Argentina welcomes pet dogs and cats from abroad and spares them the trauma of quarantine if their owners present mandatory health documentation from a veterinarian. The paperwork is not complicated, but you must obtain it within a specific time frame before traveling. If your veterinarian is not certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), you must find one who is, because only such veterinarian are licensed to complete documents required for animals leaving the United States.
Things You'll Need
- Rabies Certificate
- Veterinarian Health Certificate
- Pet carrier
Instructions
Check the date of your pet's last rabies vaccination. Pets traveling to Argentina must have been vaccinated against Rabies at least 30 days before their departure date but within 12 months of it. The original vaccination certificate will be required for your pet to be cleared to travel.
Make an appointment for your pet to be examined by the veterinarian within 10 days of your flight date to Argentina. The veterinarian must complete the Veterinarian Health Certificate (Form 7001 in the United States) in order for your pet to travel, but the document becomes void after 10 days for those bound for Argentina. This standard health certificate states a pet's name, breed, country of residence and owner's name, and it confirms that the animal is in good health and free of parasites. It lists all inoculations administered to the animal, including the type, manufacturer and batch number of the serums given. The veterinarian should attach the Rabies Certificate to the form.
Mail or hand-deliver two copies of the Veterinarian Health Certificate and the Rabies Certificate to the nearest office of the United States Department of Agriculture for endorsement. Call in advance to inquire about your location's hours and payment options, and whether an appointment is needed. If conducting business by mail, use expedited services for faster turnaround and because you can track the documents should they get lost en route. When your documents are endorsed and returned, your pet is cleared to jet-set.
Confirm with the airline that your pet will be allowed on the plane. Many airlines restrict the number of animals allowed on each flight; just because you have paid your four-legged buddy's fare does not guarantee he won't get bumped. Some airlines do not allow any pets to fly in the passenger cabins, but others permit cats and small dogs to do so. Ensure that your pet carrier can slide under your seat if your animal is going to travel in the cabin.