Planning a pet relocation from Argentina to United States is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 4-8 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track.
The guide below walks through each stage so nothing …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Argentina to United States
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Argentina to United States pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify CDC current classification of Argentina for dog imports (confirm non-high-risk status)
Responsible: Owner
Check cdc.gov/importation. Classifications can change.
2
Confirm microchip is ISO 11784/11785 standard (required for US CDC-compliant dogs)
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
3
Confirm rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Your vet
Vaccination must be current for entry.
4
Book airline cargo or cabin space
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks ahead.
5
SENASA-authorised Argentine vet issues health certificate
Responsible: SENASA-authorised official vet
Within the validity window required. Typically 10-30 days before travel.
6
Travel to USA. Certificate checked on arrival.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United States
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required for dogs from rabies-endemic countries. Argentina is not a CDC high-risk country for dog rabies, but microchip is strongly recommended.
Rabies vaccination
Dogs vaccinated with a USDA-licensed vaccine or with a foreign vaccine from an approved country. Argentina's status as non-high-risk means the standard process applies.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets (up to 2 dogs). More than 2 dogs requires USDA permit.
Health certificate
USDA APHIS may require an endorsed health certificate for entry. Verify current requirements.
Export permit (Argentina)
No formal export permit for companion pets (up to 3 animals per person). SENASA issues health certificate for export.
Costs
What this route typically costs
SENASA health certificate: approximately ARS 12,000-35,000 (USD 35-100)
Microchip (if not in place): ARS 5,000-10,000
Airline cargo Buenos Aires to US city: USD 400-1,200 depending on carrier and crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): USD 300-800
Total typical range: USD 600 to USD 2,000
Critical points to read before you book
CDC classifications can change. Argentina was not high-risk as of the last verification, but confirm at cdc.gov/importation before travel. Requirements shift without much notice and a trip planned on old information can go wrong at the border.
ISO microchip standard: Argentina has some non-ISO chips in circulation. Verify the chip standard before any other preparation.
The Buenos Aires to Miami flight is approximately 9-10 hours. Long hauls in cargo carry heat stress risk for brachycephalic breeds. Airlines may restrict these breeds in summer months.
Some US states have additional requirements. Hawaii is the most significant: all cats and dogs entering Hawaii require the HDOA quarantine programme regardless of origin country.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
LATAM AIRLINES
LATAM Airlines
Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) to Miami, New York, Los Angeles. LATAM Cargo service. Small pets may be permitted in cabin on some routes.
Cabin and Cargo
AMERICAN
American Airlines
Buenos Aires to Miami, Dallas, New York. American Airlines Cargo for larger pets.
Cabin and Cargo
UNITED
United Airlines
Buenos Aires to Houston, Newark. United Cargo service.
Cabin and Cargo
AEROLÍNEAS
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Buenos Aires to New York, Miami. Cargo pet service.
Cargo Only
How United States handles incoming pets
United States has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
What experienced owners do
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about Argentina to United States pet transport
As of 2026, Argentina is not classified as a CDC high-risk country for dog rabies. This means the additional documentation process that applies to dogs from countries like Mexico does not currently apply to dogs from Argentina. However, CDC classifications can change. Verify Argentina’s current status at cdc.gov/importation before finalising your travel plans.
No special federal restrictions apply to cats from Argentina. A current health certificate from a SENASA-authorised Argentine vet and up-to-date vaccinations is the standard requirement. If your destination is Hawaii, the HDOA 5-day programme or standard quarantine applies to all cats entering Hawaii, regardless of origin.
LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines all operate Buenos Aires to US routes with cargo pet services. LATAM is often the most direct option for routes to Miami. For large breeds, cargo is the only option. Book early as cargo spaces, particularly for large crates, are limited on long-haul routes.
If microchip and vaccinations are current, the process can be done in 4-6 weeks. The main lead time is booking cargo space (6-8 weeks recommended on Argentine routes) and scheduling the SENASA health certificate within the correct validity window. If vaccinations need updating, allow an additional 3-4 weeks.
Airline guides
LATAM Airlines
American Airlines
United Airlines
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Argentina to United States pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.