Travelling with dog

[Tracy Lynne Hodges]

Hi there! Has anyone travelled to the states and back to Panama with a dog? If so, what procedures did you follow and what is the cost? Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Rod Taylor]

Here is what you need to bring a per to Panama

https://www.retireinpanamatours.com/post/bringing-your-pets-to-pana...

 

Thanks,

[Jean Marie Ragus]

Hi Tracy,

Copa is the best airline to travel with your pet. As Judy mentioned, depending on the size of your animal, they may have to go to cargo. if you pet is 12 years or older, they will not guarnatee the safety of your pet. So, that is something to consider.

However, I was able to certify our dog as an emotional support animal through a doctor. Copa only allows 4 such animals per flight, so you will have to book early and arrange if you do so. The rules on emotional support animals changed Jan. 1st and it is up to individual airlines to determine how they handle such animals. You will have to access if this is an option for you.

Regarding immigration, I did use Golden Frog and he streamlined the process with customs, so it was worth his fee. I believe Oscar and Rod through their service also offer this too.

[Judy Sacco]

That will be expensive both ways. Go to Chiriqui Life and look for Maggie's List. There is a section for bringing animals into and out of Panama. It might need updating because of covid restrictions and the airlines tightening up rules about taking animals. If the dog is too big for the cabin, about the only choice is COPA. The other airlines require you to use a pet relocating service, which is very expensive. You need health certificates both ways and other paper work. You will probably conclude it is not worth the expense and the stress of taking a dog back and forth.