Bringing a dog or cat to Argentina
Easy: no titer, permit or quarantine. Dogs and cats need an official International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) or endorsed pet passport, a rabies vaccine at least 21 days old, and parasite treatment within 15 days before the certificate. Pets travelling as accompanied baggage need no advance notice to SENASA.
Which rules apply to you
Argentina sorts arriving pets by where they travel from. Find your group, then follow its steps.
| Arriving from | Titer test | Wait after sample | Permit | Quarantine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All countriesDogs and cats from any country. Pets from WOAH rabies-free countries or zones can enter without rabies vaccination if the CVI or passport says so. | No | — | No | Only if rules not met |
Step by step
Vaccinate against rabies
Use a vaccine approved in the origin country and keep it current on arrival. A first vaccine must be given at least 21 days before entry. Pets under 3 months may enter unvaccinated if the official vet certifies their age and that they were not on premises with urban rabies in the 90 days before travel.
Treat for parasites
Treat for internal and external parasites within 15 days before the CVI is issued (or before the passport is endorsed).
Get a vet health exam
An authorised vet issues a health certificate within 10 days before the CVI is issued.
Get the CVI or an endorsed passport
The origin country's official veterinary authority issues or endorses the CVI. One of its languages must be Spanish (passports may be in English). It is valid for 60 days from issue, provided rabies cover is still valid.
Check in at the border
Accompanied pets (cabin or hold) need no advance notice and no fee. SENASA checks documents and the animal at the border. Pets shipped as cargo or without the owner need notice to the border post at least 24 working hours before, and an entry fee.
No quarantine stated. If rules are not met, SENASA can apply health measures at the owner's cost.
Good to know
- Cats
- Same as dogs.
- How many pets
- Not specified on the SENASA page
- Parasite treatment
- Internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days before the CVI is issued (dogs and cats).
- Arrival
- Any border post with SENASA presence. In-cabin and hold (accompanied baggage) are both accepted. Cargo shipments need 24 working hours' notice.
- Returning: a new CVI is needed unless the original says it covers the return and is still valid. With a pet passport, the return is valid while the rabies vaccine is current.
- Service and assistance animals are exempt from extra charges (Resolución SENASA 580/14), with a vet-signed ID and function record.
- Argentina is not on CDC's high-risk dog rabies list.
What we could not confirm
- The SENASA page does not mention microchips. A microchip is not listed as required but is recommended.
- No pet number limit or screwworm-specific requirement was found.
- Some provinces/municipalities have dangerous-dog rules (e.g. Buenos Aires City), but there is no national import breed ban. Not verified.
Sources
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Rules change: confirm with SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) before booking.