Moving to Antigua Guatemala With Pets: 2026 Guide

You can bring your dog or cat to Guatemala without quarantine. The country requires a USDA-endorsed health certificate (or equivalent from your home country) issued within 10 days of travel, proof of current rabies vaccination, and a distemper vaccination for dogs. That’s the short answer — the rest of this guide covers everything else you need to know.

Moving to Antigua Guatemala with pets is more common than you might think. The expat community here is full of dog owners, and the town’s walkable cobblestone streets, nearby hiking trails, and mild climate make it one of the most pet-friendly destinations in Central America.

Guatemala Pet Import Requirements

Before you book flights, get your paperwork in order. Guatemala’s import rules are straightforward compared to countries like Australia or the UK, but missing one document can mean your pet gets held at the airport.

Required Documents

International health certificate — Issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by your country’s agricultural authority (USDA APHIS in the US, CFIA in Canada). Must be dated within 10 days of your arrival.
Rabies vaccination certificate — Must be current. If your pet’s rabies shot is older than 12 months, get a booster before traveling.
Distemper vaccination (dogs) — Required alongside rabies.
Deworming treatment — Recommended within 15 days of travel. Not always checked, but having documentation avoids delays.

Airline Considerations

Most airlines flying to Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport, GUA) allow pets either in-cabin or as checked baggage, depending on size:

In-cabin: Pets under 8 kg (including carrier) can fly in a soft carrier under the seat. Airlines like United, American, and Avianca offer this on Guatemala routes.
Checked baggage / cargo: Larger dogs fly in an IATA-approved crate in the cargo hold. Book early — airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
Brachycephalic breeds: Airlines often refuse flat-faced dogs (pugs, bulldogs, Frenchies) in cargo due to breathing risks. Consider a pet transport service if your dog is brachycephalic.

Pro tip: Book a direct flight or minimize layovers. Guatemala City is about 45 minutes from Antigua by car, so your pet’s total travel time is manageable once you land.

Getting From the Airport to Antigua

After landing at La Aurora, you’ll pass through a customs checkpoint where they may review your pet’s health certificate. In practice, this is quick — officials glance at the paperwork and wave you through. Have printed copies of everything.

From the airport, you have two options:

Private shuttle or taxi — Most drivers in Antigua are accustomed to passengers with pets. Arrange a transfer in advance through your hotel or a local service. Cost: $40–60 USD for a private car to Antigua.
Ride-hailing apps — Uber operates in Guatemala City. Drivers may or may not accept pets, so have a backup plan.

Veterinary Care in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua has several competent veterinary clinics. The standard of care is good for routine needs, and prices are a fraction of what you’d pay in the US or Europe.

Recommended Clinics

Veterinaria El Patio — Central Antigua, English-speaking staff, handles routine exams, vaccinations, and minor surgeries.
Hospital Veterinario San Francisco — Located on the road to Ciudad Vieja, more comprehensive facilities including lab work and imaging.
Pet Vet Antigua — Popular with expats, offers grooming alongside medical care.

A routine vet visit costs Q150–300 ($20–40 USD). Vaccinations run Q100–200 each. Emergency care and surgeries are significantly cheaper than North America, though complex procedures may require a trip to Guatemala City’s larger animal hospitals.

Pet Supplies

You’ll find pet food at local supermarkets (La Torre, Paiz) and dedicated pet shops in Antigua. Premium brands like Royal Canin and Hill’s are available, though at higher prices than in the US due to import costs. Many expats buy in bulk during trips to Guatemala City or order online for delivery.

Pet-Friendly Housing in Antigua

Finding rental housing that accepts pets is one of the biggest challenges — but it’s absolutely manageable. Here’s what to expect:

What Landlords Typically Allow

Small dogs and cats are widely accepted, especially in unfurnished rentals.
Larger dogs (over 15 kg) may face more restrictions, particularly in furnished properties where landlords worry about damage.
Multiple pets can be a harder sell. Be upfront about how many animals you have.

Tips for Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals

Work with a local agent who knows which landlords are pet-friendly. Luna Jerney at Antigua Real Estate Development maintains an updated list of pet-accepting properties in and around Antigua.
Offer a pet deposit — An extra month’s deposit reassures landlords. Standard deposits in Antigua are already one month, so offering two shows good faith.
Unfurnished is easier — Landlords worry less about damage to their furniture. If you’re bringing your own stuff anyway, unfurnished gives you more options.
Look slightly outside the center — Properties in neighborhoods like Jocotenango, San Pedro Las Huertas, and Ciudad Vieja often have yards and gardens, which landlords and pets both prefer.

Neighborhoods with the most pet-friendly rentals: Jocotenango and Ciudad Vieja stand out for their outdoor space, quieter streets, and proximity to hiking. The Historic Center works for small dogs but is more constrained by courtyard-style living.

Daily Life With Pets in Antigua

Walking Your Dog

Antigua’s cobblestone streets are charming but can be tough on dog paws, especially for smaller breeds or dogs with sensitive feet. Consider:

Paw wax or booties for hot pavement days (midday sun heats the stones)
Early morning walks when temperatures are cooler and streets are quieter
Volcán de Agua foothills — Just outside town, the trails offer excellent off-leash hiking with incredible views

There’s no formal dog park in Antigua, but the green areas around the ruins (La Merced, San José el Viejo) are popular unofficial gathering spots in the early mornings and late afternoons. The expat community is tight-knit, and you’ll quickly find other dog owners on your walking route.

Climate Considerations

Antigua’s spring-like climate (highs around 25°C/77°F year-round) is ideal for most dog breeds. The dry season (November–April) is perfect for outdoor activities. During the rainy season (May–October), afternoon downpours mean you’ll want to plan walks for mornings.

Ticks and fleas are a year-round concern in Guatemala. Monthly prevention (Frontline, NexGard, or local alternatives) is essential. Your vet can recommend the best product for your pet and the local parasite profile.

Emergency Situations

Guatemala doesn’t have the animal emergency infrastructure you’d find in major US cities, but there are options:

After-hours vet care — Some clinics in Antigua offer emergency numbers. Ask your vet for their emergency contact when you register.
Guatemala City specialists — For serious emergencies, the capital has 24-hour animal hospitals. The drive from Antigua takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Pet insurance — Not widely available locally, but international pet insurance companies (like Trupanion or Petplan) may cover you abroad. Check your policy before moving.

Bringing It All Together

Moving to Antigua Guatemala with your pet adds a layer of planning, but thousands of expats have done it successfully. The town’s walkable layout, mild climate, and growing pet-friendly culture make it one of the easiest places in Central America to live with animals.

The key steps: get your health certificate within the 10-day window, book a pet-friendly flight, secure pet-accepting housing in advance, and register with a local vet within your first week.

Ready to find a pet-friendly home in Antigua? Contact Luna Jerney at Antigua Real Estate Development. Luna knows which properties welcome four-legged family members and can help you find the perfect rental or purchase with your pet’s needs in mind.