🐾 Traveling to Brazil with Pets
Pet-Friendly Brazil
Brazil is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs and cats. From vibrant beaches to urban parks, many areas accommodate pets. Hotels, restaurants, and some public spaces allow well-behaved animals, though policies vary by region, making Brazil a growing pet-friendly destination in South America.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Certificate must include proof of vaccinations and be endorsed by official authorities in the country of origin.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination required, administered between 30 days and 1 year before entry.
Vaccination must be valid; pets under 90 days old are exempt but require additional checks.
Microchip Requirements
Recommended ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip for identification, implanted before rabies vaccination.
Include microchip number on all documentation; scanners available at entry points.
Non-Rabies Free Countries
Pets from high-risk rabies countries may need a rabies antibody titer test and waiting period.
Check with Brazilian embassy or VIGIAGRO for specific requirements and potential quarantine.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but some cities like Rio de Janeiro restrict fighting breeds like Pit Bulls.
May require muzzles, leashes, and registration; check local municipal laws before travel.
Other Pets
Birds, fish, and exotic animals have strict import rules; primates and reptiles often prohibited.
CITES permits required for endangered species; consult IBAMA for wildlife regulations.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Brazil on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for R$50-150/night, offering bowls and nearby parks. Chains like Ibis and Accor are reliably pet-friendly.
- Beach Pousadas & Resorts (Bahia & Florianópolis): Coastal accommodations often welcome pets at low or no extra charge, with beach access. Ideal for relaxed holidays with dogs in tropical settings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in urban and rural areas. Entire homes provide space for pets to move freely.
- Fazendas (Farmstays): Rural farms in Minas Gerais and Pantanal welcome pets and often have animals on-site. Perfect for families with children and pets seeking nature experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Most Brazilian campsites are pet-friendly, with dog areas and trails. Sites in Chapada Diamantina are popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio offer pet services including grooming and walking for premium travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Forest & Nature Trails
Brazil's rainforests and parks like Tijuca National Park in Rio are great for dogs with pet-friendly trails.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check park rules at entrances.
Beaches & Coastal Areas
Many beaches in Rio and Bahia have dog-friendly sections for swimming and play.
Copacabana and Ipanema offer pet zones; follow local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
São Paulo's Ibirapuera Park and Rio's Lagoa welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafés often allow pets.
Salvador's historic center permits dogs on leash; most outdoor areas are pet-friendly.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Brazilian café culture includes pets; water bowls are common in cities.
Many Rio and São Paulo spots allow dogs outside; inquire before entering indoors.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor tours in Rio and Salvador welcome leashed dogs at no extra cost.
Historic sites are pet-friendly; avoid indoor attractions with pets.
Boat Tours & Eco-Adventures
Many Amazon and Pantanal boat tours allow small pets in carriers; fees around R$20-50.
Check operators; some require booking ahead for pets in peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (Intercity): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs need tickets (R$20-50) and must be leashed or crated. Allowed in most classes except food areas.
- Urban Transport (Buses & Metro): Rio and São Paulo allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs R$5-10 with leash/muzzle. Avoid rush hours.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Ask driver first; most accept with notice. Uber and 99 apps have pet-friendly options in major cities.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Localiza allow pets with notice and cleaning fee (R$100-200). Opt for SUVs for larger pets and road trips.
- Flights to Brazil: Check airline policies; LATAM and GOL allow cabin pets under 10kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flights on Aviasales for pet-friendly routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: LATAM, GOL, and Azul accept cabin pets (under 10kg) for R$100-200 each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Rio (Vet Popular) and São Paulo provide urgent care.
Carry travel insurance for pets; consultations cost R$100-300.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Petz and Cobasi chains stock food, meds, and accessories nationwide.
Pharmacies carry basic pet items; bring prescriptions for special needs.
Grooming & Day Care
Cities offer grooming and daycare for R$50-150 per session.
Book in advance during Carnival or holidays; hotels suggest locals.
Pet-Sitting Services
Apps like DogHero provide sitting for day trips or overnights.
Hotels arrange services; ask concierge for reliable options.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, beaches, and protected areas. Some rural trails allow off-leash if controlled and away from livestock.
- Muzzle Requirements: Certain cities require muzzles for large or restricted breeds on public transport. Carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Bags and bins are common in urban areas; fines R$100-500 for not cleaning up. Always carry supplies.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated dog beaches exist; some ban pets during high season. Respect other beachgoers.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets at outdoor tables; ask before indoors. Keep dogs calm and off furniture.
- National Parks: Leash required; some Amazon areas restrict pets to protect wildlife. Stay on paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Brazil
Brazil for Families
Brazil offers family adventures with beaches, wildlife, and cultural festivals. Safe urban areas, interactive sites, and tropical nature engage kids while providing relaxation for parents. Facilities include playgrounds, family restrooms, and kid menus in many spots.
Top Family Attractions
Beto Carrero World (Penha)
Latin America's largest theme park with rides, shows, and animal encounters.
Tickets R$100-150 adults, R$80-100 kids; open year-round with seasonal events.
Rio de Janeiro Zoo (Rio)
Urban zoo with monkeys, birds, and interactive exhibits in Quinta da Boa Vista.
Tickets R$20-30 adults, R$10-15 kids; great for half-day family visits.
Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf (Rio)
Iconic sites with cable cars, views, and adventure for kids.
Tickets R$50-80 adults, discounts for children; combine for full-day outing.
Catavento Cultural Center (São Paulo)
Interactive science museum with experiments, planetarium, and hands-on fun.
Tickets R$15-20 adults, free for kids under 7; ideal for rainy days.
Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu)
Majestic waterfalls with boat rides, trails, and bird park nearby.
Tickets R$80 adults, R$20 kids; thrilling nature experience for families.
Pantanal Wildlife Safaris
Boat and jeep tours spotting jaguars, caimans, and birds in wetlands.
Family tours with guides; suitable for kids 5+ with safety measures.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Brazil on Viator. From Amazon adventures to beach days, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Rio & São Paulo): Hotels like Hilton and Marriott offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for R$400-800/night. Include cribs, pools, and kids' clubs.
- Beach Resorts (Bahia): All-inclusive resorts with childcare, family suites, and activities. Places like Txai Resort cater to families with programs.
- Fazenda Holidays: Rural farms in interior regions with animal feeding, pools, and play areas. Prices R$200-400/night with meals.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering options with kitchens for family meals and space for kids.
- Youth Hostels & Pousadas: Budget family rooms in hostels like those in Salvador for R$150-300/night. Clean with communal areas.
- Eco-Lodges: Amazon lodges like Anavilhanas offer family bungalows with guided nature activities for kids.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Rio de Janeiro with Kids
Copacabana beach, Tijuca trails, cable cars to Sugarloaf, and aquarium visits.
Street parties and churros make Rio exciting for children.
São Paulo with Kids
Ibirapuera Park picnics, science museums, zoo, and themed playgrounds.
Food tours and interactive exhibits keep families busy.
Florianópolis with Kids
Island beaches, water parks, kite surfing lessons, and nature reserves.
Dunas do Santinho dunes for sand play and easy family hikes.
Salvador & Bahia Region
Pelourinho historic walks, beach clubs, capoeira shows, and boat trips.
Cultural immersion with kid-friendly festivals and seafood picnics.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Kids under 5 free; 5-12 half-price with adult. Family seating on long-distance lines with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Rio and São Paulo family passes (2 adults + kids) R$20-40. Buses and metros mostly stroller-friendly.
- Car Rentals: Child seats R$20-50/day mandatory under 7 or 145cm. Family vans for comfort.
- Stroller-Friendly: Urban areas improving with ramps; beaches and historic centers may have challenges.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Restaurants offer pratos infantis with pizza, burgers for R$15-30. High chairs common.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Beach kiosks and churrascarias welcome families with play areas.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Pão de Açúcar stock baby items and fresh fruits.
- Snacks & Treats: Açaí bowls, brigadeiros, and coxinha for kid-friendly energy boosts.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, zoos, and airports with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Droga Raia stocks formula, diapers; English-speaking staff in cities.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange for R$50-100/hour; apps like Nanny in Rio.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in cities; SUS public system or private insurance.
♿ Accessibility in Brazil
Accessible Travel
Brazil is improving accessibility with laws mandating ramps and elevators in public spaces. Major cities and attractions offer wheelchair access, though rural areas vary. Tourism boards provide info for inclusive planning.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Urban buses have low-floor access and spaces for wheelchairs; assistance available.
- City Transport: São Paulo metro and Rio buses wheelchair-accessible with elevators.
- Taxis: Adapted taxis in cities; apps like Uber WAV for wheelchair vehicles.
- Airports: Guarulhos and Galeão offer full services, ramps, and priority for disabled passengers.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: MASP in São Paulo and Rio museums have ramps, audio guides.
- Historic Sites: Pelourinho in Salvador partially accessible; cable cars at Sugarloaf aid mobility.
- Nature & Parks: Ibirapuera paths paved; Iguazu has accessible viewpoints.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; seek roll-in showers and wide doors.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (May-Sep) for Amazon and south; wet season (Dec-Mar) for beaches with festivals.
Shoulder months (April, Oct) balance weather, crowds, and costs.
Budget Tips
Combo tickets for attractions; city passes include transport discounts.
Picnics on beaches and apartments save while suiting family needs.
Language
Portuguese official; English in tourist spots and with youth.
Basic phrases help; Brazilians are friendly to families.
Packing Essentials
Light clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent; rain gear for wet seasons.
Pets: familiar food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, vet papers.
Useful Apps
Moovit for transport, Google Translate, DogHero for pets.
City apps for real-time updates in Rio and São Paulo.
Health & Safety
Brazil safe in tourist areas; drink bottled water. Pharmacies advise.
Emergency: 190 police, 192 medical. Travel insurance recommended.