Chile requires permanent identification for arriving dogs and cats

Match the animal’s identification to the certificate

Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) announced on July 7 that new entry requirements would apply from July 27, 2026. Dogs and cats entering Chile must have permanent individual identification through a microchip or tattoo, recorded in the accompanying veterinary document.

The change also matters to pets returning to Chile. SAG advises owners to address identification before leaving, even when the outward destination does not require it.

A specific return option for Chile-issued certificates

For dogs and cats that left Chile with a SAG-issued export certificate (CZE), the authority allows return within 60 calendar days of its issue, provided the listed conditions are met. These include valid rabies vaccination and permanent identification recorded in the CZE.

This is a return arrangement for the Chile-issued document, not a general 60-day validity period for any foreign health certificate. SAG lists the acceptable original or officially validated copy and the steps for returns outside those conditions.

Our planning recommendation

Have the recorded identification checked against the animal before certification. For a return journey, note both the certificate’s issue date and the expected re-entry date in your travel plan.

If your itinerary includes several countries, keep a document checklist for each border crossing. Explore our international relocation service for help coordinating the route.

Read the official sources

• Chile SAG: individual identification announcement (Spanish)
• Chile SAG: requirements for pets returning to Chile (Spanish)

Sources checked October 9, 2026. Requirements can change. Confirm the instructions for your departure country and travel date with the relevant authority.

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