Pet Travel from the UK to Brazil: Dog & Cat Import Requirements
Travelling with your pet from the UK to Brazil requires careful preparation and the correct veterinary documentation before departure. Dogs and cats entering Brazil must meet specific requirements including rabies vaccination, parasite treatments, and an official Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued by a UK Official Veterinarian. This guide explains the Brazil pet import requirements step-by-step, helping you prepare your pet for safe travel and avoid delays at the border.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Brazil
Step 1 — Check the Key Brazil Rules (Before You Book Anything)
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Brazil requires an official International Veterinary Certificate / Export Health Certificate issued or endorsed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) (private-vet-only certificates are not accepted).
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The EU Pet Passport is not valid for entry into Brazil.
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Brazil may refuse entry if your pet has previously been diagnosed with leishmaniosis.
Step 2 — Microchip Check
Your dog or cat must have an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) before travelling to China.
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We will scan and verify the microchip number and ensure it matches all export paperwork and certificates.
Step 3 — Rabies Vaccination
Brazil’s rules depend on age and rabies status:
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If your pet is 90 days (3 months) or older:
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Your pet must have a rabies vaccination (done more than 21 days and less than 12 months before travel) approved by the veterinary authority.
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If it’s the first rabies vaccine, travel can only take place 21 days after vaccination.
If your pet is under 90 days old:
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They may enter without rabies vaccination only if the official certificate confirms:
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the pet is under 90 days old at certification, and
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they have not been kept on premises with reported urban rabies in the last 90 days (based on owner statement and/or official information).
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Note: Brazil also states that if the exporting country is considered rabies-free by the relevant international standard, proof of rabies vaccination may not be required — but this must be clearly stated on the official certificate. In practice, we align what is written on the certificate with Brazil’s entry expectations for your specific pet.
Step 4 — Request the Export Health Certificate (EHC 2906)
Before we can certify your dog/cat for travel to Brazil, the official Export Health Certificate (EHC 2906) must be requested from DEFRA.
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To start this process:
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You confirm us as your chosen Official Veterinarian
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Once you have chosen your Official Veterinarian, you must request the correct Export Health Certificate from DEFRA — for Brazil this is EHC 2906 (Export dogs and cats to Brazil).
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The EHC is then issued through DEFRA to us for completion and signing
We guide you through this request step to make sure the correct certificate is issued and linked to your export — please do not apply for a certificate without confirming the details with us first.
Step 5 — Internal & External Parasite Treatment (Within 15 Days)
Your pet must receive a broad-spectrum treatment for internal and external parasites:
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Given within 15 days before the certificate is issued
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Using products authorised/approved, with the active ingredients recorded
We administer (or verify) the treatment and document:
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date given
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product used
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active ingredient(s)
Step 6 — Clinical Examination (Within 10 Days)
Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian:
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within 10 days before the departure date
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to confirm they show no clinical signs of infectious or parasitic disease
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and are fit for transport
This is the appointment where we complete the health certification and final checks.
Step 7 — We Issue the Official Certificate
Once vaccinations/treatments/exam requirements are met, we complete and sign the EHC 2906 as Official Veterinarians.
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Certificate validity (Brazil rule):
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The International Veterinary Certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance, as long as the rabies vaccination remains valid.