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Bringing your dog or cat to Panama is absolutely doable—but the “best” method depends on your pet’s size, temperament, your timeline, and your budget. Below are the six most common ways people bring pets to Panama, along with realistic cost ranges and what to expect from each option.
Before we dive in, here’s the part that applies to almost everyone:
The baseline costs almost everyone pays (no matter which method you choose).
These are the “must-haves” for most pets entering Panama (especially when flying in):
Veterinary exam + international health certificate (varies widely by vet/region)
🇺🇸USDA APHIS endorsement (U.S. travelers) — fees depend on number of pets/certificates ( about $40 per pet)
🇨🇦 For Canadians: Health certificates are typically issued by your local licensed veterinarian. Some airlines may request CFIA-related documentation—always confirm with your airline
🇵🇦Panamanian consulate/embassy authentication is required
🇵🇦Panama Home Quarantine fee: B/.130 (cash) per pet at Tocumen, when using the home quarantine option
Common extra costs
*Approved soft carrier (in-cabin) or IATA-compliant crate (cargo)
*Airline paperwork/admin/transport fees
*Copy/printing/notary/shipping if you’re mailing docs for endorsements
Important note: Airline rules and pet fees change often. Always verify your specific flight route and airline policy before booking. Always check the airline’s pet policy for details. The rules vary by airline.
1) 🐶 Commercial flights with pets in-CABIN (small pets)
Who this is best for:
*Small dogs/cats that fit in an airline-approved carrier under the seat
*Owners who want their pet with them the whole time (least separation)
Typical cost range (estimated)
*Airline in-cabin pet fee: often $150–$200+ each way on many routes (varies by airline)
*Carrier: $30–$150
*Paperwork + endorsements + Panama fees: commonly $300–$800+ (varies by vet and how many pets are on one certificate)
✅ Estimated total: $600–$1,500+ per pet (typical range)
Pros
*Pet stays close to you
*Less risk than cargo for many animals
*Usually, the simplest flying experience
Cons
*Size/weight limits are strict
*Limited “pet slots” per flight
*Health certificate and authentication cannot be more than 10 days old
2) 🐾 Commercial flights with pets in CARGO (larger pets)
Who this is best for:
*Larger dogs that cannot fly in-cabin
*People who can handle more planning (and more variables)
*Typical cost range (estimated)
Cargo pricing is all over the map because it depends on:
*Pet + crate size/weight
*Temperature restrictions and seasonal embargos
*Whether the airline accepts pets as accompanied baggage or requires cargo services
A common “planning range” many families see for international pet transport (transport + paperwork + crate + professional help, if used) is roughly $1,900–$3,300 for a typical medium-sized dog scenario.
Relocation providers also quote broad ranges, such as $3,500–$5,000+, depending on route and services. See the Copa Airlines crate rates below:
✅ Estimated total: $1,500–$5,000+ per pet (sometimes more for very large dogs, complex routes, or limited cargo availability)
Pros
*Works for big dogs
*Can be straightforward when done with the right airline/route
Cons
*Heat embargoes and route restrictions
*More stress risk for some pets (and pet parents)
*Cargo policies can change quickly
*Age restrictions
*Health certificate & authentication must be less than 10 days old
3) 🦮 Flying with a service dog (in cabin)
Who this is best for
*Travelers with a legitimate, professionally trained service dog (not an ESA/pet)
Typical cost range (estimated):
Many airlines do not charge a pet fee for service animals, but documentation requirements can be strict (and vary by airline/government rules).
You still pay for Panama entry requirements (health paperwork and Panama fees).
✅ Estimated total: $500–$1,000+ (mostly paperwork/endorsements + Panama fees; airline fee may be $0)
Pros
*Dog typically flies with you in-cabin (not in a carrier)
*Avoids cargo risks
Cons
*Strict rules and documentation
*Not a “pet travel workaround” (must be a true professional service dog)
*Health certificate & authentication must be less than 10 days old
4) 📦 Using a professional pet relocation company
Who this is best for
*Busy families
*Anyone who wants a “done-for-you” process
*Complex moves (multiple pets, large breeds, tricky routes)
Typical cost range (estimated)
Pet relocation providers often quote wide ranges, such as $3,000–$5,000+ per pet, depending on pet size, route, and the level of service you purchase.
✅ Estimated total: $3,000–$6,000+ per pet (typical planning range)
Pros
*Reduces mistakes and stress
*Helpful for timing, paperwork, and logistics
Cons
*Costs more than DIY
*Pets are put in cargo
*Quality varies—choose carefully
Tip: Ask exactly what’s included: crate, vet visits, document handling, airline booking, customs coordination, pickup/delivery, etc. See BONUS tips below.
5) ✈️ Shared charter flights with pets flying in-cabin
Who this is best for
*Large dogs that you do not want in cargo
*People prioritizing comfort and lower stress for pets (and humans)
Typical cost range (estimated)
Shared charter pricing depends on the number/size of pets and passengers. One well-known shared charter option that markets pet-friendly flights (including Panama routes) notes a typical starting price of $8,000+ per person and includes several pets.
We recommend PerroAir.com for shared charter flights. They fly monthly to and from Panama.
✅ Estimated total: $8,000–$15,000+ per person (common planning range for shared charter). The lower price are for four humans flying.
Pros
*Pets fly in-cabin with you (no crates required for dogs)
*Less stressful than cargo for many pets
*Great option for large breeds
*A health certificate can be up to 30 days old
Cons
*Expensive
*Departure locations are limited
* Flight schedules can be limited
6) 🚗 Driving pets to Panama
Who this is best for
*People already planning to drive (or who strongly prefer not to fly pets)
*Pets that struggle with flying or have restrictions
*Typical cost range (estimated)
You can hire someone to drive you and your pets to Panama in their van. Or you can hire the company to drive you and your pets to Panama in your car.
Driving costs depend heavily on
*Starting location (U.S./Canada/Mexico) – usually leave from McAllen Texas
*How many days the trip takes/miles driven
*Fuel prices, hotels, tolls, and border-related expenses
*Driving in your car, or their van.
You’ll also need valid health paperwork and Panama requirements (the Panama home quarantine fee of B/.130 in cash is commonly referenced for airport arrivals; land entry processes can vary, so confirm current border procedures).
✅ Estimated total (DIY driving): $3,500–$10,000+ (fuel + hotels + tolls + paperwork; higher for longer routes or multiple pets)
✅ Estimated total (paid ground transport): can be much higher depending on mileage and service level
Pros
*You control the pace and environment
*Avoids airline restrictions/embargoes
*You can bring totes with you
*A health certificate can be up to 30 days old
Cons
*Long, exhausting trip – estimate 7 days
*Border crossings add complexity
*Safety and logistics matter (especially with multiple pets)
WATCH THIS VIDEO about having a company drive you and your pets to Panama in their van.
WATCH THIS VIDEO about having a company drive your car with you and your pets to Panama
WATCH THIS VIDEO about driving to Panama with your pets on your own.
To see more details about what is required to bring your pets to Panama, click on the red banner below:
BONUS: Bringing Pets to Panama – Free Checklist & Planning Guide
Planning to move to Panama with your pets? Don’t leave it to guesswork.
This free “Bringing Pets to Panama Checklist and Planning Guide” gives you an overview of what to do—and when to do it—so you can avoid delays, extra costs, and last-minute stress. Inside you’ll find a clear timeline, packing lists, carrier and crate tips, common mistakes to avoid, and the right questions to ask airlines and pet relocation companies. Learn what to do 30 days before, 14 days before, and 10 days before you come to Panama with your pets.
Perfect for U.S. and Canadian pet owners, this guide helps you choose the safest and least stressful way to bring your pets to Panama—whether they fly in-cabin, cargo, charter, or travel by car.
💌MORE DETAILS! The Online Panama Relocation Guide provides more step-by-step details, including how to obtain Panama Consulate authentication in just 24 hours!
A Practical, Stress-Reducing Guide for a Smooth Move
Bringing your pets to Panama is absolutely possible—and Canadians do it successfully every year. While the process is similar, there are a few important differences for travelers from Canada to note before booking flights.
This guide walks you through what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid costly mistakes, whether you’re traveling from the United States or Canada.
🗓️ Your Pet Relocation Timeline Checklist
✅30 Days Before Travel
Decide how you will bring your pet
(commercial in-cabin, cargo, relocation company, shared charter, or driving)
🔹Research airline pet policies for your exact route
🔹Confirm your pet meets size, weight, breed, and seasonal restrictions
🔹Schedule a licensed veterinarian appointment for a health certificate
🔹Get rabies and other vaccinations
🔹Begin carrier or crate training at home
🔹Hire Jose at GoldenFrog.net to help get your pet into Panama
🔹If using a relocation company, request written quotes
🔹Confirm your flight and pet reservation (pet slots are limited)
🇨🇦 For Canadians:
🔹Confirm your veterinarian is authorized to issue international health certificates
🔹Check airline rules for Canada → Panama routes, which may differ from U.S. routes
🔹Documents must be authenticated by the Panama Consulate in Canada
✅ 14 Days Before Travel
🔹Review Panama’s pet import requirements carefully
🔹Prepare required documents:
🔹International health certificate appointment, if not already done
🔹Make a folder for the vaccination records & other pet documents
🔹Make digital and paper copies of everything
🔹Confirm whether your airline requires advance document submission
🇨🇦 For Canadians:
🔹Health certificates are typically issued by your local licensed veterinarian
🔹Some airlines may request CFIA-related documentation—always confirm with your airline
✅ 10 Days Before Travel
🔹Obtain your international health certificate
🔹Verify all dates, signatures, and pet descriptions are correct
🔹Submit a health certificate to the USDA if your vet does not do so (US only)
🔹Confirm arrival procedures at Tocumen International Airport (or David)
🔹Get cash (US dollars) for Panama’s home quarantine fee
🔹Add Panama contact details to your pet’s ID tags
🔹Authentication at the Panama Consulate after USDA endorsement
🇨🇦Important:
Canadian health certificates must still be issued within the airline’s required timeframe (usually within 10 days of travel). They must be authenticated by the Panama Consulate.
✅ 3–5 Days Before Travel
🔹Reconfirm pet booking with the airline, charter, or driver
🔹Assemble your pet travel kit
🔹Avoid introducing new foods or medications
🔹Keep routines calm and consistent
🔹Pack all pet documents in your carry-on luggage
🔹Submit quarantine documents to MINSA in Panama.
🎒 Pet Travel Packing List
🔹Required Documents (U.S. & Canada)
🔹International health certificate
🔹Rabies & other vaccination certificates
🔹Copies of flight itinerary
🔹Owner passport copy (paper and photo copy)
🔹Emergency contact info
Pet Essentials
🔹Collapsible food and water bowls
🔹Small supply of regular food
🔹Leash, harness, waste bags, travel litter box
🔹Comfort item (blanket or toy)
🔹Absorbent pads
🔹Pet wipes
💡 Canadian travelers:
Carry both printed and digital copies—some airline staff may not be familiar with Panama requirements.
📦Carrier & Crate Tips (Critical for Approval)
In-Cabin Carriers:
🔹Must fit completely under the seat (verify height for your flight)
🔹Soft-sided carriers preferred
🔹Pet must stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
🔹Practice carrier time daily a month in advance
Cargo & Charter Crates:
🔹Must be IATA-compliant
🔹Rigid structure, proper ventilation
🔹Secure fasteners only (no zip ties unless required)
🔹Clearly labeled with owner contact info
🇨🇦 Note for Canadians:
Some Canadian airlines have stricter crate rules than U.S. carriers—always confirm before purchase.
⚠️ Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Assuming Canadian and U.S. airline rules are identical
✔ Panama’s requirements are the same, but airlines and endorsements differ
Mistake #2: Waiting too long to book pet space
✔ In-cabin and cargo pet spots are limited
Mistake #3: Buying the wrong carrier or crate
✔ Airline approval matters more than brand or price
Mistake #4: Assuming ESAs qualify as service dogs – it does NOT!
✔ Only trained service dogs qualify under airline rules
Mistake #5: Not confirming Panama arrival procedures
✔ Know where pets are cleared and what fees apply. Have cash for fees
✈️ Questions to Ask Airlines (Especially Important for Canadians)
🔹Does this route allow pets on this specific aircraft?
🔹Are there seasonal heat or breed restrictions?
🔹How many pets are allowed on this flight?
🔹What documents are required at check-in?
🔹Do I need to arrive early for pet check-in?
🔹Are layovers allowed with pets?
🔹What happens if my flight is delayed?
🇨🇦 Ask specifically:
🔹Is there anything required beyond the veterinary health certificate& authentication?
🔹Does this airline require CFIA-related documentation?
📦 Questions to Ask Pet Relocation Companies
🔹Have you handled relocations from Canada to Panama before?
🔹What paperwork do you handle vs. what I must do?
🔹Are airline bookings included?
🔹What happens if travel dates change?
🔹Are crates included?
🔹Can you provide recent Panama references?
🐕 Final Thoughts
Canadians successfully bring pets to Panama every year—without USDA involvement, but with careful attention to airline rules and timing. The key is to understand which steps apply to your country of departure and to plan early.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best option balances:
🔹Pet size and temperament
🔹Stress level
🔹Cost
🔹Timing
With the right preparation, bringing your pet to Panama can be smooth and predictable.
You don’t have to guess—you can learn from people who’ve already done it.
💌The Online Panama Relocation Guide provides more step-by-step details, including how to obtain Panama Consulate authentication in just 24 hours!
