Small Dog or Large Dog? Start Here
Most of the paperwork is identical regardless of your dog's size. The main difference is how your dog travels on the plane. Read the relevant section for your situation before continuing.
Travels in the cabin with you
Dog plus carrier must not exceed 20 lbs combined. Follow all steps in this guide from top to bottom. See Step 4: Booking Your Flight for Copa cabin pet details.
Travels as cargo
Same Panama paperwork applies. Additional airline cargo rules and strict airport timing requirements apply. See Large Dogs: Cargo Travel section before booking anything.
Before You Start: Microchip and Vaccinations
These two things must be completed in the correct order before any paperwork can begin. Getting them wrong means starting over.
Get the microchip implanted first
Your dog needs an ISO compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785, 15 digit number). Panama does not legally require a microchip, but all major airlines require one for in cabin pet travel. It is also required if you ever transit through or return via the United States. The microchip must be in place before any vaccinations are given.
Rabies vaccination (after the chip)
The rabies vaccine must be administered after the microchip is already implanted. It must be given at least 30 days before your arrival date in Panama. Also confirm your dog is current on: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. Have all vaccination records ready as you will need copies for everything that follows.
Parasite treatment
Your dog must receive both internal and external parasite treatment from your vet within 30 days of your flight. MIDA reviews the parasite treatment records as part of the airport inspection on arrival. Have this done at the same appointment as the health certificate so your vet can document it directly on the certificate. Panama's tropical climate makes this a firm requirement, not a recommendation.
- At least 30 days before travel: Rabies vaccine (after microchip is in place)
- 9 to 10 days before travel: Vet appointment for health certificate and parasite treatment
- 3 to 5 days before travel: Email the Home Quarantine form to Panama
- Before booking your flight: Call MIDA at (507) 238-4234 to confirm airport office hours
- Day of arrival: Bring approximately $155.00 USD in exact cash
Step 1: Vet Appointment for the Health Certificate
Book this appointment exactly 9 to 10 days before your planned arrival date in Panama. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival or it will not be accepted at the Panama border.
For Canadians: CFIA Endorsed Certificate
Ask specifically for a vet who is CFIA authorized and can issue international export health certificates. Request a vet who can file electronically with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which means the endorsed certificate comes back to you by email within 24 hours rather than requiring courier. If your vet cannot file electronically, you will need to overnight courier the certificate to CFIA and back, adding several days.
- CFIA pet export information: inspection.canada.ca
- Canadian International Health Certificate form: View form here
- Find a CFIA vet office: inspection.canada.ca/contact
For Americans: USDA APHIS Endorsed Certificate
In the United States, your vet must be USDA accredited and the health certificate must be endorsed by a USDA APHIS veterinarian. Contact your nearest USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office to confirm current requirements and processing times before your vet appointment.
- USDA APHIS pet travel information: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
- Find a USDA accredited vet: aphis.usda.gov/accredited-veterinarian
Step 2: Panama Consulate Authentication
Once you have your government endorsed health certificate, it must be authenticated by the nearest Panama Consulate in your country. Contact the consulate first to confirm their current fee, accepted payment method, and turnaround time before sending any documents. Include a prepaid return courier envelope with your submission.
- Ottawa (Embassy): 130 Albert Street, Suite 803, Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4 — Phone: 613-236-7177
- Toronto: 4789 Yonge Street, Suite 412, Toronto, ON M2N 0G3 — Phone: 416-651-2350
- Montreal: 1425 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 1T7 — Phone: 514-874-1929
- Vancouver: 666 Burrard Street, Suite 500, Vancouver, BC V6C 3P6 — Phone: 778-370-1415
- Email (Toronto): info@consulatepanama.com (Toronto consulate website is currently under construction — contact by phone or email)
- Panama maintains offices in Washington DC, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Arkansas
- Use the official consulate finder to locate the office for your state: embassyofpanama.org/consulates-of-panama-in-the-usa
- Contact your nearest consulate to confirm current fees and requirements before sending documents
Step 3: Home Quarantine Request Form
Download the Home Quarantine Request form from the Embassy of Panama, complete it fully, and email it 3 to 5 days before your flight.
Email the completed form and all attachments to both addresses:
- camzoonosis@gmail.com
- cam@minsa.gob.pa
Attach scans of the following to your email:
- Your passport
- Government endorsed Veterinary Health Certificate (CFIA or USDA)
- Panama Consulate authentication
- Your dog's vaccination records (rabies and all others)
After sending, call MINSA directly to confirm they received your email before assuming it went through.
- Phone: (507) 238-3855 / (507) 238-4059 / (507) 512-9338
- Email: cam@minsa.gob.pa and camzoonosis@gmail.com
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Phone: (507) 238-4234 / (507) 238-3752 / (507) 524-2247
- Email: tramitezoo@mida.gob.pa
Step 4: Booking Your Flight
Copa Airlines operates direct flights from Toronto and major US cities to Panama City (Tocumen International Airport). The return flight requirement and weekday arrival advice apply to all dogs regardless of size.
As you do not yet have your Panama residency carnet, the airline at check in will ask for proof that you have the right to remain in Panama. A one way ticket will raise a red flag and you may be denied boarding. Book a return ticket even if you plan to stay permanently. You can always choose not to use the return portion once you are in Panama.
The MIDA veterinary office at Tocumen Airport processes all pet paperwork on arrival. Before booking your flight, call MIDA at (507) 238-4234 to confirm their office hours and that staff will be available on your arrival day and time. For large dogs travelling in cargo this is especially critical — see below.
🐾 Small Dog: Cabin Travel
- Dog plus carrier must not exceed 20 lbs combined (confirm with Copa)
- Reserve your pet's cabin space when booking — airlines limit pets per flight
- There is a per flight pet fee (confirm the exact amount with Copa when booking)
- Confirm carrier dimensions with Copa when booking
- Book over the phone to confirm the pet space is reserved
🐕 Large Dog: Cargo Travel
- Must be booked at least 48 hours before departure through Copa Sales Office or Call Center
- Confirm age restrictions and all cargo requirements directly with Copa before booking
- Copa Cargo phone (USA): (800) 359-2672
- Copa Cargo website: copacargo.com
- See breed restrictions below before making any plans
Large Dogs: Additional Requirements for Cargo Travel
The Panama government paperwork is exactly the same for large dogs as for small dogs. The steps below cover what is different on the airline side and at the airport.
Breeds Not Accepted in Copa Cargo
The following breeds are not accepted as cargo on Copa Airlines regardless of size. If your dog is one of these breeds, contact Copa directly at (800) 359-2672 before making any travel plans:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- English Bulldog
- Canary Catch Dog (Presa Canario)
- Argentine Dogo
- Cane Corso
- Brazilian Fila
Snub Nosed Breeds
Snub nosed breeds (including Boxer, French Bulldog, Chow Chow, Shih Tzu, Pug, and similar) face additional restrictions in cargo due to breathing risks. Many airlines will not accept them in cargo at all. Call Copa directly to confirm whether your dog can travel and under what conditions.
The MIDA veterinary office at Tocumen Airport is available on weekdays only from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. If your large dog arrives outside these hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, they will be placed in airport kennels until a vet is available. You can arrange for a vet to meet your flight in advance through MIDA, but an additional fee applies. Do not book your flight until you have confirmed vet availability with MIDA.
- Phone: (507) 238-4234 / (507) 238-3752 / (507) 524-2247
- Confirm vet availability on your exact arrival date and time
- If arriving outside standard hours, get the after hours arrangement and fee confirmed in writing
Collecting Your Dog at Tocumen
If your dog travels as cargo, you collect them near the baggage claim area after your luggage has cleared final screening. The same government paperwork inspection applies and the same airport fees of approximately $155.00 USD in exact cash are due.
Step 5: Arrival at Tocumen Airport, Panama City
As soon as you land, let someone on the ground know that you are travelling with a pet and they will direct you to where you need to go. You will need to visit the MIDA office first, then the Department of Zoonosis Control (MINSA). Only one person can enter the office to process the paperwork.
🐾 Small Dog: Cabin
Proceed through customs normally with your dog in the carrier. You will then be directed to MIDA for document inspection before leaving the airport.
🐕 Large Dog: Cargo
Collect your dog near the baggage claim area after your luggage has cleared screening. MIDA will inspect all documents and your dog before release.
Pay in exact cash (USD only) — applies to all dogs
- MIDA: $16.00 USD
- MINSA: $130.00 USD
- Airport fee: approximately $10.00 USD
- Total: approximately $155.00 USD cash
If all documents are in order, your dog comes home with you the same day. Your dog will then be on home quarantine for 40 days, during which you monitor for any signs of illness and report to MIDA if needed.
Documents Checklist
Bring originals and two sets of copies of everything below.
- ISO microchip certificate and record
- Rabies vaccination certificate (administered after microchip, at least 30 days before travel)
- Full vaccination records (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus)
- Parasite treatment documented on the health certificate (internal and external, within 30 days of flight)
- Veterinary Health Certificate (CFIA endorsed for Canada / USDA APHIS endorsed for USA)
- Panama Consulate authentication stamp on the certificate
- Completed Home Quarantine Request form (emailed 3 to 5 days before travel)
- Your passport
- Approximately $155.00 USD exact cash for Tocumen Airport fees
Always contact the Panama Consulate nearest to you to confirm current requirements before your vet appointment. Canada offices: Ottawa 613-236-7177, Toronto 416-651-2350, Montreal 514-874-1929, Vancouver 778-370-1415. USA: visit embassyofpanama.org/consulates-of-panama-in-the-usa to find your nearest office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a microchip to enter Panama?
Panama does not legally require a microchip for entry, however all major airlines require one for in cabin pet travel. An ISO compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) is also required if you transit through or return via the United States. We strongly recommend getting your dog microchipped before starting any other part of the process.
Does the microchip need to be implanted before the rabies vaccine?
Yes. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered. The correct order is: microchip first, then rabies vaccine, then the health certificate. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 30 days before your arrival in Panama.
What health certificate does my dog need from Canada or the USA?
You need a Veterinary Health Certificate endorsed by an official government veterinarian. In Canada, this means a CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) endorsed certificate. In the USA, this means a USDA APHIS endorsed certificate. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival in Panama. Book your vet appointment 9 to 10 days before your travel date.
Do I need to go to the Panama Consulate before travelling?
Yes. Your CFIA or USDA endorsed health certificate must be authenticated by the nearest Panama Consulate in your country before you travel. In Canada, Panama maintains offices in Ottawa (613-236-7177), Toronto (416-651-2350), Montreal (514-874-1929), and Vancouver (778-370-1415). In the USA, use the official consulate finder at embassyofpanama.org/consulates-of-panama-in-the-usa to find your nearest office. Call ahead to confirm their current fee and processing time before sending documents.
What do I need to do before my flight regarding the Home Quarantine form?
You must download and complete the Home Quarantine Request form from the Embassy of Panama website and email it to both camzoonosis@gmail.com and cam@minsa.gob.pa, 3 to 5 days before your flight. Attach scans of your passport, health certificate, consulate authentication, and vaccination records. Call MINSA at (507) 238-3855 to confirm receipt after sending.
Can my dog travel in the cabin with me on the flight to Panama?
Small dogs may travel in the cabin depending on the airline. Copa Airlines operates direct flights from major Canadian and US cities to Panama City. Call Copa directly to confirm their current in cabin pet policy, weight and carrier size limits, and to reserve your pet space when booking. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight so book early.
How much does it cost to bring a dog into Panama at the airport?
At Tocumen International Airport you will pay approximately $155.00 USD in exact cash. This breaks down as: MIDA $16.00 USD, MINSA $130.00 USD, and an airport fee of approximately $10.00 USD. Bring exact cash in USD as no change is given.
What happens to my dog after arriving in Panama?
If all documents are in order at Tocumen Airport, your dog comes home with you the same day. Your dog will then be on home quarantine for 40 days, during which you monitor for any signs of illness and report to MIDA if needed.
Do I need to book a return flight even if I am moving to Panama permanently?
Yes. If you do not yet have your Panama residency carnet, the airline at check in will ask for proof that you have the right to remain in Panama. A one way ticket will raise a red flag and you may be denied boarding. Book a return ticket even if you plan to stay permanently. You can always choose not to use the return portion once you are in Panama.
Can my large dog travel as cargo to Panama?
Yes. Copa Airlines currently offers cargo pet travel from North America to Panama City. Confirm age restrictions, booking deadlines, and carrier size requirements directly with Copa as these can change. The Panama government paperwork (health certificate, consulate authentication, home quarantine form) is the same as for small dogs. Call Copa Cargo at (800) 359-2672 to confirm availability on your specific route before making any other plans.
What happens if my large dog arrives on a weekend or outside vet hours?
If your dog arrives as cargo outside of MIDA vet hours (weekdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm), or on a weekend or holiday, they will be held in the airport kennels until a vet is available. You can arrange for a vet to meet your flight outside these hours through MIDA, but this must be organised in advance and an additional fee applies. Always call MIDA at (507) 238-4234 before booking your flight to confirm vet availability on your arrival date.
Are certain dog breeds banned from cargo travel to Panama?
Panama has no national breed bans. However Copa Airlines does not accept the following breeds as cargo: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Bulldog, Canary Catch Dog, Argentine Dogo, Cane Corso, and Brazilian Fila. Snub nosed breeds such as Boxer, French Bulldog, Chow Chow, Pug, and Shih Tzu also face restrictions in cargo due to breathing risks. If your dog is one of these breeds, call Copa directly at (800) 359-2672 before making any plans.
This article was prepared by the Panama Visa Expert team, including our licensed Panamanian immigration lawyers and local residency coordinators who assist clients throughout the Panama residency and relocation process.
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