Getting a pet from Uruguay to Austria is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Set aside roughly 20-26 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Uruguay to Austria
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Uruguay to Austria pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before vaccination
Responsible: MGAP-registered vet in Uruguay
Week 1
2
Rabies vaccination post-chip
Responsible: MGAP-registered vet
Week 2-3
3
30-day minimum wait before FAVN blood draw
Responsible: Pet owner
Weeks 3-7
4
FAVN blood draw. Send to EU-approved laboratory. Result must be 0.5 IU/ml or above.
Responsible: MGAP-registered vet
Week 7
5
90-day wait from blood draw date
Responsible: Pet owner (pet remains in Uruguay)
Weeks 7-20
6
Book cargo to Vienna (VIE) via MVD for travel after the 90-day period
Responsible: PetTransportGlobal / pet owner
During the wait
7
DGSG-endorsed EU health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Responsible: MGAP-registered vet + DGSG
Within 10 days of travel
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Austria
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip, implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days post-primary before travel.
Rabies titre test
REQUIRED. Uruguay is an unlisted third country under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. FAVN or ELISA at EU-approved laboratory. Blood drawn 30+ days post-vaccination. Result 0.5 IU/ml or above. 90-day wait from blood draw date.
Quarantine
None for compliant arrivals
Import permit
Not required
Health certificate
EU Annex IV non-commercial health certificate, DGSG-endorsed, issued within 10 days of travel
Export permit (Uruguay)
Not required for companion animals
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test: USD 150-300 lab fee plus vet consultation and sample shipping
Cargo MVD to GRU, EZE, or MAD (first leg): EUR 500-1,100
Transatlantic cargo to FRA, AMS, or LHR: EUR 600-1,200
Second-leg cargo to Vienna (VIE): EUR 150-400
IATA-approved crate: EUR 80-250
DGSG documentation and endorsement fees
AGES/BMSGPK import inspection on arrival at VIE
Critical points to read before you book
Uruguay is an unlisted third country under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. Total preparation is 20-26 weeks. Begin the process as soon as a relocation date is set.
The Uruguay-to-Vienna route typically involves two or three cargo legs: MVD to a South American hub (GRU or EZE), then transatlantic to a European hub (FRA, AMS, or MAD), then to VIE. Each transfer requires careful coordination of live animal cargo handling. Using a specialist freight forwarder is strongly recommended.
The DGSG endorsement in Uruguay: allow three to five business days for the MGAP-DGSG to process the health certificate. Build this into the 10-day pre-departure window.
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
MVD to São Paulo (GRU) or Santiago (SCL), then European connections via LATAM partners. GRU to FRA, AMS, or MAD for the transatlantic leg.
Cargo Only
IBERIA (CARGO)
Iberia (Cargo)
Via Buenos Aires (EZE) or direct MVD to MAD. Iberia Cargo flies the South American bridge. From MAD, Austrian Airlines or British Airways cargo to Vienna (VIE).
Cargo Only
AIR EUROPA
Air Europa (Cargo)
MVD to MAD. Air Europa connects Montevideo to Madrid. From MAD, onward cargo to VIE. Check live animal policy per specific flight.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa (Cargo)
Via GRU or EZE to Frankfurt (FRA). FRA to VIE is one of Europe's shortest cargo hops. Lufthansa's FRA animal centre is well suited to South American cargo.
Cargo Only
AUSTRIAN
Austrian Airlines
Second-leg carrier to Vienna (VIE) from LHR, FRA, or MAD. Austrian Airlines Cargo operates to its Vienna home base from major European hubs.
Cargo Only
Austria import rules, explained
Austria has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
Practical tips for this move
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Uruguay to Austria pet transport
The result is accepted if the laboratory is on the EU-approved list under Commission Decision 2000/258/EC. The country where the blood was drawn matters less than the laboratory that performed the test. Most Uruguayan veterinary laboratories are not on the EU-approved list. Your MGAP-registered vet will need to ship the blood sample to an approved laboratory outside Uruguay, such as ANSES in France, the AHVLA in the UK, or Kansas State University in the US.
Routing via São Paulo (GRU) on LATAM or a partner carrier can be cost-effective and is commonly used. GRU is a major live animal cargo hub and connects to European hubs including FRA, AMS, and MAD. The routing is longer in terms of stops but is well established and reliable. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance on each specific leg with the carrier before booking.
Austrian regulations restrict certain breeds under national law. Breeds classified as dangerous under Austrian legislation may face specific requirements such as liability insurance and registration, once in Austria. Check current AGES/BMSGPK guidance for your dog’s breed before travel. These restrictions affect how the dog is kept in Austria rather than preventing entry through the airport, but it is important to be aware of them before you move.
Airline guides
LATAM Airlines
Iberia (Cargo)
Air Europa (Cargo)
Lufthansa (Cargo)
Austrian Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.