There was a little paperwork to complete,
https://perusabe.com.pe/how-to-take-your-dog-to-peru/The ultimate guide to taking your dog to Peru
Table of Contents
My puppy sitting next to me in the cabin
When I first started researching what importing our dog and cat to Peru would entail, it seemed like a pretty straight-forward process: make sure your pet was up to date on vaccines, including rabies shot within 11 months. Book a flight for them, and bring a pet(s) to a USDA certified veterinarian within 10 days of traveling for their International Health Certificate and presto! Your pet is now an ex-pet…wait… that doesn’t sound right. They are now an ex-pat-pet. J Well, ha! It would be so nice if that were actually that simple.
As I researched this a little more, it was very evident that people who imported their pets had 2 incredibly different experiences. There were some people that said the process was extremely easy. Once their plane landed, they picked up their pet inside the airport at the baggage claim area. There was a little paperwork to complete, a $33 (99 soles) Sunat fee to pay, and they were on their way in about an hour or less.
But, there were other people who had a completely different experience. There were stories of a 4-6 hour process, more expenses and a complete headache. I set out on a mission to figure out why there was such a HUGE difference and what could I do to be in the first group that eased through the process with no headaches or hassles. My first theory was that people who had animals small enough to carry on-board with them were the ones who breezed through the customs process. Those with larger animals that had to fly as cargo were subjected to the lengthier, more expensive process. My second theory was that it depended on what airline your pets flew in on. It turns out to be somewhat a combination of these two. If you carry your pet on-board with you, you are golden. You can stop reading here, if you like. I have also found there are airlines that allow pets to go as “excess baggage” (verses “Cargo”). I’m not sure if it’s the terminology exactly that matters, but the ultimate deciding factor is… if your pet flies in the cargo area of the plane, do they drop them off as “baggage” in the baggage claim area, or do they drop them off in the “Lima Cargo City” warehouse. I believe American Airlines and LATAM both drop them off in the baggage area. I’m not sure what other airlines do or do not do this. I don’t think there are many. I can tell you for sure that United Airlines has them go to Lima Cargo City… and good Lord! What a nightmare this process is. I have luckily never been to jail, but I think I would prefer a night in the slammer to what I went through to get our dog (Winston) and cat (Kunda) out of Lima Cargo City jail. I am going to attempt to guide you through the process… if you have the patience to make it to the end of this. Lol! Also, please know that I am doing the best I can to remember what ended up being a Six Hour process that started at 11:00pm and ended at 5:00am. So, my memory can be a little hazy… and we all know… so can Peruvian processes.
Lima Cargo City is a big warehouse that the airlines drop imported cargo in to be processed through customs. It is located very close to the airport, likely considered the same property. You can either walk there from the airport (about a 10 minute walk door to door), or you can take a quick (overpriced) cab if you prefer. Just know they will overcharge you for as short of a drive as it is. But, it’s also not in the safest area, so you have to use your own comfort level with this. In addition to the warehouse, you will also find Senasa, a couple of banks (BCP, BBVA, etc), Talma, and a copy center. These will all be necessary. Before diving in further, I’ll lay out the different entities you will deal with:
https://www.senasa.gob.pe/senasa/
https://www.sunat.gob.pe/aduanas.html
Since we were in Peru before our pets were, we were able to start this process prior to their flight. I’m recording the process as we know it, so this is what we did. It took about 2 hours for our pets to be brought from the plane to the United Cargo area in Lima Cargo City.
These steps all take place at Lima Cargo City. You do not need to go to the actual airport.
Note it took 2 hours for our pets to be brought from the plane to the United Cargo area.
Congratulations!!!! You have now sprung your pet(s) out of Lima City Cargo jail!!!! Get the hell out of dodge!
she didn’t really like to wear that but they said she has to
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me using the contact form. Check out my book here for more in-depth information about how to travel with a dog in Peru. And also this post has some more info.
Expediente Numero- given by Senasa
guia aerea given by united cargo
Permission for Translator or helper
Proof of Inspection
Sunat form-given by Aduanas agent. Take to payment window
Tike- received from machine in “Attencion Clientes” waiting area
YAAAHOOOO!!! PERMISSION TO LEAVE!!!
