Brazil: bringing home a dog or cat, the checklist
From the decision to the first months: what to check beforehand, what to prepare and what the law asks of whoever looks after the animal.
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Time: from the decision to the first months
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Before deciding
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A dog or cat stays with you for many years: think about the routine afterwards, not just the first weeks.
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The bylaws cannot ban animals of every species (STJ, REsp 1,783,076). In a rented home, the Tenancy Law does not deal with animals: read the lease.
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Also set aside an amount for veterinary emergencies: the emergency fund calculator helps.
Choosing the animal
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Ask about the animal’s history, health and behavior.
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Be wary of anyone who only deals by message and arranges to meet on the street.
Preparing the home
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Dog: leash and harness. Cat: litter box and scratching post. The carrier is also for the vet and for trips.
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At the first visit, ask the vet which foods and plants are harmful to the animal.
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Cats can fall from windows and balconies: the net prevents the accident.
Health
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Look for a professional registered with your state’s CRMV. Bring the papers that came with the animal: vaccines, dewormer and history.
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The vet sets the schedule, according to age and region.
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The travel passport requires a microchip (MAPA); a tag with your phone number helps find an animal that runs away.
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Law 13,426/2017 deals with public sterilization programs and does not impose neutering on each owner. See whether your city hall has a program.
Rules and neighbors
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States and municipalities legislate on fauna and matters of local interest (Constitution, arts. 24, VI, and 30, I and II): ask at city hall.
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A unit owner cannot use their unit in a way that harms the peace, health and safety of others (Civil Code, art. 1336, IV).
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It applies if there is no fault of the victim or force majeure (Civil Code, art. 936). Keep the animal under control on the street and in common areas.
Routine and care
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For a dog or cat, imprisonment of 2 to 5 years, a fine and a ban on keeping animals (Law 9,605/1998, art. 32, §§ 1-A and 1-B).
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If you are traveling abroad, see the checklist for traveling with a dog or cat.
The arrival
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Good to know
- This list applies to dogs and cats at home. For other animals, such as birds, reptiles and small mammals, the rules and care are different: the vet and your state’s environmental bodies can advise.
- Federal law sets the minimum: states and municipalities may have their own rules on registration, leash, muzzle, public areas and breeding. Check your city’s.
- Health, vaccines, dewormer and neutering are decisions with the vet: this list gives no schedule, so as not to pass on information that changes with age, breed and region.
- Whoever adopts a stray should take it to the vet in the first days; it is best to do this before introducing it to other animals in the home.
Frequently asked questions
Can the condominium ban dogs and cats?
A generic ban on animals of every species in the bylaws is illegitimate, according to the STJ (REsp 1,783,076, 2019). The bylaws can bar animals that bother other residents.
Can I have a dog or cat in a rented home?
It depends on the lease: the Tenancy Law (Law 8,245/1991) does not deal with animals. Read the clause before signing and agree in writing with the owner.
Is neutering mandatory?
The federal law on birth control (Law 13,426/2017) deals with public sterilization programs and does not impose neutering on each owner. Local rules may exist: check your city hall.
Who pays if my dog bites someone?
The owner or keeper pays for the damage, unless they prove fault of the victim or force majeure (Civil Code, art. 936).
What is the penalty for cruelty to a dog or cat?
Imprisonment of 2 to 5 years, a fine and a ban on keeping animals (Law 9,605/1998, art. 32, § 1-A). If the animal dies, the penalty rises by one sixth to one third.
Next step
I’m not an accountant or a financial advisor. This is an estimate, for information only. Check with a professional before you decide.
- The guideBrazil: dog or cat, what the law says
- The checklistTraveling with a pet
- The calculatorEmergency fund calculator
- The checklistMoving checklist
Sources
- Law 9,605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Law), art. 32 and its paragraphs — Planalto (in Portuguese)
- Civil Code (Law 10,406/2002), arts. 936 and 1336 — Planalto (in Portuguese)
- STJ, Case Law Bulletin no. 649: animals in condominiums (REsp 1,783,076-DF) (in Portuguese)
- Law 13,426/2017: birth control of dogs and cats — Planalto (in Portuguese)
- Law 8,245/1991 (Tenancy Law) — Planalto (in Portuguese)
- Federal Constitution, arts. 24, VI, 30 and 225 — Planalto (in Portuguese)
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock: questions and answers on international travel with dogs and cats (in Portuguese)
For your animal’s health, vaccines and behavior, the first contact is a veterinarian registered with the CRMV; for questions about the condominium bylaws or the lease, find a lawyer.