🇦🇷 Pet Import to Argentina

Argentina's pet import regime is administered by SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria), the national agri-food health authority. Microchipping is not a federal requirement, and alternative identification such as a tattoo is accepted, though a chip is strongly recommended for international travel. All dogs and cats entering Argentina must be accompanied by an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) issued and endorsed by the official veterinary authority of the country of origin within 10 days of travel. Rabies vaccination is compulsory for animals aged 3 months or older and must have been administered no fewer than 30 days and no more than 12 months before the date of entry. Treatment against internal and external parasites must have been carried out within 30 days of arrival. Compliant pets face no quarantine on arrival. Animals under 3 months of age that have not yet received a rabies vaccine may still enter but are subject to additional SENASA conditions and oversight. Personal import is limited to a maximum of 2 pets per traveller; larger numbers require a commercial import permit. Argentina is a Mercosur member, and the Mercosur Pet Passport is accepted as a simplified documentation pathway for pets arriving from Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Travellers from outside Mercosur are advised to notify SENASA in advance of arrival to ensure smooth processing. Both in-cabin and cargo transport are permitted by major carriers, subject to airline-specific size and breed restrictions. Several provincial laws restrict or prohibit pit bull terrier ownership and importation, most notably Buenos Aires Province Ley 14.107, with varying rules across other provinces. Exotic or wild species are regulated under CITES and Argentine national wildlife legislation (Ley 22.421 and Ley 24.375) and require separate permits.