Getting your pet to Argentina takes more planning than most owners expect. The country's veterinary authority, SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria), has clear requirements for dogs and cats arriving from abroad, and the timelines built into those requirements mean you need to start the process well before your travel date. This article covers everything from the documents SENASA requires and how to prepare them, to airline options, border procedures, costs, and what life with a pet looks like once you arrive.
Yes, dogs and cats can enter Argentina with their owners, provided they meet SENASA's health and documentation requirements. The process applies equally to permanent relocations, temporary stays, participation in international exhibitions or events, and international transit movements.
There is a specific provision for very young animals: if a dog or cat is under 3 months old, the issuing veterinary authority must certify the animal's age in the CVI or passport and confirm that the animal has not been on any property where a case of urban rabies occurred in the 90 days prior to departure. For animals coming from a country or zone officially declared rabies-free by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), entry is possible provided the issuing veterinary authority records that status in the CVI or passport.
The CVI or passport is valid for 60 calendar days from the date of issuance or legalization for entry into Argentina. If you are returning to your country of origin after a stay in Argentina, a new CVI is generally required unless the CVI used for entry explicitly states it is valid for the return journey and specifies the maximum time allowed.
For species other than dogs and cats, including birds, rabbits, reptiles, tortoises, and other non-traditional pets, the rules are considerably more involved. SENASA requires prior import authorization for all such species, which must be applied for before the trip and approved before entry. These animals must also arrive through SENASA-enabled border crossings specifically designated for that purpose.
The health requirements for importing dogs and cats into Argentina are based on MERCOSUR GMC Resolution 17/15, which Argentina applies to all entries of domestic dogs and cats. The CVI or legalized passport must demonstrate that three conditions have been met.
First, the animal must have undergone a health examination by an authorized veterinarian in the country of origin within 10 days before the CVI is issued. The veterinarian must certify that the animal is clinically healthy, shows no evidence of parasitosis, and is fit for transport.
Second, the animal must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine authorized by the veterinary authority in the country of origin, and the immunity must be valid for the manufacturer's stated validity period. If the rabies vaccination is the animal's first, it must have been administered at least 21 days before entry into Argentina. For animals coming from countries or zones declared rabies-free by WOAH, the issuing veterinary authority must state this condition in the document.
Third, the animal must have received treatment against both internal and external parasites within 15 days before the CVI is issued or the passport is legalized, using products approved by the veterinary authority of the country of origin.
No prior import permit (Solicitud de importación/Ingreso) is needed for dogs or cats entering as accompanied baggage traveling on the same flight as their owner. However, animals entering Argentina as unaccompanied cargo require a separate import authorization process and are subject to an import fee upon arrival at the border.
The documentation requirements for bringing a dog or cat into Argentina are specific about both content and language. Owners must present one of two options: a Certificado Veterinario Internacional (CVI) or a legalized official pet passport.
For the CVI, at least one of the languages used in the document must be Spanish. The document must be issued by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin and must contain all required health information: the health exam, the rabies vaccination record (including the date, the vaccine trade name, the batch number, and the validity period), and the antiparasitic treatment record (including dates, the product trade name, and the active ingredient).
For the official passport option, Spanish is required, and English is the only alternative language. The passport must be valid and contain all the same health information as the CVI. It must be endorsed and validated with the signature and stamp of the veterinary authority of the country of origin or provenance before the animal boards its flight.
SENASA's FAQ documentation states clearly that it is not necessary to apostille the CVI at a consulate. The document must be issued by the official veterinary authority, but consular legalization is not required.
If your documentation is not in Spanish upon arrival, the release of your pet will not be authorized until the documents are either replaced with a Spanish-language version or translated by an Argentine traductor público nacional (certified public translator) upon arrival. To avoid this situation entirely, ensure at least one version of the CVI is in Spanish before you travel.
Good to know:
SENASA provides a bilingual model CVI template for importing dogs and cats into Argentina, which your veterinary authority can use as a reference when preparing the document.
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Preparing your pet for the move to Argentina
The paperwork timelines built into Argentina's import requirements effectively set the minimum preparation window for your move. Working backward from your travel date, the health exam must happen within 10 days of CVI issuance, and the parasite treatment must happen within 15 days of CVI issuance or passport legalization. If your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, you need at least 21 days between the vaccination and your entry date before any other steps begin. For a first-time rabies vaccination, building in a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks before travel is a practical baseline.
Start by contacting the official veterinary authority in your country to understand how they issue CVIs and how long the process takes. In some countries, a government endorsement step is required after the private vet issues a health certificate. Make sure the veterinarian completing the health exam is authorized to issue or contribute to the CVI, and confirm that the document will include Spanish as one of its languages.
Crate training ahead of the journey matters for your pet's comfort. Airlines require an IATA-compliant carrier, and getting your dog or cat comfortable spending time in the crate well before travel day reduces stress during the journey. The crate should be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
Talk to your vet about how your specific pet handles travel stress. Sedation during flights is generally discouraged by vets and airlines because it can affect an animal's ability to balance and regulate body temperature at altitude. If your pet has health conditions that make travel particularly difficult, your vet can advise on the most appropriate approach.
Travel options for pets to Argentina
Most people relocating to Argentina with a pet will travel by air, and the options depend primarily on your pet's weight and the airline you choose.
Aerolíneas Argentinas allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin under the seat in front of the owner. The total weight of the pet plus its carrier must not exceed 9 kg. The minimum age for pets traveling on Aerolíneas Argentinas is 12 weeks, except for flights to or from the United States, where the minimum age rises to 16 weeks. The service must be requested and paid for via WhatsApp up to 72 hours before the flight, and the passenger must provide the carrier. The carrier must meet IATA standards. Aerolíneas Argentinas does not transport pets in the hold on domestic routes; international cargo arrangements may differ. Check directly with the airline for your specific route.
Other airlines operating routes to Argentina have their own policies. Flybondi accepts pets weighing up to 10 kg total (pet plus carrier) in the cabin and does not offer hold transport. JetSmart accepts pets up to 7 kg in total and limits flights to a maximum of 4 pets. These figures apply to domestic Argentine routes and may differ for international connections.
Beyond air travel, Argentina expanded pet-friendly transport options in late 2025. A national government resolution authorized the transport of domestic animals on long-distance bus and train services of national jurisdiction. Each adult passenger may transport one domestic animal, which must travel in a suitable enclosed carrier.
Pet transport companies
Professional pet relocation services can manage the paperwork, crate requirements, airline bookings, and SENASA documentation on your behalf. If you are moving from a country with a multi-step government endorsement process for veterinary certificates, or if your pet will be traveling as unaccompanied cargo rather than as accompanied baggage, working with a specialist company reduces the risk of document errors that could delay your pet's entry. When selecting a company, look for membership with the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), which sets standards for its member companies operating internationally.
Costs of relocating your pet to Argentina
The SENASA inspection at the border for dogs and cats arriving as accompanied baggage is free of charge. This is one area where Argentina's process is more accessible than many other destinations. However, for animals entering as cargo (with or without commercial purpose), an import permit fee is payable upon arrival at the border post. Contact SENASA directly for the applicable rate before your pet's shipment is arranged.
The costs you will incur before arrival depend on your country of origin and the services involved. Budget for the veterinary health examination, any vaccinations or parasite treatments needed, the official veterinary certification or government endorsement process, airline pet fees, and the IATA-compliant carrier if you do not already own one. Aerolíneas Argentinas charges for the in-cabin pet service, but the fee is confirmed at the time of booking via WhatsApp.
If you are using a professional pet relocation company, their fees will cover coordination across multiple steps and will vary based on your country of origin, your pet's size, and the complexity of the routing. Request itemized quotes from more than one IPATA-registered company before committing.
Travel day and the journey to Argentina
On the day of travel, arrive at the airport with enough time to complete check-in formalities for your pet. Have all documentation accessible and organized: the CVI or legalized passport, the rabies vaccination record, and the parasite treatment record. Border staff will ask to see these documents on arrival in Argentina, and SENASA inspectors will verify the paperwork, check the animal's identity, and conduct a physical inspection.
Keep your pet's carrier accessible at security checkpoints, as you will likely be asked to remove the animal briefly while the carrier goes through the scanner. On board, keep the carrier under the seat in front of you if traveling in-cabin. Do not open the carrier during the flight except where airline staff explicitly direct you to.
On arrival in Argentina, proceed to the SENASA checkpoint at the border post before clearing customs. The documentary, identity, and physical checks are conducted there. For accompanied baggage, the process carries no fee and, assuming your documents are complete and compliant, moves relatively quickly. If any document is found to be incomplete or not in Spanish, your pet's release may be delayed until the issue is resolved.
Settling your pet in Argentina
Once you and your pet have cleared the border, the immediate priority is helping your animal adjust to a new environment. Jet lag, unfamiliar smells, and the stress of travel can affect pets for several days after arrival. Keep routines as consistent as possible, allow your pet to explore new spaces gradually, and watch for signs of prolonged stress such as loss of appetite, excessive hiding, or behavioral changes that do not resolve within a few days.
Registering with a local veterinarian early is a practical first step. Argentina has a well-established veterinary sector, particularly in Buenos Aires and other major cities. A local vet can advise on any vaccinations or treatments recommended for the local disease environment, update your pet's records in a format recognized by Argentine authorities, and serve as your primary contact if health issues arise.
Pet services and supplies in Argentina
Pet food, supplies, and veterinary care are widely available across Argentina's major cities. Buenos Aires has a dense network of veterinary clinics, pet stores, and grooming services. Imported pet food brands are available in specialist stores and some supermarkets, though the range and pricing can differ from what you are used to at home. Local brands are also well established and generally meet standard nutritional requirements.
Emergency veterinary services are available in Buenos Aires and other large cities, and specialist practices covering areas such as orthopedics, dermatology, and oncology for animals exist in the capital. In smaller cities and rural areas, the range of specialist services narrows, so if your pet has complex or ongoing medical needs, factor proximity to appropriate care into your housing decisions.
Pet-friendly living in Argentina
Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, has a notably pet-friendly culture. Many parks, outdoor spaces, and neighborhoods in Buenos Aires accommodate dog owners well, and dog walking as a professional service is widespread in the capital.
Public transport access for pets is clearly regulated in Buenos Aires. Under City Law 5687, owners can travel with a domestic dog or cat on the Buenos Aires subway (Subte) at no extra cost. Each adult passenger may transport one dog or one cat. The animal must travel in a closed, ventilated, and clean carrier, and passengers must wait in designated areas on the platform. This makes daily life with a pet considerably more manageable if you are living in or near the city center without a car.
For long-distance travel within Argentina, the national government authorized domestic animals on long-distance bus and train services of national jurisdiction. Each adult passenger may bring one domestic animal, which must be in a suitable carrier. This opens up weekend travel and internal relocations with your pet without requiring a car or private transport.
When looking for accommodation, be aware that not all landlords accept pets. Negotiate pet permissions clearly before signing a lease, and be prepared for the possibility that some buildings or neighborhoods have restrictions, particularly in apartment complexes.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat to Argentina as accompanied baggage?
No prior import permit (Solicitud de importación/Ingreso) is needed when your dog or cat travels as accompanied baggage on the same flight as you. SENASA border staff will carry out documentary, physical, and identity checks on arrival, but you do not need to submit a prior application for this travel scenario. If your pet is traveling as unaccompanied cargo, different rules apply, and you should contact SENASA directly before making arrangements.
How recent does my pet's health exam need to be for entry into Argentina?
The health certificate or examination must be conducted within 10 days before the date the CVI is issued. The authorized veterinarian must certify that the animal is clinically healthy, shows no evidence of parasitosis, and is fit for transport. This 10-day window is fixed, so coordinate your vet appointment carefully around your intended departure date.
What is the rabies vaccination schedule if my pet has never been vaccinated against rabies?
If a dog or cat is receiving its first rabies vaccination, that vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before the animal enters Argentina. The vaccination must use a product authorized by the veterinary authority of the country of origin, and it must remain valid through the manufacturer's stated immunity period on the day of entry. Factor this waiting period into your overall preparation timeline.
My dog or cat is under 3 months old. Can it still enter Argentina?
Yes, but the veterinary authority must certify the animal's age in the CVI or passport and confirm that the animal has not been on any property where a case of urban rabies occurred in the 90 days before departure. Because animals under 3 months cannot receive rabies vaccination, this certification replaces the standard vaccination requirement for very young animals.
Does my pet need antiparasitic treatment before entering Argentina?
Yes. Treatment against both internal and external parasites must be completed within 15 days before the CVI is issued or the official passport is legalized. The products used must be approved by the veterinary authority of the country of origin, and the treatment details, including dates, the product name, and the active ingredient, must be recorded in the CVI or passport.
Does my CVI need an apostille or consular legalization to be accepted in Argentina?
No. SENASA's official FAQ documentation states clearly that apostilling the CVI at a consulate is not required. The document must be issued by the official veterinary authority in your country of origin and meet all health content requirements, but consular legalization is an additional step you do not need to take.
What happens if my documents are not in Spanish when I arrive in Argentina?
SENASA will not authorize the release of your pet until the documentation requirements are met. If your CVI or passport is not in Spanish, you will need to have the documents translated by a certified Argentine public translator (traductor público nacional) on arrival. To avoid delays at the border, ensure at least one version of your CVI is in Spanish before you travel.
How long is the CVI valid for entry into Argentina?
The CVI or legalized official passport is valid for 60 calendar days from the date of issuance or legalization to allow entry into Argentina, provided the rabies vaccination remains valid on the day of arrival. If you need to return to your country of origin after your stay, a new CVI is generally required unless the original document explicitly states it covers the return journey and specifies the maximum allowed time.
Can I bring a bird, rabbit, reptile, tortoise, or other non-traditional pet to Argentina?
Species other than dogs and cats require prior import authorization from SENASA, which must be applied for and approved before your trip. These animals must also enter through SENASA-enabled border crossings designated for this purpose. Start the authorization process well in advance and contact SENASA directly to understand the specific documentation requirements for your pet's species.
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I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant.
Before joining the Expat.com team, I worked as a journalist/reporter in several Mauritian newsrooms. My experience of over six years in the Mauritian press gave me the opportunity to meet many prominent figures and cover a wide range of events across various topics.
