Taking Your Dog to Argentina
Current 2026 checklist for U.S. travelers, including rabies timing, health certificate steps, parasite treatment, and return-to-U.S. rules.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Argentina
ISO Microchip
Argentina’s dog entry certificate from USDA APHIS/SENASA does not list a microchip as an import requirement for dogs entering Argentina from the United States. A microchip is still strongly recommended for identification and may be required by your airline. If you plan to return to the United States, CDC requires the dog to be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip for re-entry.
Recommended before travel; required before return to the U.S. under CDC rulesRabies Vaccination
Dogs over 3 months of age must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate accompanying the shipment. If this is the dog’s first rabies vaccination, the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before entry into Argentina. Dogs under 3 months old can enter only if the official veterinary authority certifies the dog’s age and that it has not been on a property with a case of urban rabies in the 90 days before shipment.
Valid at entry; first rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before arrivalRabies Titer Test
Argentina does not require a rabies antibody titer test for pet dogs entering from the United States under the current USDA APHIS/SENASA health certificate.
Health Certificate (USDA-endorsed APHIS certificate)
You must travel with the official veterinary health certificate for export of dogs and cats from the United States to Argentina. A USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine the dog and certify it shows no clinical signs of disease typical of the species. USDA APHIS endorsement is required after the certificate is issued by the accredited veterinarian.
Clinical exam must be performed within 10 days before embarkation; certificate is valid for 60 days after issuanceImport Permit
For dogs entering Argentina as accompanied baggage with their owner, SENASA states no prior import application is required as long as the dog travels with the required CVI/passport documentation. If the dog enters as cargo, a permit of internación is issued on arrival for customs release, and the carrier or responsible party must give at least 24 business hours’ advance notice to the border post.
No pre-import permit for accompanied pets; cargo arrivals require at least 24 business hours’ advance noticeParasite Treatment
Argentina requires treatment against internal and external parasites using products approved by the veterinary authority in the country of origin. The treatment must be recorded on the CVI or legalized official passport.
Must be administered within 15 days before the CVI is issued or the passport is legalizedQuarantine Period
There is no routine quarantine for dogs that meet Argentina’s documentary and health requirements. Dogs that arrive without compliant documentation can be subject to sanitary measures, including quarantine at the owner’s expense.
No routine quarantine if fully compliantBanned Breeds
No Argentina-wide SENASA import ban on specific dog breeds was identified in the official pet entry requirements reviewed. Airlines may impose their own breed restrictions, especially for brachycephalic or strong-jawed breeds, so confirm directly with your carrier before booking.
Check airline rules before reserving travelEstimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-200 | Typical private U.S. accredited-vet exam pricing; exact fee varies by clinic and region. |
| Rabies vaccination | $25-60 | Only if your dog is not currently vaccinated or needs a booster to meet timing rules. |
| Rabies titer test | $0 | Not required by Argentina for pet dogs from the U.S. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $101 | APHIS fee for a pet health certificate with 0 laboratory tests. |
| Airline pet fee (cabin) | $150-200 each way | American Airlines lists $150 per kennel for carry-on pets on eligible routes; Delta lists $200 each way for international in-cabin pet travel where permitted. |
| Import permit fee | $0 for accompanied baggage | SENASA states accompanied pet dogs and cats do not require prior import processing; cargo entries may incur a permit/handling charge. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | Not currently required by Argentina for entry from the U.S., but recommended and required for return to the U.S. under CDC rules. |
| Parasite treatment | $20-60 | Internal and external parasite treatment within the required pre-travel window. |
| Total | $396-696+ each way |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
As of March 25, 2026, CDC requires all dogs entering or returning to the United States to appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old, be microchipped, and be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt completed before arrival. Requirements also depend on where your dog has been during the 6 months before entry and where it was vaccinated against rabies. If your dog has been only in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous 6 months, the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is the core federal requirement. If your dog has been in a high-risk country during the previous 6 months, additional documentation is required based on whether the dog was vaccinated in the U.S. or abroad. Argentina is described by Argentine authorities as a dog-rabies-free or low-risk country for purposes of travel to the U.S., but you should still verify your dog’s full 6-month travel history before return. Airlines may also require the CDC receipt and may impose their own kennel, routing, and breed rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Argentina require a microchip for dogs arriving from the United States?
Not under the current USDA APHIS/SENASA dog-and-cat certificate for entry from the U.S. However, a microchip is strongly recommended and is required for your dog’s return to the United States under current CDC rules.
How long before travel does my dog need the rabies vaccine for Argentina?
Dogs older than 3 months must have a valid rabies vaccination. If it is the dog’s first rabies shot, it must be given at least 21 days before entry into Argentina.
Do I need a rabies titer test to take my dog to Argentina?
No. Argentina’s current pet dog entry requirements from the United States do not require a rabies antibody titer test.
How soon before departure does the health certificate exam need to happen?
The accredited veterinarian’s clinical exam must be performed within 10 days before embarkation, and the certificate then needs USDA APHIS endorsement.
How long is the Argentina health certificate valid?
The official veterinary certificate used for dogs and cats traveling from the U.S. to Argentina is valid for 60 days after issuance, as long as the rabies vaccination remains valid.
Does Argentina require parasite treatment for dogs?
Yes. Treatment against internal and external parasites must be given within 15 days before the CVI is issued or the passport is legalized, and it should be documented on the travel paperwork.
Do I need an import permit for an accompanied pet dog?
Usually no. SENASA states that dogs entering as accompanied baggage do not require prior import processing if they have the proper CVI or legalized official passport. Cargo entries follow a different process and require advance notice.
What do I need to return to the U.S. from Argentina with my dog?
Your dog must be healthy, at least 6 months old, microchipped, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt before arrival. Additional documents may be needed if your dog has been in a CDC high-risk rabies country within the previous 6 months.