Bringing your dog or cat from the U.S. to Argentina is one of the more straightforward international pet relocations — no quarantine, no import permit for accompanied pets, and no rabies titer test required. The agency in charge is SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria), Argentina’s national animal health authority, working alongside USDA APHIS on the U.S. side. This guide covers the current 2026 requirements, a step-by-step timeline, and what to expect on arrival. If you’re planning a broader international move, also see our international pet shipping services.
Traveling With Your Pet? No Import Permit Needed.Under SENASA rules, dogs and cats entering Argentina as accompanied baggage — in the cabin or hold of the same flight as their owner — do not require a prior import request, advance notice to the border post, or a SENASA entry permit. That requirement only applies to pets entering unaccompanied as cargo, or to non-dog/cat species. Verification happens on arrival at the airport instead.
Your Argentina Pet Relocation Timeline
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4–6 Weeks Out
Microchip & Confirm Rabies Coverage
Have your vet implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (if your pet doesn’t already have one) and confirm your rabies vaccination will be valid — administered at least 21 days before entry and not expired at arrival. Puppies and kittens under 3 months are exempt from the rabies requirement.
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2–3 Weeks Out
Deworming Treatment
SENASA requires treatment for both internal and external parasites within 15 days before your health certificate is issued, using products approved by USDA APHIS. Time this appointment together with your certificate visit to keep the windows aligned.
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Within 10 Days of Travel
Bilingual Health Certificate
A USDA-accredited veterinarian issues the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI), with at least one language in Spanish — bilingual Spanish/English is standard. It must confirm your pet is free of signs of infectious or contagious disease and include the deworming and rabies dates.
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Same Week
USDA APHIS Endorsement
The signed certificate is submitted to USDA APHIS Veterinary Services for federal endorsement. We recommend overnight/expedited shipping so the full trip — signing to endorsement to travel — stays inside the 10-day window. See our pet documentation services for help managing this step.
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Before You Book
Confirm Airline Pet Policy
Crate sizes, in-cabin vs. cargo eligibility, and paperwork requirements vary by carrier and route. If your pet is flying as unaccompanied cargo rather than with you on the same flight, different SENASA notice requirements apply — see the callout below.
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Travel Day
Crate & Travel Prep
Use an IATA-compliant crate your pet has had time to get comfortable in. Sedation is generally discouraged due to respiratory and circulatory risk during flight — talk to your vet about alternatives if your pet is anxious.
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Arrival in Argentina
SENASA Document & Identity Check
SENASA staff at the border post — Ezeiza International (EZE) has a dedicated office — verify your certificate, confirm the microchip, and do a brief physical check of your pet. No quarantine and no separate landing permit for accompanied pets whose paperwork is in order.
Requirements Checklist
All Dogs and Cats
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International Veterinary Certificate (CVI)Bilingual Spanish/English, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel and endorsed by USDA APHIS. Must state your pet shows no signs of infectious or contagious disease.
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Rabies Vaccination (pets 3+ months old)Administered at least 21 days before arrival, valid and not expired at entry. No titer test required. Puppies and kittens under 3 months are exempt but must meet other health standards.
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Deworming (Internal & External Parasites)Treatment within 15 days before the health certificate is issued, using USDA-approved products.
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ISO-Compliant Microchip (strongly recommended)Not federally mandated for entry, but widely required for return travel, airline policies, and municipal registration after arrival. Get one if your pet doesn’t already have it.
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Proof of OwnershipA bilingual attestation that the pet is a personal companion animal and not intended for sale or transfer of ownership is recommended, especially when traveling with multiple pets.
Buenos Aires Breed-Specific LegislationArgentina has no national breed ban, but the City of Buenos Aires restricts specific breeds considered potentially dangerous — including most Pit Bull–type dogs and, notably, the Dogo Argentino, a breed native to the country. Restricted breeds require special permits, registration, identification badges, and liability insurance. Other provinces and municipalities may have their own local rules. Confirm with your specific destination before booking travel.
Flying Unaccompanied as Cargo?If your pet is not traveling on the same flight as you, the move is treated differently under SENASA rules. Prior notice or a request for intervention must be given to the border post of arrival at least 24 business hours in advance, and commercial or non-commercial cargo entries may require an import permit and entry fee. We can manage this coordination for pets traveling without their owner — see our pet nanny travel services.
Climate & Travel Tips
- Heat: Buenos Aires summers (December–February) run hot and humid — never leave a pet in a vehicle, and travel early morning or evening where possible.
- Rainy season: November through March brings heavier rain in many regions; pack waterproof gear and a crate cover.
- Altitude: Interior and Andean regions sit at elevation — talk to your vet about acclimatization if you’re relocating outside Buenos Aires.
- Sedation: Generally discouraged for air travel due to respiratory and circulatory risk — ask your vet about non-sedative alternatives for anxious pets.
Top Pet-Friendly Cities in Argentina
Buenos Aires EZE / AEP
Argentina’s most pet-accessible city, with two major airports, a dedicated SENASA office at Ezeiza, abundant vets, dog parks, and pet-friendly cafes.
Córdoba COR
Pet clearance facilities available at the international terminal, with a growing expat and relocation community.
Mendoza MDZ
A popular destination for relocating families, with wine-country living and good veterinary access — note the higher elevation.
Rosario ROS
Established support infrastructure for incoming international pet travelers along the Paraná River.
Always verify your specific destination airport’s SENASA procedures and pet clearance services in advance of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a quarantine or import permit to bring my pet to Argentina?
No, for dogs and cats traveling with their owner as accompanied baggage. SENASA does not require quarantine, a prior import request, or advance notice for pets entering with their owner on the same flight. Import permits and advance notice only apply to pets entering unaccompanied as cargo, or to species other than dogs and cats.
How long before travel do I need the rabies vaccination?
At least 21 days before arrival for dogs and cats over 3 months old, and the vaccine must still be valid (not expired) on arrival. Some Argentine consular guidance references a 30-day minimum, so if your travel date is close to the 21-day mark, confirm current timing with SENASA or your nearest consulate before booking.
Is a rabies titer test required?
No. Argentina does not require a rabies titer test for pets entering from any country, including the U.S.
Are certain dog breeds restricted in Argentina?
There’s no national breed ban, but the City of Buenos Aires has breed-specific legislation covering breeds considered potentially dangerous, including most Pit Bull–type dogs and the Dogo Argentino. Restricted breeds need special permits, registration, and liability insurance. Check the rules for your specific destination, since other provinces may differ.
Is my pet's microchip mandatory to enter Argentina?
Not federally mandated for entry, but strongly recommended. Many municipalities require it for local pet registration, and you’ll likely need it for return travel or onward moves, so it’s worth doing before you go.
Related Resources
Ready to Move to Argentina with Your Pet?
No quarantine, no import permit for accompanied pets — but the 10-day certificate window and Buenos Aires’ breed rules still need careful planning. Contact us and we’ll build your complete timeline.
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