Bringing a Pet to Argentina: SENASA Rules and What International Arrivals Need

Argentina is a popular expat destination, and SENASA manages the country’s pet import process with a relatively clear set of requirements. The key is getting the health certificate in the right format and endorsed correctly.

SENASA health certificate

Argentina requires a SENASA-format health certificate. This is not the same as a standard origin-country vet certificate. The SENASA form asks for specific declarations including microchip details, rabies and other vaccination records, internal and external parasite treatment dates and products, and clinical health status.

The certificate must be signed by an accredited vet in the origin country and endorsed by the government authority (APHA for UK, USDA APHIS for USA, SENASA-equivalent in other countries, etc.).

Arriving at Buenos Aires Ezeiza

Most international pets arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). SENASA inspectors are present at the airport for live animal arrivals. They check the documentation and physically inspect the animal. If all is in order, the pet is released. If documentation is incomplete or incorrect, the animal may be held.

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination must be current. Argentina also typically requires distemper, parvovirus, and other core vaccines to be recorded on the certificate.

Parasite treatment

Both internal (endoparasite) and external (ectoparasite) treatments must be carried out within the required window before departure and documented on the certificate. The specific treatments and timing window should be confirmed with SENASA directly or through a specialist agent, as requirements can be updated.

Number of pets

Argentina generally allows up to 3 pets per traveller as personal baggage. More than 3 is treated as a commercial import and requires a separate approval process.