Argentina
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, spans the southern half of South America, stretching from subtropical lowlands in the north to Patagonia’s glaciers in the south. Pets typically enter the country by air through Buenos Aires.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into Argentina requires a rabies vaccination and a government-endorsed health certificate issued in Spanish — no blood test or quarantine is required, and an import permit is only needed for pets originating in Asia or Africa.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
Not required
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Import Permit
Not required*
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Min. Prep Time
4–6 weeks
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Difficulty
Moderate
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Certificate Language
Spanish required
*Import permit not required for dogs and cats originating outside Asia or Africa.
Key Requirements
Microchip + Vaccinations
Microchip is not required but highly recommended. Rabies vaccination required, with the vaccine applied at least 21 days before entry for first-time vaccinations. Animals from a country or zone officially declared rabies-free by WOAH may be exempt, provided the exporting country’s veterinary authority states this on the certificate.
Minimum Age Rule
Pets under 3 months old need the exporting country’s veterinary authority to certify the animal’s age and confirm it has not been on any premises with a urban rabies case in the 90 days before shipment.
Official Health Certificate (IVC)
The International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) or a legalized official passport is required. It must be issued, signed, and stamped by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country, with Spanish as one of the required languages (English is accepted only as an alternative on the passport route). The clinical health exam supporting it must be done within 10 days before issuance.
Deworming
Internal and external parasite treatment required within 15 days before the certificate date, using products approved by the origin country’s veterinary authority.
Import Permit — Origin-Dependent
Not required for pets originating outside Asia or Africa. Pets travelling from Asia or Africa require an import permit from Argentina’s veterinary authority (SENASA) before travel.
Customs Broker
Not legally required, but highly recommended. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, require a customs broker as part of their own carrier policy.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
1
Microchip
Assumed already present
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before travel (first-time vaccination)
3
Deworming Treatment
Within 15 days before certificate
4
Health Examination
Within 10 days before certificate
5
Certificate + Official Endorsement
Within 10 days before departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a blood test to travel to Argentina?
No — Argentina does not require a rabies titre test. Standard vaccinations and documentation are sufficient.
Do requirements change depending on which country I’m travelling from?
Yes, in one respect. Pets originating outside Asia or Africa don’t need an import permit — only the health certificate and vaccination records. Pets travelling from Asia or Africa require an import permit from SENASA before travel. Pets from a WOAH-declared rabies-free country or zone may also be exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement, provided this is certified on the health certificate. The rest of the process is the same regardless of origin.
Why does the certificate need to be in Spanish?
Argentine authorities require the official health certificate (IVC) to include Spanish as one of its languages. A certificate issued only in another language will not be accepted, unless travelling on a legalized official passport, where English is accepted as the alternative. A certified agent will handle this correctly →
Is there quarantine in Argentina?
No quarantine is required for compliant pets travelling as accompanied baggage.
What is the deworming requirement?
Dogs and cats must be treated against internal and external parasites within 15 days before the certificate is issued. Timing is important.
Are there special rules for puppies and kittens?
Yes — pets under 3 months old need the origin country’s veterinary authority to certify the animal’s age and confirm it has not been on premises with a urban rabies case in the 90 days before shipment.
Do I need a customs broker to import a pet to Argentina?
Not legally, but it is highly recommended. Some airlines require one as part of their own carrier policy. A certified agent can coordinate this for you →
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Argentina?
Costs vary by pet size and service level. Get a free quote →
Ready to start planning?
Every pet’s situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified pet relocation specialist.
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.