Taking your dog or cat from United States to Uruguay comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Around 6-9 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. No routine quarantine applies as long as every requirement …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States 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 United States 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, US vet.
At least 30 days before departure.
2
For dogs, administer the praziquantel-based echinococcus treatment.
Responsible: US-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 USDA-accredited vet and issue of the health certificate.
Responsible: USDA-accredited veterinarian.
Within 10 days of travel.
5
USDA APHIS endorsement of the certificate.
Responsible: USDA APHIS.
2-10 business days after the vet visit.
6
Book cargo space and travel via Miami or 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, not expired, on arrival.
Rabies titre test
Not required from the US 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 USDA APHIS Veterinary Services.
Export permit (United States)
No formal export permit. A USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate covers export documentation.
Costs
What this route typically costs
USDA-accredited vet exam, echinococcus treatment (dogs) and health certificate: USD 150-350.
USDA APHIS endorsement fee: USD 38 per certificate.
MGAP import permit: variable, typically low cost but requires advance processing time.
Cargo fee, US hub to Montevideo via Miami or a South American connection: USD 600-1,100 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. Missing either end of that window means repeating the treatment.
Uruguay does require an import permit from MGAP, unlike Panama on the same general no-titre-test model. Don't assume the two countries' paperwork is identical.
There is no direct US-Montevideo cargo flight; plan for a connection via Miami or 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.
AMERICAN
American Airlines Cargo
Via Miami (MIA) with an onward connection to Montevideo, drawing on American's strong South American cargo network.
Cargo Only
LATAM CARGO
LATAM Cargo
Via Sao Paulo or Santiago, a regionally dominant carrier for onward Uruguay connections.
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 United States to Uruguay pet transport
No. Uruguay does not require a rabies titre test for pets entering from the US or any other country.
It’s a praziquantel-based parasite treatment required for dogs only, given between 72 hours and 30 days before arrival. Cats are not subject to this requirement.
Yes. Unlike some neighbouring countries, Uruguay requires an import permit from MGAP before a pet can enter, applied for well ahead of travel.
No. The realistic options connect through Miami with American Airlines Cargo, or through a South American hub like Sao Paulo or Santiago with LATAM Cargo.
Airline guides
American Airlines Cargo
LATAM Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.