Bringing Your Pet to Argentina
The good news: there is no quarantine for cats and dogs from most countries. The paperwork is manageable. Here's exactly what you need.
No Quarantine Required
Unlike Australia, Japan, or the UK, Argentina does NOT require quarantine for cats and dogs from most countries (including US, Canada, UK, EU). Your pet clears customs the same day with proper paperwork.
Required Documentation
Required for dogs and cats over 3 months old. Must be administered at least 30 days before travel but within 1 year.
Issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the official veterinary service of your country (USDA in the US, CFIA in Canada, etc.).
Required for all pets entering Argentina. Your vet or a pet shipper can help obtain this from Argentina's agricultural authority.
Health certificate valid for only 10 days. Plan carefully so paperwork doesn't expire during travel.
Step-by-Step Process
Check Breed Restrictions
Argentina has no breed bans for import, but some airlines restrict snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats in cargo due to breathing risks. Always confirm with your airline.
Get Rabies Vaccination (if not current)
Must be given at least 30 days before travel but within 1 year. If this is your pet's first rabies vaccine, the 30-day waiting period applies. Booster vaccines don't require the waiting period.
Apply for SENASA Import Permit
Your veterinarian or a pet shipping company can help with this. SENASA is Argentina's agricultural authority. The permit typically takes 1-2 weeks to process.
Veterinary Health Certificate (10 days before)
Visit your vet within 10 days of departure. They'll examine your pet and complete the international health certificate. Then get it endorsed by your country's official veterinary authority.
Travel Day
Arrive at the airport early. Check in your pet, ensure they have water (some airlines require attaching a bowl to the crate). Keep copies of all paperwork with you and attached to the crate.
Customs Clearance in Argentina
Present your paperwork to SENASA officials at Ezeiza airport. They'll verify documents, may do a brief visual inspection, and clear your pet—usually within 30-60 minutes. Then you're done!
Airline Travel Tips
Minimize stress and reduce chances of delays or lost paperwork. Connections in third countries complicate things.
Each airline has different size/weight restrictions for cabin vs. cargo. Some won't accept snub-nosed breeds in cargo.
Small pets (usually under 8-10kg including carrier) can travel in cabin. Larger pets go in climate-controlled cargo hold.
Must be airline-approved, ventilated, and allow pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Get your pet used to it weeks before.
Typical Costs (USD)
DIY approach: $300-800 total. Using a pet shipper: $1,000-2,500+ total.
Airline Pet Policies for Argentina Flights
Each airline has different rules, fees, and size limits. Here's a detailed breakdown of the major carriers flying to Buenos Aires so you can pick the best option for your pet.
| Airline | Cabin Limit | Cabin Fee | Cargo Fee | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerolíneas Argentinas | Up to 10 kg (pet + carrier) | $75-150 | $150-350 | Snub-nosed breeds accepted in cabin only. |
| LATAM Airlines | Up to 7 kg (pet + carrier) | $110-200 | $200-500 | Brachycephalic breeds not accepted in cargo year-round. |
| American Airlines | Up to 9 kg (pet + carrier) | $150 each way | $200-600+ | Only cats and dogs in cabin. |
| United Airlines | Up to 11 | $150 each way | $350-700 | PetSafe program has seasonal and route restrictions. |
| Delta Air Lines | Up to 9 kg (pet + carrier) | $150 each way | $200-500 | Delta Cargo accepts most breeds year-round in climate-controlled holds. |
| Copa Airlines | Up to 9 kg (pet + carrier) | $100-150 | $150-350 | Connection through Panama City (PTY) required from most US cities. |
Cabin
Up to 10 kg (pet + carrier). Soft or hard carrier, max 45 x 35 x 20 cm. ($75-150)
Cargo
Up to 45 kg (pet + crate). IATA-approved rigid crate required. ($150-350)
Notes
Snub-nosed breeds accepted in cabin only. Up to 2 pets per passenger in cabin (same species). Direct flights from Miami and New York to Buenos Aires.
Cabin
Up to 7 kg (pet + carrier). Max 36 x 33 x 16 cm soft carrier. ($110-200)
Cargo
Up to 45 kg (pet + crate). IATA-approved crate. ($200-500)
Notes
Brachycephalic breeds not accepted in cargo year-round. Service animals fly free. Online booking for cabin pets available on some routes.
Cabin
Up to 9 kg (pet + carrier). Max 48.3 x 33 x 22.9 cm carrier. ($150 each way)
Cargo
Handled through American Airlines Cargo. No weight limit but crate size restrictions apply. ($200-600+)
Notes
Only cats and dogs in cabin. Brachycephalic breeds banned from cargo May-September (heat embargo). 1 pet carrier per passenger. Direct flights from Miami and Dallas.
Cabin
Up to 11.3 kg (pet + carrier). Max 44 x 30 x 19 cm soft carrier. ($150 each way)
Cargo
Via PetSafe program (currently suspended on some routes—verify before booking). ($350-700)
Notes
PetSafe program has seasonal and route restrictions. Snub-nosed breeds not accepted in cargo. Direct flights from Houston and Newark to Buenos Aires.
Cabin
Up to 9 kg (pet + carrier). Soft-sided carrier, max 46 x 28 x 24 cm. ($150 each way)
Cargo
Via Delta Cargo. Up to 45 kg (pet + crate). ($200-500)
Notes
Delta Cargo accepts most breeds year-round in climate-controlled holds. Snub-nosed breeds restricted seasonally. Direct flights from Atlanta to Buenos Aires.
Cabin
Up to 9 kg (pet + carrier). Max 40 x 30 x 20 cm soft carrier. ($100-150)
Cargo
Up to 32 kg (pet + crate). IATA-approved rigid crate. ($150-350)
Notes
Connection through Panama City (PTY) required from most US cities. Brachycephalic breeds accepted only in cabin. Copa has a good track record with pet transport through their hub.
Important: Fees and policies change frequently. Always confirm directly with the airline when booking. Prices shown are per direction (one-way). Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats face restrictions on most carriers—especially in cargo during summer months.
Settling Your Pet in Argentina
You made it through customs. Now here's everything you need to know about veterinary care, supplies, dog parks, and pet-friendly spots in Buenos Aires.
Argentina has excellent veterinary care, especially in Buenos Aires. A standard consultation runs $10-25 USD, vaccinations cost $5-15 USD each, and spay/neuter surgery is $50-150 USD—a fraction of US prices.
Top neighborhoods for vets: Palermo, Belgrano, and Recoleta have the highest concentration of veterinary clinics, many with English-speaking staff. The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) veterinary hospital in Agronomía offers excellent specialist care at lower costs.
Ask your building's portero (doorman) or neighbors for recommendations—word of mouth is the most reliable way to find a good vet in BA.
Save these numbers before you need them. Buenos Aires has several 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics:
- Hospital Veterinario UBA — Chorroarín 280, Agronomía. 24-hour emergency. Phone: (011) 4524-8496
- Veterinaria Palermo — Multiple locations in Palermo. 24-hour service. Phone: (011) 4831-0022
- Pet's Home Veterinaria — Belgrano area. Emergency and after-hours care available.
- SEMV (Servicio de Emergencias Veterinarias) — Mobile emergency vet service that comes to your home. Available across CABA.
Tip: Uber and Cabify drivers generally allow pets, which is useful for emergency vet runs. Mention your pet when requesting the ride.
Pet shops (veterinarias): Nearly every neighborhood block in Buenos Aires has a pet shop/vet combo. They sell food, toys, treats, and medications—often without needing a prescription for basic items like flea/tick preventatives.
International brands: Royal Canin, Pro Plan (Purina), and Eukanuba are widely available. Premium Argentine brands like Vitalcan and Old Prince offer good quality at lower prices. Expect to pay $25-50 USD for a 15kg bag of premium dry food.
MercadoLibre: Argentina's Amazon equivalent. Great for bulk food orders, crates, beds, and specialty items delivered to your door. Prices are often 15-20% cheaper than brick-and-mortar pet shops.
Puppis and Pet Shop Boys: Chain pet stores with a wider selection than neighborhood shops. Puppis has an online store with delivery across Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. You'll see professional dog walkers (paseadores) with packs of 10-15 dogs everywhere. Key spots:
- Parque Las Heras (Palermo) — Large off-leash areas, very popular with expats. Morning and evening are peak dog times.
- Parque Centenario (Caballito) — Massive green space with dedicated dog areas. Less crowded than Palermo parks.
- Bosques de Palermo — The city's biggest green space (400 hectares). Dogs welcome on paths and grassy areas.
- Parque Rivadavia (Caballito) — Quieter park with good off-leash zones.
- Reserva Ecológica (Puerto Madero) — Dogs allowed on leash. Beautiful waterfront trails.
- Plaza Francia (Recoleta) — Popular small park, great for socialization.
Dog walkers: Professional dog walkers charge $30-60 USD/month for daily walks (1-2 hours). They pick up from your building and return your pet. Most porteros can recommend one.
Argentina is extremely pet-friendly when it comes to dining out. Most restaurants with outdoor seating (veredas) welcome dogs without question—it's part of the culture. You don't usually need to ask; just sit down with your dog and the waiter will often bring a water bowl.
Palermo (most pet-friendly)
- Ninina Bakery — outdoor terrace, dog bowls provided
- Oui Oui — multiple locations, all dog-friendly patios
- Cuervo Café — spacious outdoor area
- LAB Training Center & Coffee — dog training + café combo
Other neighborhoods
- Café Rivas (San Telmo) — sidewalk tables, relaxed vibe
- Le Blé (Recoleta) — elegant outdoor dining with pets welcome
- Notorious (Recoleta) — jazz café with sidewalk seating
- Most Starbucks locations have pet-friendly outdoor seating
Pro tip: Weekday lunches are the easiest time to dine with your dog. Weekend brunches at popular spots can get crowded. Many restaurants in Palermo Soho and Hollywood have adopted formal "pet-friendly" policies with water bowls, treats, and even menu items for dogs.
Finding Pet-Friendly Housing
Finding a pet-friendly rental in Buenos Aires takes more effort than in many cities, but it's far from impossible. Here's what to expect.
- Palermo (Soho, Hollywood, Chico): The most pet-friendly neighborhood overall. Abundant green space, pet services everywhere, and many buildings accept pets. Higher rent ($600-1,200/month for a 2BR) but worth it for pet owners.
- Belgrano: Residential, tree-lined streets, excellent parks (Barrancas de Belgrano). More family-oriented buildings that tend to be pet-friendly. Mid-range rent ($500-900/month for a 2BR).
- Caballito: Large parks (Parque Centenario, Parque Rivadavia), more affordable rent ($400-700/month for a 2BR). Many older buildings with flexible pet policies.
- Villa Crespo: Up-and-coming, close to Palermo parks, more affordable. Growing number of pet-friendly rentals as the neighborhood gentrifies.
- Temporary furnished apartments: Sites like Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and local platforms like AlqTemporario let you filter for "pet-friendly." Start with a temporary place while you search for long-term housing.
- Facebook groups: Join "Expats in Buenos Aires," "BA Apartments for Rent," and "Pet Owners in Buenos Aires." Landlords post directly, and you can ask about pet policies upfront.
- ZonaProp and Argenprop: The main Argentine real estate platforms. Filter listings by "acepta mascotas" (accepts pets). Not all listings specify, so ask directly.
- Real estate agents (inmobiliarias): Tell them upfront about your pet. They can filter for pet-friendly buildings and negotiate with landlords on your behalf.
Argentine rental culture around pets can be restrictive, but it's improving:
- Size limits: Some buildings only accept "small" pets (under 10-15 kg). This is the most common restriction. Larger dogs significantly narrow your options in apartment buildings.
- Breed restrictions: Rare but some luxury buildings prohibit "dangerous breeds" (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino). Newer buildings are generally more lenient.
- Number of pets: Most buildings that allow pets accept 1-2. Three or more can be difficult. Houses (casas) in neighborhoods like Saavedra, Devoto, and outer barrios are more flexible on quantity.
- Building rules (reglamento): Each consortium (building association) sets its own rules. Some require pets to be carried through common areas or use the service elevator. Ask for the reglamento before signing.
- Pet deposit: Not standard practice in Argentina. Most landlords don't charge an additional pet deposit beyond the normal rental deposit (typically 1-2 months rent).
- Standard deposit: Under current Argentine rental law, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent for contracts of 3+ years. Temporary rentals (often used by expats) may charge 1-2 months.
- Expensas (building fees): Monthly building maintenance fees ($30-150/month) don't typically increase for pet owners, but some buildings charge a small premium.
- Negotiation tip: If a landlord is hesitant about your pet, offering a slightly higher deposit or sharing photos/references of your well-behaved pet can help. Many landlords care more about the tenant than the pet—being a responsible expat with income goes a long way.
Traveling with Pets Within Argentina
Once you're settled, you'll want to explore Argentina with your pet. Here's what you need to know about domestic travel, pet-friendly destinations, and regional considerations.
Domestic flights within Argentina follow the same airline pet policies as international ones, but the process is simpler since no customs or import permits are involved.
- Aerolíneas Argentinas: Pets allowed in cabin on domestic routes. Same weight/size limits as international flights (10 kg with carrier). Fee: ~$25-50 USD equivalent per direction.
- Flybondi (budget carrier): Accepts pets in cabin on most routes. Slightly smaller carrier size limit. Fee: ~$15-30 USD equivalent. Book early—limited pet spots per flight.
- JetSMART: Pets accepted in cabin. Similar rules to Flybondi. Fees comparable to Flybondi.
- Required documents: A veterinary health certificate (certificado sanitario) issued within 10 days of travel. Your local vet can provide this quickly and cheaply (~$10-20 USD).
Argentina's long-distance bus system is extensive but historically not pet-friendly. This is changing slowly:
- Most bus companies do not allow pets except service animals. This includes major companies like Andesmar, Via Bariloche, and Chevallier.
- Small pets in carriers: Some drivers may allow a very small pet in a carrier on their lap, but this is unofficial and not guaranteed. Don't count on it for trip planning.
- Alternatives: For long-distance travel with pets, driving (rent a car) is the most reliable option. Some pet transport companies offer door-to-door service for long hauls.
- Rent a car: Car rental in Argentina runs $25-60 USD/day. Companies like Hertz, Avis, and local chains allow pets (confirm when booking). This is the best option for destinations like Bariloche, Mendoza, or Mar del Plata with a pet.
San Carlos de Bariloche (Patagonia)
One of Argentina's most pet-friendly destinations. Many cabañas (cabins) welcome dogs. Miles of hiking trails around the lakes. Be cautious of chocolate shops (seriously—dogs love them). Best season: October-April. Winter brings snow, which some dogs love but trails become limited.
Mar del Plata (Atlantic Coast)
Popular beach destination 4-5 hours from BA by car. Several beaches allow dogs (Playa de los Acantilados, Playa Waikiki). Many pet-friendly hotels and rentals. Peak season: January-February, but December and March are less crowded and still warm.
Tigre (Buenos Aires Delta)
Just 30 minutes from BA by train (pets allowed on Tren de la Costa). River delta islands with pet-friendly cabañas. Boats/lanchas usually accept dogs. Perfect for weekend getaways year-round.
Mendoza Wine Country
Many bodegas (wineries) have pet-friendly outdoor areas. Accommodation in rental houses and cabañas is often pet-friendly. Fly or drive (12 hours by car). Dry climate is comfortable for most breeds year-round.
- Buenos Aires summers (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid, 30-38°C (86-100°F). Walk dogs early morning and after 7 PM. Carry water. Sidewalks can burn paws midday. Heat stroke is a real risk for brachycephalic breeds.
- Patagonia (year-round): Strong winds and cold temperatures. Ensure your dog has appropriate cold-weather gear if visiting in winter (June-August). Altitude in mountain areas can affect some dogs—acclimate gradually.
- Northern Argentina (Salta, Jujuy, Misiones): Subtropical heat. Higher risk of leishmaniasis (transmitted by sandflies)—ask your Argentine vet about preventive treatments before traveling north. Tick-borne diseases are also more common.
- Altitude: Destinations like Purmamarca (2,200m), Tilcara (2,461m), and mountain passes can affect dogs just like humans. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, and panting. Gradually increase altitude and ensure plenty of water.
- Poisonous toads: The Argentine toad (Rhinella arenarum) is common in suburban gardens and parks, especially in humid areas. Their skin secretions are toxic to dogs. If your dog mouths one, rinse the mouth immediately with water and see a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bringing Your Pet Is Doable
The paperwork looks intimidating, but thousands of expats bring pets to Argentina every year. No quarantine, reasonable costs, and your furry friend can join your Argentine adventure.
Calculate Your Moving Budget