10 minute watch | April 17, 2021
Watch the video on our YouTube channel here!
Traveling with your pet internationally can be challenging; you’ll have a schedule full of deadlines, follow ups and fees. But despite the complicated process to go abroad with your furry friend, it’s totally worth it! Many will dissuade you from traveling with your dog because “it’s too expensive” or “too tedious” claiming limitations caused by your dog may ruin your trip; but in Ecuador, it seemed simple to take our pup with us for adventures.
We brought Maggie May, our 16-year-old Cockapoo, to Ecuador with us during our long-term stay in this equatorial, South American country. Our dog was an especially complicated case because she was elderly and had medical issues. After being diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, we were told she would maybe live another year comfortably with medicine. Because Quito, Ecuador is a SUPER dog friendly city, the veterinarian services are excellent and care cost is affordable, our sick pup made it just over a year after her initial diagnosis. Quito bought Maggie more time with us, and we’re happy we gave her the opportunity of a lifetime to live her last phase as a happy, international dog.
We’ve jotted down all the crucial notes from our lengthy process to take your dog abroad and compiled them to make your process much simpler. We’ve also listed our canine experiences in Quito including services and dog-culture so you’ll know exactly what your pup can expect when visiting.
// AIR TRAVEL GUIDELINES
- RABIES SHOT IS REQUIRED AT LEAST 21 DAYS BEFORE FLIGHT
- HEALTH CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED WITHIN 10 DAYS OF FLIGHT
- Timeliness is important here! Scheduling these appointments with your vet before your flight is crucial. Unless you have a vet who offers very personalized service, don’t expect your vet to track these deadlines for you. Definitely give yourself ample time to secure the health certificate because communicating with your state’s FDA department can sometimes be tedious.
- 20 LB. LIMIT (INCLUDING CARRIER WEIGHT) ON AMERICAN AIRLINES
- Our carrier was 5 lbs., and Maggie was 15 lbs. = an even 20 lbs. Perfect!
- Pets over the 20 lb. limit cannot ride in the passenger cabin.
- $125 DOG FLIGHT FEE + ESTIMATED $200 IN SHOTS & PAPERWORK = $325 TOTAL
- This quote is specific to our experience on American Airlines.
// SECURING VET SERVICES IN QUITO, ECUADOR
- QUITO’S VETS ARE VERY ACCESSIBLE
- Reach out by using a calling card or on WhatsApp, commonly used by Ecuador’s businesses.
- CHECK IF MEDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE NEAR YOUR DESTINATION OR STOCK UP PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
- Significantly cheaper medications in Ecuador.
- No Vetmedin and Hydrocodone in Ecuador. We stocked up before arrival.
- Medication easily available at pharmacy for a few dollars per pill.
- GENERAL CHECKUPS ARE $25 IN QUITO
- VETENARY SPECIALISTS ARE ABOUT 10x CHEAPER IN QUITO THAN THE U.S.
- GET YOUR PET A SWEATER! NIGHTS ARE TYPICALLY 13C / 55F IN QUITO
// DOG FOOD + SERVICES
- LOTS OF VARIETY IN DOG FOOD
- Large bins of dog food kibble sold by the pound, not recommended by vet.
- Overpriced international brands of food!
- “PETFOOD ECUADOR” OFFERS FREE DELIVERY!
- We paid $65 for a 25 lb. bag of premium dog food.
- GROOMING COSTS $18 – $20 IN QUITO FOR A SMALL DOG
// STREET DOGS
- RUNNING INTO STRAY DOGS IS GUARANTEED
- Pets aren’t commonly leashed, but they seem very obedient.
- Stray dogs are friendly and clean! They don’t beg.
- Watch your step! There’s dog poop everywhere.
- Pet all the dogs! They’re so sweet.
Ecuador is a puppy paradise! From pets to strays, dog lovers will rejoice in meeting new, dandy dogs everyday. Almost everyone has a dog and sweet stray dogs roam the city freely.
When you’re traveling, bring your dog with you! It can be a bit tedious, but it’s so worth it! Often, caring for your furry friend may even be more economical where you’re traveling. They’ll be happy to join you on your travel adventure!