Travel to Argentina with your dog or cat

If you are only thinking about spending a few weeks in Argentina, most people will be able to find someone to take care of your beloved pet. Many people however come down to South America for longer periods these days either for work, extended vacation or as part of their sabbatical and do not want to spend that much time separated from their dog or cat. Below we give you all the tools to make sure you can bring your pet on the greatest tours to Argentina.

The first important precaution is that all animals must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before you travel to Argentina. A few days before traveling, an accredited veterinarian in your home country must then fill out the Argentina Veterinary Certificate. Each country has its own special certificate, so make sure to ask one, through the Argentinean Embassy in your country for example, with plenty of time in advance.  

Your airline must notify the Argentine airport at least 24 hours prior to landing (normally Ezeiza Airport, near Buenos Aires for most international flights),  giving notice of pets on board in order to ensure attendance of a local vet for inspection of your pet on arrival. There is a $25 USD customs fee that will be added to your airway bill if you are traveling in or out of Argentina. 

Remember also that even if it’s only a small cat or dog, the local airline, Aerolineas Argentinas, does not allow pets to travel in the cabin under any circumstances, unless they are medically certified service animals, such as guide dogs for blind passengers. You will therefore always have to make arrangements in advance for transport in the live cargo section. Your pet must also be traveling in a crate that is in accordance with the rules set by the international airline organization IATA, amongst others: adequate ventilation, waterproof bottom, a spring loaded door and no handles on the crate. Keep these simple rules in mind and there should be absolutely no problem on bringing your pet on the greatest tours of Argentina.