A move from Canada to Uruguay with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Around 6-9 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No routine quarantine applies as long as every …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Canada to Uruguay
typically takes around 6-9 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Canada to Uruguay pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm rabies vaccination, administered at least 30 days before travel.
Responsible: Pet owner, Canadian vet.
At least 30 days before departure.
2
For dogs, administer the praziquantel-based echinococcus treatment.
Responsible: CFIA-accredited vet.
Between 72 hours and 30 days before arrival in Uruguay.
3
Apply for the MGAP import permit.
Responsible: Owner or agent in Uruguay.
Several weeks before travel.
4
Examination by a CFIA-accredited vet and issue of the health certificate.
Responsible: CFIA-accredited veterinarian.
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Book cargo space and travel via a South American connecting hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent.
2-4 weeks before departure.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Uruguay
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 required. Must be in place before travel.
Rabies vaccination
Required for dogs and cats over 3 months old. Administered at least 30 days before entry and valid on arrival.
Rabies titre test
Not required from Canada or any other country under Uruguay's general import rules.
Quarantine
No quarantine. Veterinary inspection on arrival at Carrasco International Airport (MVD), Montevideo.
Import permit
Required. Import permit from MGAP (Ministerio de Ganaderia, Agricultura y Pesca) must be obtained before travel.
Health certificate
Required. Issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a CFIA-accredited vet.
Export permit (Canada)
No formal export permit for personal pets leaving Canada.
Costs
What this route typically costs
CFIA-accredited vet exam, echinococcus treatment (dogs) and health certificate: CAD 150-350.
MGAP import permit: variable, typically modest but requires advance processing time.
Cargo fee, Toronto or Montreal to Montevideo via Sao Paulo or Santiago: CAD 800-1,400 depending on crate size and routing.
Critical points to read before you book
The echinococcus treatment window for dogs is narrow: no less than 72 hours and no more than 30 days before arrival. Getting this timing wrong means repeating the treatment.
MGAP's import permit is a genuine requirement here, unlike Panama's lighter no-permit approach; apply well ahead of travel.
There is no direct Canada-Montevideo flight; both realistic routings connect through a major South American hub.
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.
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Via Sao Paulo or Santiago with an onward connection to Montevideo, drawing on Air Canada's South American partner network.
Cargo Only
LATAM CARGO
LATAM Cargo
Via Sao Paulo or Santiago, the regionally dominant carrier for the final leg into Montevideo.
Cargo Only
Meeting Uruguay's entry requirements
Getting a pet into Uruguay is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Advice worth following
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 Canada to Uruguay pet transport
No. Uruguay does not require a rabies titre test for pets entering from Canada or any other country.
No. This treatment applies to dogs only, given between 72 hours and 30 days before arrival.
Yes. Uruguay requires an import permit from MGAP before a pet can enter, unlike some neighbouring countries that skip this step.
No. The realistic routings connect through Sao Paulo or Santiago with Air Canada or LATAM Cargo.
Airline guides
Air Canada
LATAM Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.