Moving a dog or cat from Denmark to Uruguay is very doable with the right preparation. Expect about 6-8 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is no routine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Denmark to Uruguay
typically takes around 6-8 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 Denmark to Uruguay import process
01
6-8 weeks before travel. First step.
Apply for MGAP import permit from Uruguay
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent. MGAP: gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca.
02
Before vaccinations.
Confirm or implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Danish veterinarian
03
At least 30 days before travel.
Confirm rabies vaccination is within the 30-day to 12-month window
Responsible: Danish veterinarian
04
Calculate from arrival date at Carrasco Airport. Must fall strictly within this window.
Administer Praziquantel treatment (dogs only) between 72 hours and 30 days before arrival in Uruguay
Responsible: Danish veterinarian
05
4-6 weeks before travel.
Book cargo from Copenhagen (CPH) to Montevideo (MVD) via Madrid (Iberia) or via Lima (LATAM)
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
06
Within 10 days of departure.
Official vet examination and Foedevarestyrelsen-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel. Allow 1-2 working days for endorsement.
Responsible: Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet and Foedevarestyrelsen regional office
07
Travel day.
Travel day. MGAP inspection at Carrasco Airport on arrival.
Responsible: You and MGAP at MVD
Requirements
Uruguay entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 compatible microchip.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered between 30 days and 12 months before entry. Source: MGAP, gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca.
Rabies titre test
Not required as a standard condition for Denmark-origin personal companion pets. Confirm with MGAP when applying for the permit.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant arrivals. MGAP inspection at Carrasco International Airport (MVD), Montevideo.
Import permit
Required. Obtain from MGAP before travel.
Health certificate
Required. Issued within 10 days of travel. Includes all vaccination records and Praziquantel treatment confirmation for dogs.
Leaving Denmark
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit required for personal companion animals leaving Denmark.
Veterinary inspection
Clinical examination by a Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel.
Health certificate
EU-format official veterinary health certificate, signed by a Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet and endorsed by the Foedevarestyrelsen regional office. EU pet passport not valid for Uruguay. Valid 10 days from clinical examination. Allow 1-2 working days for endorsement. Source: fvst.dk.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MGAP import permit fee: confirm with MGAP
Cargo fees CPH to MVD via Madrid or Lima: EUR 1,000-2,800
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 60-220
Official vet examination and health certificate in Denmark: DKK 800-1,500
Foedevarestyrelsen endorsement fee
Praziquantel treatment (dogs): DKK 200-500
Pet transport agent fee (recommended): EUR 350-700
Total typical range: EUR 1,400-3,500
Critical points
MGAP import permit must be in place before travel. Apply 6-8 weeks ahead.
Praziquantel treatment for dogs must fall between 72 hours and 30 days before arrival at Carrasco Airport. Outside this window, the treatment is not counted.
Denmark to Uruguay is a long-haul South American cargo route. Journey times of 18-24 hours are typical. Ensure crate standards for extended transit.
Both Foedevarestyrelsen endorsement (1-2 days) and travel must fall within the 10-day certificate validity. Plan the vet appointment accordingly.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Iberia
Connect from Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) to Madrid Barajas (MAD) via SAS, then Iberia cargo to Carrasco International Airport (MVD), Montevideo. Iberia operates regular services to Uruguay and is the most practical European option from Denmark. Contact Iberia Cargo for live animal procedures.
Cargo Only
LATAM Airlines
LATAM connects European hubs to Montevideo via Lima (LIM). Connect Copenhagen to a hub via SAS or other carriers, then LATAM cargo to MVD. LATAM Cargo handles live animals on South American routes.
Cargo Only
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
SAS operates from Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) to major European hubs including Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London. SAS provides the feeder leg from Denmark to the transatlantic carrier. Confirm pet cargo acceptance on the CPH feeder segment.
Cargo Only
What Uruguay requires
The path into Uruguay is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Uruguay requires all incoming dogs to be treated against Taenia Echinococcus (hydatid tapeworm) with a Praziquantel-containing antiparasitic. The treatment must be administered between 72 hours and 30 days before your dog arrives at Carrasco Airport. Cats are not subject to this requirement.
Processing time varies. Start the MGAP permit application 6-8 weeks before your planned departure. Contact MGAP at gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca early. Do not book cargo until the permit is confirmed.
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals. MGAP inspectors at Carrasco Airport in Montevideo check documents and release your pet once the paperwork is in order.
Uruguay does not accept the EU pet passport. You need an official health certificate from a Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet, endorsed by the Foedevarestyrelsen regional office. This document confirms the vet’s official status and the accuracy of the information for MGAP on arrival.
Airline guides
Iberia
LATAM Airlines
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.