bringing pets to panama

We are happy to be able to offer pet friendly accommodations at no extra charge. Our apartments are mostly pet “proof” however, we ask that you keep an eye on your pet and be sure to clean up after it if need be. If by chance something does get broken or damaged by your pet, we may add a replacement value charge to your bill.

Please be sure to bring food ( bowls, litter box etc.) and any other necessary items for your pet. Oh, and don’t forget to bring the animals bed (our floors are tile and your animal might be used to nice soft carpet). We might have an extra blanket handy if you don’t have yours but we cannot guarantee it. Using a blanket off one of the bed’s in the guest rooms in a No-No!!

Dogs are welcome in the common areas of the house but should be on a leash and controlled by their owners at all times. Cats should be kept in rooms that have screened windows. La Cresta de Oro and it’s staff cannot be responsible for your pets whereabouts or safety - please be a responsible pet owner and make sure you know where your pet is at all times.

If your dog makes “a mess” anywhere in the house or neighborhood please be a responsible owner and clean it up!! It’s the law Panama and you can be fined if you do not clean up after your pet in public areas.

Panama requires the following papers to allow your pet into the country:

1. Valid heath certificate (including rabies) from your vet. This form must be stamped by the USDA (or equivalent) and by a Panamanian Consulate (or can be Apostled).

2. If you do not want to leave your animal in quarantine for 40 days ($10/day) will need to have a letter sent to the proper government agency requesting a
“home quarantine”. This letter must be send approximately 2 weeks before arrival. As Panama has a very primitive mail system we suggest using a pet facilitator or lawyer to handle this part.

Airline requirements:

All airlines have blackout dates for animals (also considered extra baggage), each airline differs so check with each about dates. If the temperature at either the departure point or arrival point MIGHT get above 85 degrees, the airlines will not allow the animals to fly (unless in cabin) - insert comment here about Panama always being about 85 degrees and animals always flying in/out - opps, back to regulations.

Your pet must travel in an airline approved kennel, have feeding/watering instructions clearly posted on the kennel and have the proper paperwork (item 1 above). In cabin animals must fit under the seat.

MOST AIRLINES WILL NOT CONFIRM A RESERVATION FOR A PET TRAVELING AS BAGGAGE MORE THAN 3 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. REQUIRED PAPERWORK CANNOT BE DATED MORE THAN 10 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.

Good luck, they tend to change the rules as you go or from person to person so check it out, get names of airline employees you speak with and keep calling back until they give you a confirmation number for your pet.

When you arrive in Panama:

You will have to pay around $24 to one agency and $130 to another (IN CASH) to get your pet out of the airport. You must present your paperwork to the vet and he has to have a copy of the letter for home quarantine you sent to the powers that be and that they then in turn sent to him. If not - well let’s just say that a little extra cash slipped under the vet’s table may get you on your way - but worst case you might have to leave the pet in quarantine.

I suggest the first time you come in with a pet, you have a pet facilitator help you as they can stream line the process, do the paperwork and won’t usually have to pay “extra” to the vet or others. They will also provide transportation for you to your Hotel or wherever.

Two facilitators we can recommend are: Jose Sanez and Move to Panama Corp.