperwork done, you can start enjoying the beautiful country of Colombia! Soak up the scents, eat delicious food, and let your dog sniff all the corners, and you've got yourself the adventure of a lifetime!Â
Traveling to Colombia with your doggo may seem scary and complicated at first, but if your pup is healthy, they will easily get the health certificate and pass the physical examination, and getting them vaccinated is not too hard either. You just need to be well-prepared and ready with your documents, and your pup and you can explore the world together with ease and class!