Dogs in Brazil: rules, tax and travel
There is no compulsory national registration, tax or microchip for pet dogs and cats; most keeping rules are set by states and cities. Imports need an international veterinary certificate and a valid rabies vaccine.
Leash, registration and other keeping rules are mostly set by states and municipalities.
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| São Paulo (state) | Muzzle and leash required | American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Neapolitan Mastiff, other breeds named by regulation (Decreto 48.533/2004) Lei 11.531/2003: listed breeds must be walked with collar and leash, with short leash, choke collar and muzzle for breeds named in the regulation; owners must prevent escape. [1] |
| Rio de Janeiro (state) | Restricted | American Pit Bull Terrier Lei 4.597/2005 requires sterilisation of all pit bulls from 6 months and restricts where 'animais ferozes' may go. [2] |
Registration and microchip
No compulsory national registration. The federal SinPatinhas 'RG Animal' is free and voluntary, run by the Ministry of the Environment.[3]
Travelling to Brazil with a dog
Same as any origin: an original International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) from the exporting veterinary authority, or an official passport. The current model is mandatory since 6 September 2025. Rabies vaccine for animals over 90 days (first vaccine at least 21 days before travel), parasite treatment within 15 days and vet exam within 10 days before the CVI.[4]
The same CVI, rabies vaccine, parasite treatment and vet exam rules apply. The CVI is valid for 60 days if the rabies vaccine remains valid. Brazil may refuse animals diagnosed with leishmaniasis.[5]
No rabies titre test is listed in the official entry instruction, and a secondary source says Brazil asks for none from any country.[6]
No quarantine mentioned in the official instruction; a secondary source says none applies when the paperwork is complete. Non-compliant animals can be refused or re-exported at the owner's cost.[6]
Not confirmed yet: Microchip, Dog tax, Licence or owner test, Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle, Tapeworm treatment. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- al.sp.gov.br/repositorio/legislacao/lei/2003/lei-11531-11.11.2003.html (official)
- migalhas.com.br/quentes/405457/o-que-diz-a-lei-sobre-conducao-de-pitbulls-e-caes-ferozes-e (secondary source)
- congressoemfoco.com.br/noticia/107835/sinpatinhas-entenda-o-novo-rg-animal-lancado-pelo-go (secondary source)
- gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/vigilancia-agropecuaria/animais-estimacao/entrar-no-bras (official)
- gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/vigilancia-agropecuaria/animais-estimacao/arquivos/impor (official)
- zoovettravel.com/atlas/brasil.html (secondary source)