For those planning to travel to Argentina with their pets, it is recommended to take into account the following guide outlining the specific sanitary requirements for the entry of dogs and cats into Argentine territory. For further information, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA).
1. What do I need to enter Argentina with my dog or cat?
Individuals wishing to enter Argentina with dogs and/or cats must have an International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) issued by the official veterinary authority of the country where the animal is located, or an official legalized Pet Passport. The IVC must be issued, signed, and stamped by the veterinary authority of the country of origin or provenance of the animal. One of the languages used in the IVC must be Spanish. The official legalized Pet Passport must be valid and must be endorsed, stamped, or authenticated by the veterinary authority of the country of origin or provenance prior to boarding. In addition to Spanish, English will be accepted as the only alternative language.
2. What are the sanitary requirements to enter Argentina with my dog or cat?
The IVC must include:
1. HEALTH CERTIFICATE: Issued within ten (10) days prior to the date of issuance of the IVC by a veterinarian authorized in the country of origin. It must certify that the animal is clinically healthy, shows no evidence of parasitic infections, and is fit for transportation.
2. RABIES VACCINATION: Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies with vaccines authorized by the veterinary authority of the country of origin, and the vaccination must be valid according to the period established by the vaccine manufacturer.
3. DEWORMING TREATMENT: Treatment against internal and external parasites must be carried out within fifteen (15) days prior to the issuance of the IVC or the intervention of the Pet Passport, using veterinary products approved by the veterinary authority of the country of origin/provenance.
3. How long is the International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) valid once it has been issued?
The certificate is valid for sixty (60) consecutive days for entry into Argentina, provided that the rabies vaccination remains valid on the date of entry and the pet remains in good health.
4. Is it necessary to have the IVC apostilled or internationally legalized at the Argentine consulate?
No, it is not necessary to apostille or obtain international legalization of the IVC issued by the veterinary service of the country where you are located.
5. Do I need to report the possible layovers of the flight on which I return to or enter Argentina?
No, it is not necessary to report layovers. However, if the animal enters the territory of a third country before arriving in Argentina, this transit must be recorded in the IVC.
6. Does the IVC accompanying my pet’s entry into Argentina need to be in Spanish?
The documentation issued by the foreign veterinary authority must be drafted in Spanish as one of the languages used. Otherwise, it must be translated by a certified public translator upon arrival in Argentina.
7. Can I return to my country of origin with the same IVC used for my pet’s entry into Argentina?
To return to the country of origin, a new IVC must be issued by SENASA, in accordance with the sanitary requirements in force — except in cases where the original IVC explicitly states that it is valid for the return, specifies the maximum validity period for this purpose, and remains valid.
For the return of pets that entered Argentina under an official legalized Pet Passport, the same document may be used provided that the rabies vaccination recorded in the passport remains valid.
