Latin America
Pet travel to Medellín
ICA-compliant entry via MDE — the City of Eternal Spring with mountain parks and a thriving pet culture.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
ICA SISPAP system registration at ica.gov.co — apply 2–3 weeks before travel
- 2
Rabies vaccination administered more than 30 days before travel and not expired; antiparasitic treatment documented
- 3
USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate (USA) or CFIA-endorsed certificate (Canada) issued within 10 days
- 4
Breed restriction: Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier breeds are banned from import under Colombian Law 746/2002
These are the official entry rules for Colombia.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for Colombia.
Colombia's ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario) inspects all pets at arrival. Dogs not meeting requirements may be subject to home quarantine with ICA follow-up visits. We pre-file all ICA notifications from José María Córdova International Airport (MDE/Rionegro).
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Medellín.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Medellín.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Medellín.
José María Córdova Airport (MDE) serves Medellín with connections from Bogotá and Miami. ICA clearance at MDE follows the same SISPAP registration process as BOG. We coordinate the full documentation chain and airport reception.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
30–45 days
Ready to travel to Medellín?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Medellín.
Linving 35 8th Floor VIP
Linving 35 8th Floor VIP is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are welcome for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
1803 Energy Living
This 1-bedroom vacation rental in Medellin allows dogs of any size for a refundable deposit. Cats may also be allowed by request, but all pets must
Casa de Huéspedes La Casona
Casa de Huéspedes La Casona is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Cabaña en La Naturaleza Con Jacuzzi - Santa Elena
Cabaña en La Naturaleza Con Jacuzzi - Santa Elena is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Medellín.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Medellín. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Medellín with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Metro de Medellín accepts pets in carriers on the A and B lines. MetroCable gondolas accept small pets in carriers — a unique urban transport experience.
Private Cars
Uber and our vetted local transfers operate city-wide. Essential for Parque Arví access via El Poblado. All drivers confirmed pet-accepting with advance notice.
On Foot
El Poblado's pedestrianised streets and shaded café zones are easily walkable. We map the quietest morning routes and dog-welcoming terrace cafés.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Medellín, with your dog.
Every pet's travel style is different. Contact our team for customised local intelligence and pet-friendly recommendations for Medellín.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Eat out, dog in tow.
Verified dog-welcoming restaurants, cafés, and markets in Medellín. Policy notes confirmed by our local team.
Terrace Dining
El Social
El Poblado
Open-air terrace with covered pergola — dogs welcome at outdoor tables; water bowls provided.
Casual
Pergamino Café
El Poblado
Garden seating area; dogs welcome outside — one of the most dog-welcoming spots in the city.
Market
Mercado del Río
Industriales
Medellín's landmark food market hall — dogs welcome in the outdoor courtyard sections.
Supply & Stores
Pet food & supply stores
Big Box
Petco Medellín El Tesoro
Cra. 25A #1A Sur-45, El Tesoro Mall, Medellín
Full range of premium international nutrition brands; grooming and vet services on-site.
Premium Pet Boutique
Mundo Mascota El Poblado
Cll. 9 #43-20, El Poblado, Medellín
Boutique nutrition and accessories; staff knowledgeable on Andean altitude acclimatisation.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Clínica Veterinaria del Poblado
Export Clinic
VetMed Clínica Veterinaria
Cra. 48 #10-90, El Poblado, Medellín
1.2 km from ESTELAR Milla de Oro
Mon–Sat 8:00–20:00
Boarding & Daycare
Guardería Canina El Poblado
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Medellín.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Medellín.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Medellín: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Medellín and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Medellín.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
