Pets in Paraguay: import, veterinarians, and daily life
Your dog, cat, or parrot is part of the family. No way you're going to Paraguay without them. And you're right — thousands of expats make the journey with their pets every year. But between health certificates, mandatory vaccinations, airline standards, and Paraguayan customs formalities, the process can seem daunting. In reality, bringing your pet to Paraguay is entirely feasible — provided you prepare the paperwork thoroughly in advance.
This guide covers everything a French-speaking expat needs to know in 2026: necessary documents, vaccinations, air travel, arrival in Paraguay, local veterinarians, and daily life with a pet in Asunción.
Before Departure: Health Formalities
The International Veterinary Certificate
To enter Paraguay with a dog or cat, you must present an international health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in your country of departure. In France, this certificate is issued by the DDPP (Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations) based on a recent veterinary examination. In Belgium, it is issued by the AFSCA. In Switzerland, by the Cantonal Veterinary Office.
The certificate must state that:
- The animal is in good health and fit for travel
- The animal is vaccinated against rabies (valid vaccine, administered at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travel)
- The animal is identified by an electronic microchip compliant with ISO standards
- The animal is free from contagious diseases
The certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to travel — no earlier, otherwise it expires. This is a critical timing point not to be missed.
Rabies Vaccination: Mandatory
Vaccination against rabies is the non-negotiable condition. Paraguay requires a valid rabies vaccine for all dogs and cats entering the territory. The vaccine must have been administered at least 30 days before arrival (for immunity to be effective), and the vaccine date must appear on the health record and veterinary certificate.
If your animal is not vaccinated or if the vaccine has expired, have it vaccinated at least 5 to 6 weeks before departure to ensure it's on time. Rabies antibody titration (required by some countries) is generally not required by Paraguay, but check current conditions with SENACSA (Servicio Nacional de Calidad y Salud Animal) before your departure.
Other Recommended Vaccinations
Beyond rabies (mandatory), the following vaccinations are strongly recommended for your pet's health in Paraguay:
- Dogs: distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, canine hepatitis, kennel cough (Bordetella)
- Cats: panleukopenia, calicivirus, feline leukemia (FeLV), chlamydiosis
Paraguay's subtropical climate favors certain parasitic diseases (leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies, heartworm transmitted by mosquitoes) — discuss this with your veterinarian before departure to establish appropriate preventive protection.
Parasite Treatment
Internal and external parasite treatment (worms, ticks, fleas) administered in the days preceding the trip is recommended. Some airlines require it. In Paraguay, the hot and humid climate makes parasites more active than in Europe — regular preventive treatment will be necessary all year round.
European Pet Passport
If you are traveling from an EU country (France, Belgium), your animal must have its European pet passport (blue document issued by the veterinarian). This passport contains microchip identification, vaccination history, and a good health certificate. This is the basic document to present to the airline and Paraguayan customs.
Air Travel: How to Travel with Your Pet
In Cabin or Cargo?
The possibility of traveling with your pet in the cabin or cargo depends on the airline and the animal's weight (including carrier):
- In cabin (under the seat in front of you): generally allowed for animals under 8 to 10 kg (including carrier). Small dog, cat, or small exotic pet. Soft-sided carrier meeting airline dimension standards.
- In cargo (pressurized and air-conditioned compartment): mandatory for animals over 8-10 kg. Rigid, IATA-approved carrier, with ventilation, attached water dispenser, and size appropriate for the animal (it must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down).
Airlines and Their Policies
Policies vary by airline — always check before booking:
- LATAM: accepts animals in cabin (up to 7 kg) and cargo. LATAM is the most used airline for flights to Asunción via São Paulo — it has good experience transporting animals.
- Copa Airlines: accepts animals in cabin and cargo on most flights. Via Panama City.
- Air France / KLM: accept animals in cabin and cargo on long-haul flights to São Paulo or Buenos Aires, but not on all connections. Check the policy for each segment of the journey.
- Iberia: accepts animals in cabin and cargo. Via Madrid.
Air Travel Costs
- In cabin: 50 to 200 € per flight segment depending on the airline
- In cargo: 100 to 400 € per flight segment depending on the airline and weight
- IATA transport crate (if cargo): 50 to 250 € to purchase depending on size
For a Europe → Asunción trip with a layover, expect a total budget of 200 to 800 € for your pet's transport (one-way). This is a one-time cost that pays off over years of shared life in Paraguay.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Book early: space for animals in cabin and cargo is limited (often 1 to 2 animals in cabin per flight). Book as soon as possible.
- Familiarize your pet with the crate: several weeks before the trip, accustom your pet to its transport crate. Leave it open at home with a blanket and treats inside.
- Avoid sedatives: most veterinarians and airlines advise against sedatives at altitude — they can cause respiratory and cardiac problems. Consult your veterinarian for natural alternatives (calming pheromones, supplements).
- Hydrate: attach a water dispenser with water in the crate (mandatory for cargo transport). In the cabin, offer water regularly during layovers.
- Plan for layovers: long layovers (4h+) allow you to take the animal out in designated areas at some airports (São Paulo Guarulhos has pet areas).
- The international health certificate
- The European pet passport (or Swiss equivalent)
- Proof of valid rabies vaccination
- Microchip identification
- Standard veterinary consultation: 15 to 40 USD
- Annual vaccination (boosters): 20 to 50 USD
- Sterilization (dog/cat): 50 to 150 USD
- Routine surgery: 100 to 500 USD
- Veterinary emergency (24h): some clinics in Asunción offer emergency services
- Leishmaniasis: transmitted by sandflies, this serious disease primarily affects dogs. An anti-parasitic collar (such as Scalibor or Seresto) and a preventive vaccine exist. Discuss this with your veterinarian upon arrival — it is the main health threat for dogs in Paraguay.
- Heartworm: transmitted by mosquitoes. Monthly preventive treatment (tablet or spot-on) is essential in Paraguay.
- Ticks and fleas: active all year due to the warm climate. Monthly external parasite treatment is necessary (spot-on, collar, or tablet).
- Ehrlichiosis: transmitted by ticks, this bacterial disease can be serious. Prevention involves tick control.
- Parque Ñu Guasú: Asunción's largest urban park — ideal for long walks and play
- Costanera de Asunción: the riverside promenade offers a pleasant setting for morning or late afternoon strolls
- Parque de la Salud: a popular green space for jogging and dog walks
- Residential streets: in neighborhoods like Villa Morra, Carmelitas, or Manorá, tree-lined streets are pleasant for daily walks
- Premium kibble (medium dog, 15 kg/month): 40 to 80 USD/month
- Premium kibble (cat, 3 kg/month): 15 to 35 USD/month
- Recommended pet shops: Pet Center, Puppis, pet stores in shopping centers
- Grooming (medium dog): 15 to 40 USD per session
- Boarding (care during your travels): 10 to 25 USD/day depending on the standard
- Dog walker: 3 to 8 USD per walk — an affordable luxury that only exists at these prices in Latin America
Arrival in Paraguay: Customs Formalities
SENACSA Control
Upon arrival at Silvio Pettirossi Airport, you will need to present your animal and its documents to the SENACSA veterinary service (or a designated agent). The documents checked are:
If the documents are in order, the process is quick (15 to 30 minutes). A small sanitary control fee may be charged (a few dollars). In case of missing or non-compliant documents, the animal could be placed in quarantine — hence the importance of meticulously preparing everything before departure.
No Systematic Quarantine
Good news: Paraguay does not impose systematic quarantine for animals from Europe, provided all documents are in order and the rabies vaccine is valid. This is a significant advantage compared to some countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan) which impose quarantines of several weeks or even months.
Daily Life with an Animal in Paraguay
Veterinarians in Asunción
Asunción has a good network of private veterinary clinics with competent professionals. Several veterinarians have been trained abroad (Brazil, Argentina, Europe) and offer a level of care comparable to European standards for routine consultations, surgery, dentistry, and imaging examinations.
Veterinary costs are 2 to 5 times cheaper than in Europe — a significant advantage for pet owners. Veterinary medications are also more affordable and available in veterinary pharmacies.
Specific Diseases in Paraguay
Paraguay's subtropical climate exposes your pet to specific parasitic risks you wouldn't have known in Europe:
A budget of 30 to 60 USD/month for anti-parasitic prevention (collar + monthly tablet + spot-on) is sufficient to effectively protect your dog. For cats, the budget is less (15 to 30 USD/month) because they are less exposed if they live indoors.
Accommodation: Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment
Most condominios (gated communities) in Asunción accept pets, but with varying rules: some limit the size or number of animals, others require leashes in common areas. Check the condominium rules before signing your lease.
Individual houses with gardens are obviously ideal for dogs — and they are very accessible in Paraguay. A fenced garden in Asunción costs little more than an apartment in a good neighborhood. Consult our guide to Asunción neighborhoods to find the right neighborhood for your family (human and animal).
Walks and Green Spaces
Asunción has several parks and green spaces suitable for dog walks:
Beware of the heat in summer (December-March): avoid walks between 11 AM and 4 PM when temperatures exceed 35°C. Burning asphalt can injure your dog's paw pads. Prioritize walks early in the morning or late in the day — as for humans, the Paraguayan climate requires an adapted rhythm.
Pet Food
International brands of kibble and pet food (Royal Canin, Pro Plan, Hill's, Purina) are available in Asunción in pet shops and supermarkets. Prices are comparable to or slightly lower than in Europe. Good quality local and Brazilian brands are also available at lower prices.
Grooming and Boarding
NACs (New Companion Animals): Special Cases
Birds, Reptiles, and Rodents
The import of NACs (parrots, reptiles, ferrets, rodents) is subject to specific regulations and often stricter than for dogs and cats. Paraguay applies CITES conventions for protected species. A specific import permit from SENACSA may be required. Contact SENACSA and the Paraguayan consulate well in advance to verify the exact conditions for your animal.
Horses
Paraguay is a breeding country with a strong equestrian culture. Horse import is possible but subject to strict sanitary controls (Coggins tests, detailed health certificates, possible quarantine). If you plan to bring your horse, a specialized international equine transport agent is recommended.
The Complete Checklist Before Departure
| Time before departure | Action |
|---|---|
| 3 months | Check SENACSA requirements for your type of animal |
| 2 months | Book flight with animal option (cabin or cargo) |
| 6 weeks | Rabies vaccination if not up to date (minimum 30 days before travel) |
| 6 weeks | Purchase IATA transport crate if traveling in cargo |
| 4 weeks | Familiarize the animal with the crate |
| 2 weeks | Booster vaccinations if necessary, parasite treatment |
| 10 days | Visit official veterinarian for international health certificate |
| 1 week | Verify all documents are in order and make copies |
| Day D | Travel with complete file: pet passport, health certificate, vaccination record |
Annual Budget for an Animal in Paraguay
| Item | Dog (medium) | Cat (indoor) |
|---|---|---|
| Food (premium kibble) | 500 - 960 USD | 180 - 420 USD |
| Veterinarian (visits + annual vaccinations) | 80 - 200 USD | 50 - 120 USD |
| Anti-parasitics (monthly) | 360 - 720 USD | 180 - 360 USD |
| Grooming (4 to 6 times/year) | 60 - 240 USD | 0 - 60 USD |
| Accessories, toys | 50 - 150 USD | 30 - 80 USD |
| Annual Total | 1,050 - 2,270 USD | 440 - 1,040 USD |
This budget is 30 to 50% lower than what you would spend in France for the same care and quality of food. An additional advantage of the Paraguayan cost of living which also extends to your four-legged companions.
Conclusion: Your Pet Will Be Happy in Paraguay
Bringing your pet to Paraguay is a perfectly achievable project with adequate preparation. No quarantine, manageable health formalities, a competent and affordable veterinary network, and a living environment – houses with gardens, parks, mild climate – where animals thrive.
The only particular vigilance concerns tropical parasitic diseases (leishmaniasis, heartworm) which require rigorous monthly prevention – a routine that your Paraguayan veterinarian will help you establish upon your arrival.
Your pet is part of your life project in Paraguay. Don't leave them behind – bring them along, they will be happier than you can imagine. And start with the foundation of your own settlement: Paraguayan tax residency (from €1,400, 3 months), which opens all doors – including that of your new home with a garden for your companion.
Are you preparing for your expatriation to Paraguay with your pet? Contact our team to organize your complete relocation – residency, pet-friendly accommodation, suitable neighborhood, and all necessary services.