Bringing Your Pet to Ecuador: Requirements and Logistics

Your dog or cat can absolutely come with you to Ecuador. The process is more straightforward than many countries — there's no mandatory quarantine, no microchip requirement (though it's strongly recommended), and no breed restrictions. But you still need to get the paperwork right, or you'll face delays, extra fees, or the nightmare scenario of your pet being held at the airport.

This guide walks you through every step of bringing your pet to Ecuador in 2026, from the first vet visit to settling into your new home.

Overview of Requirements

Ecuador's pet import requirements are managed by AGROCALIDAD (Agencia de Regulación y Control Fito y Zoosanitario), the country's agricultural health authority. The requirements are relatively simple compared to destinations like Australia, the UK, or Hawaii, but they must be followed precisely.

Here's what you need:

1. A valid rabies vaccination certificate
2. An international health certificate (USDA-endorsed if departing from the US)
3. A record of internal and external parasite treatment
4. Your pet must be healthy and free of contagious diseases

No quarantine. No import permit required for dogs and cats. No breed-specific legislation at the national level.

Step-by-Step Timeline

Start this process at least 30 days before your departure date. Here's the timeline:

30+ Days Before Departure

Rabies vaccination: Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months prior. If your pet's rabies vaccine is current, you're fine. If it's expired or your pet has never been vaccinated, get it done at least 30 days before your flight. Puppies and kittens under 3 months old are exempt from the rabies requirement.

Microchip (recommended): Ecuador does not legally require a microchip, but most airlines do, and it's essential for identification if your pet is lost. The microchip should be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit). If your pet already has one, great. If not, get one implanted at the same vet visit as the rabies vaccine. Cost: $25-50.

10-14 Days Before Departure

Internal and external parasite treatment: Your pet needs to be treated for internal parasites (deworming) and external parasites (fleas and ticks) within 15 days of travel. Your vet will administer or prescribe the appropriate treatments and document them on the health certificate. Common products: Drontal (deworming), Frontline or NexGard (fleas/ticks).

Within 10 Days of Departure

Veterinary health certificate: Schedule a visit with a USDA-accredited veterinarian. This is critical — not all vets are USDA-accredited, and only accredited vets can issue the international health certificate (APHIS Form 7001). The vet will examine your pet, verify vaccinations, confirm parasite treatment, and complete the certificate.

This exam and certificate typically costs $100-200 depending on the vet and location.

Within 3 Business Days of Departure (US Travelers)

USDA/APHIS endorsement: After your vet completes the health certificate, it must be endorsed (stamped and signed) by a USDA Veterinary Services office. You can submit the certificate:

• In person: At your local USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services office. Same-day endorsement is usually possible. Fee: $38 per certificate.
• By mail/overnight: Send the certificate to the USDA office. Processing takes 1-3 business days. Include a prepaid return envelope.
• Online via VEHCS: The Veterinary Export Health Certification System allows some endorsements to be processed electronically. Check if your vet uses VEHCS — it can speed things up.

The USDA endorsement must be obtained within 3 business days of your departure for Ecuador to accept it. This is the tightest deadline in the process, so plan accordingly.

Day of Departure

• Keep all original documents in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.
• Bring copies as backup (digital and paper).
• Arrive at the airport early — at least 3 hours for international flights with a pet.

Required Documents Checklist

Airline Policies and Costs

Airlines have wildly different pet policies, and they change frequently. Here's the 2026 landscape for the major carriers flying to Ecuador:

In-Cabin (Small Pets)

Most airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin if they fit in a carrier that slides under the seat (typically max dimensions around 18" x 11" x 11" and a combined pet + carrier weight under 20 lbs).

Cargo/Checked Baggage (Larger Pets)

Dogs and cats too large for in-cabin travel must fly as checked baggage or cargo. This is where it gets more expensive and more stressful.

• Checked baggage: Some airlines (American, United) allow pets as checked baggage on certain routes. Cost: $200-500 one way. The pet travels in a pressurized, climate-controlled section of the cargo hold. You check the pet at the oversized baggage counter.
• Cargo: For very large dogs or if checked baggage isn't available, you'll need to book through the airline's cargo division or a pet transport company. Cost: $500-2,000+ depending on the size of the dog and the route. Companies like PetRelocation, Air Animal, and Happy Tails Travel specialize in this.

Crate Requirements

All airlines require an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate for cargo/checked baggage travel. The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. It must have ventilation on at least three sides, a leak-proof bottom, and food/water dishes attached to the door. Label the crate with "LIVE ANIMAL" stickers, your contact info, and feeding instructions.

Buy the crate well in advance and let your pet get used to it at home for at least 2-3 weeks before travel.

Temperature Restrictions

Airlines impose temperature embargoes — they won't transport pets if the temperature at any point in the journey (departure, connection, or arrival) is below 45°F (7°C) or above 85°F (29°C). Guayaquil can be very hot, so morning flights are preferable. Winter departures from cold US cities can also trigger embargoes.

Arriving at Quito or Guayaquil Airport

When you land in Ecuador with your pet, here's what to expect:

1. Immigration and customs: Clear immigration as normal. When you reach the customs area, declare that you're traveling with a pet.

2. AGROCALIDAD inspection: An AGROCALIDAD officer will review your documents — the USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies vaccination record, and parasite treatment record. They may briefly examine your pet. This process typically takes 15-30 minutes.

3. Possible issues: If your paperwork is incomplete or expired, AGROCALIDAD can hold your pet for examination or require additional veterinary checks at the airport. In practice, if your documents are in order, the process is smooth. Having documents in both English and Spanish helps (the APHIS 7001 is bilingual).

4. No quarantine: Assuming documents are in order, your pet goes home with you. No quarantine period.

Guayaquil vs. Quito Airport

Both airports handle pet imports. Guayaquil tends to be faster and less bureaucratic. Quito's airport (in Tababela, about 45 minutes from the city) is modern and efficient but busier. If you have a choice, some expats prefer connecting through Guayaquil.

Finding a Veterinarian in Ecuador

Veterinary care in Ecuador is affordable and generally competent, though the quality varies. In major cities, you'll find vets who are well-trained, have modern equipment, and genuinely care about your animal. In smaller towns, veterinary services can be basic.

Cuenca

• Clínica Veterinaria All Pets: Well-regarded among expats. Dr. Ortega and staff speak some English. Full range of services including surgery, dental, and imaging. Consultation: $15-25.
• VetCare Cuenca: Modern facility near Supermaxi Ordóñez Lasso. Good for routine care and vaccinations.
• Dr. Gabriela Espinoza: Highly recommended house-call vet. She'll come to your home for routine checkups and vaccinations. Popular among expat pet owners.

Quito

• Hospital Veterinario Lucky: One of the most advanced animal hospitals in Ecuador. Full surgical suite, ICU, and specialists. Located in northern Quito.
• Clinica Veterinaria Kennelvet: In Cumbayá. Good for routine care and more complex cases. Some staff speak English.

Costs

These prices are a fraction of US veterinary costs, which is one of the genuine quality-of-life improvements for pet owners in Ecuador.

Pet-Friendly Housing

Finding pet-friendly rental housing in Ecuador is easier than in many US cities, but it's not universal. Here's what to expect:

• Most landlords allow pets with a deposit. The additional deposit is typically $100-300 or one month's rent.
• Apartments with balconies and terraces are common in Cuenca and Quito. Make sure the balcony railing is secure if you have a small dog or cat.
• Houses with yards are more common in suburban areas (Misicata, San Joaquín in Cuenca; Cumbayá, Tumbaco in Quito). Monthly rent for a 3-bedroom house with a yard runs $500-900.
• Airbnb for initial stay: When you first arrive, book a pet-friendly Airbnb for 2-4 weeks while you search for permanent housing. Filter for "pets allowed" on the platform. Be transparent with hosts about your pet's size and behavior.

Potential Issues

• Tile floors: Most Ecuadorian apartments have tile or hardwood floors. This is actually great for cleaning up after pets, but older dogs may slip. Area rugs help.
• Rooftop dogs: Your Ecuadorian neighbors may keep dogs on rooftops. Your pet may react to the constant barking. Visit potential apartments at different times of day to assess noise.
• Stray dogs: Street dogs are common in Ecuador. Keep your dog leashed in urban areas to avoid confrontations. Ensure your pet is current on vaccinations.

Dog Parks and Walking Areas

Dedicated, fenced dog parks are rare in Ecuador compared to the US, but they're growing. More commonly, expats walk their dogs along rivers, in public parks, and on sidewalks.

Cuenca

• Río Tomebamba / Río Yanuncay paths: The riverside walking paths are the most popular spots for dog walking. Dogs are generally tolerated off-leash along the river, though technically leashes are required.
• Parque El Paraíso: Cuenca's largest park. Dogs are welcome on leash. Wide paths and open green areas.
• Parque Inclusivo (Av. Don Bosco): Has a small fenced area sometimes used as an informal dog park.

Quito

• Parque La Carolina: The big urban park in northern Quito. Dogs on leash are welcome. Some off-leash activity happens in practice, especially in early morning.
• Parque Metropolitano: A large forested park with trails. More space for dogs to run, and enforcement of leash rules is minimal.
• Cumbayá parks: Several smaller neighborhood parks where dog walking is common.

Pet Food Availability

You can find decent dog and cat food in Ecuador, though premium brands are limited and expensive.

Available Brands

• Supermarket brands: Pro Plan, Dog Chow, Cat Chow, Pedigree, Whiskas — all available at Supermaxi and Coral. Prices are comparable to or slightly higher than the US.
• Premium/specialty: Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet are available at pet stores and some vet clinics. Prices are higher than the US — a 30 lb bag of Royal Canin runs $70-90.
• Local brands: ProCan and BioNature are Ecuadorian brands. Quality varies. They're significantly cheaper ($20-30 for 30 lbs).
• Raw diet: Raw feeding is possible but requires sourcing meat from the mercado. Ground beef, chicken, and organ meats are cheap and fresh. Some pet stores in Cuenca and Quito sell pre-made raw diets.

What to Bring from Home

If your pet eats a specific prescription diet or a brand not available in Ecuador, bring a supply to last 2-3 months while you figure out alternatives. Shipping pet food from the US is possible through courier services but expensive due to weight.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Special Considerations

Brachycephalic Breeds (Flat-Faced Dogs)

Bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and other brachycephalic breeds face higher risk during air travel due to breathing difficulties. Many airlines restrict or ban these breeds from cargo. If you have a flat-faced breed, in-cabin travel is strongly preferred, and you should consult with your vet about the risks.

Senior Pets

Older pets may not handle the stress of long flights well. Discuss sedation options with your vet (though most vets and airlines discourage sedation for air travel due to respiratory risks at altitude). Consider the altitude adjustment — if you're moving to Cuenca or Quito, your older pet will need time to adjust to reduced oxygen, just like you.

Multiple Pets

Most airlines allow only one pet per passenger in the cabin. If you have multiple pets, you'll need multiple passengers or a combination of in-cabin and cargo arrangements. Book well in advance — airlines limit the total number of pets per flight.

Cats

Cats generally handle the logistics of moving to Ecuador more easily than dogs. They travel well in carriers, don't need to be walked immediately upon arrival, and adjust to indoor living in a new apartment quickly. Keep your cat indoors for at least 2-3 weeks after arrival to allow adjustment to the new environment. Ecuadorian neighborhoods often have stray cats and dogs that could transmit diseases.

After You Arrive: Settling In

The first few weeks with your pet in Ecuador require patience:

• Establish a routine quickly. Feed, walk, and sleep at consistent times to help your pet feel secure.
• Register with a local vet within the first week. Bring all your travel documents.
• Update your pet's microchip registration with your new Ecuador address and phone number.
• Leash walks only until your pet knows the neighborhood and can reliably be recalled.
• Watch for altitude symptoms if you're in the highlands: lethargy, reduced appetite, and heavy breathing are normal for the first week.
• Introduce your pet to the neighborhood gradually. The sounds, smells, and stray animals will be unfamiliar and potentially stressful.

Your pet will adjust. Most dogs settle into their new Ecuador routine within 2-4 weeks. Cats may take a bit longer but generally adapt well once they've claimed their new territory. The slower pace of life, the outdoor time, and the temperate climate often make pets visibly happier — which makes the whole process worth it.