Moving our family of six to Bluefields, Nicaragua, was an adventure in itself—but bringing our Doberman along added an extra layer of complexity. If you’re planning to relocate to Nicaragua with a large dog, here’s everything we learned about flying our pup cargo, navigating documentation, and clearing customs.
1. Choosing the Right Airline (Not All Allow Large Dogs in Cargo!)
Many airlines no longer transport pets in cargo, especially larger breeds. We originally booked with United, only to discover they no longer offer this service. After some scrambling, we switched to Avianca, which still allows large dogs to fly as checked cargo under the plane.
Pro Tip: Always call the airline directly to confirm their pet policy before booking tickets—policies change frequently!
2. Required Documentation & Shots (US to Nicaragua)
Nicaragua requires specific paperwork for importing pets. Here’s what we needed for our Doberman:
- Veterinary Health Certificate – Issued by a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of travel.
- Rabies Vaccination – Must be current (at least 30 days before travel but not expired).
- Additional Vaccines – Nicaragua recommends (but doesn’t always check for) distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis.
- USDA Endorsement (APHIS Stamp) – After the vet completes the health certificate, it must be sent to the USDA for approval.
A Warning About the USDA Process: Do NOT Wait!
We made the mistake of cutting it close with the 10-day window for the health certificate. The APHIS endorsement process was not quick, and we literally got her stamped paperwork back the day before our flight. I was a nervous wreck, convinced we’d have to delay our entire trip waiting for it.
Lesson learned: Go to the USDA-accredited vet and submit paperwork as early as possible within that 10-day window to avoid last-minute panic!
3. Flying with a Large Dog in Cargo
Since our Doberman was too big for the cabin, she flew in an IATA-approved crate in the cargo hold. We:
- Acclimated her to the crate weeks before the flight.
- Froze water in her bowl so it wouldn’t spill but would melt slowly.
- Showed all documents at check-in (we didn’t attach them to the crate, just presented them at the ticket counter and took them with us on the plane).
Avianca’s process was (relatively) smooth—we checked her in at the oversized baggage counter, and she arrived safely in Managua.
4. Picking Up Your Dog in Nicaragua
Upon landing:
- Head to oversized baggage (not the regular carousel).
- A customs agent checked her paperwork, but the process was quick.
- Declare your dog on the customs form when entering Nicaragua—there’s a section for animals.
No quarantine is required as long as your dog has all the required vaccinations. The officials were friendly (though having a Spanish speaker helped!).
5. The Aftermath: A Stressed Pup Who Now Loves Nicaragua
Our Doberman was exhausted after the journey—she slept for three days straight once we arrived. But once she recovered from her first MAJOR international trip? She absolutely loves Nicaragua!
Now, she’s just as wild and free as our four kids—running on the beach, exploring the jungle, and living her best life. Was it stressful? Yes. Was it worth it? 100%.
Have questions about moving pets to Nicaragua? Ask in the comments! 🐾
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