Ed B. Says:
I’m attending the Panama convention next month. I have a small service dog that will be traveling with me. Do you have a list of all of the vaccination records or other issues that I will face passing through the immigration process?
I’m planning to spend five days after the convention to do some traveling around. Do you have recommendations of where to go?
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says:
Hi Ed,
The process for bringing a dog (or cat) is fairly straightforward as long as you get the paperwork and timing right. The easiest way to do this is to contact a Panamanian relocation service or attorney.
If you prefer to handle things yourself, here’s a general rundown of the procedure:
– Within 10 days of your departure, take your pet to your vet and get an international health certificate.
– If you’re in the US, send or take two copies of the completed certificate to the nearest USDA state office for to get it endorsed and stamped.
(If you’re in Canada, the procedure is slightly different. For the most up-to-date information visit the website of the Panamanian Consulate in Canada, which has a detailed “Traveling With Pets” section at: www.embassyofpanamaincanada.com/travel-with-pets.)
– Send your pet’s completed international health certificate to a Panamanian embassy/consulate or Apostille. Keep the certified document handy for when you go through customs in Panama.
* It’s a good idea to make copies so you can keep one set with you and another set with your pet (an envelope taped to the outside of the carrier, for example).
– Three days before your arrival, download the home quarantine request and email a completed copy to cam@minsa.gob.pa and camzoonosis@gmail.com.
– On arrival, be prepared to pay $155 per pet, cash—no other form of payment is accepted. (Tip: keep the cash in a separate envelope or pocket so you don’t spend it by mistake.)
The veterinarian on duty at customs will take the certificate and issue new papers so you can leave with your dog. Note the government vets at the airport are generally on duty Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
* Don’t forget to check with your airline to ensure you understand all the airline’s pet travel requirements.
Keep in mind that requirements are subject to change and that you should always double-check with a Panama attorney and/or a Panamanian consulate/embassy prior to traveling with an animal.
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the U.S./Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
Finally, be sure to check your attendee website for useful travel information and itineraries to help you plan your post-conference exploration. During the event we’ll go into a lot of detail so you can zero in on the regions you’d like to scout out. There will be exhibitors offering guided tours or you can rent a car and strike out on your own.
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