Moving Pets from the UK to Argentina: APHA, Vets, Airlines and Quarantine Reality

Bringing a pet from the UK to Argentina is entirely possible and thousands of families do it every year. The process is governed by Argentine SENASA import requirements and UK APHA export regulations. It is not trivial (the paperwork has a specific sequence and timeline) but it is well-established.

The 21-day sequence

For related context, see Moving to Argentina from the UK: A Practical Guide.

Day 1: Microchip and vaccination

Your pet must have:

• A microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant — standard UK vet microchips qualify)
• A rabies vaccination that is at least 21 days old at the time of travel and still valid (max 3 years from vaccination)

If your pet already has a microchip and current rabies vaccination, you are ahead. If not, visit your vet immediately — the 21-day rabies waiting period starts from the vaccination date.

Days 2-20: Health preparation

During this period:

• Ensure all other vaccinations are up to date (distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis for dogs; calicivirus, herpesvirus, panleukopenia for cats)
• Internal and external parasite treatment within 10 days of travel (tapeworm, roundworm, flea/tick treatment)
• Order a suitable IATA-approved pet carrier if needed for cargo transport

Day 11-10 before travel: APHA appointment

Book an appointment with an APHA-approved Official Veterinarian (OV). this is not your regular vet. The OV must examine your pet and issue the Export Health Certificate (EHC) for Argentina.

The EHC must be issued no more than 10 days before travel. It certifies:

• Identity (microchip number matches the pet)
• Rabies vaccination is current
• The pet is clinically healthy
• Parasite treatment has been administered
• The animal is free from symptoms of infectious disease

Cost of the EHC: approximately £200-250 (APHA fee + vet examination fee).

APHA must endorse the certificate after the OV issues it. This is done by post (send to APHA, Weybridge, Surrey) or at a local APHA office. Processing: 1-3 working days. Do not leave this to the last day.

Airlines and transport

Cabin (small pets)

Some airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat:

• Air Europa — allows small pets in cabin (max 8 kg including carrier)
• Iberia — allows small pets in cabin (max 8 kg)
• British Airways — does NOT allow pets in cabin (cargo only)

If your pet qualifies for cabin, it flies with you in the passenger compartment. Cost: typically USD 100-300 per flight.

Cargo (larger pets)

Most dogs travel as manifested cargo in the pressurised, climate-controlled cargo hold:

• British Airways through IAG Cargo — well-established, reliable. Cost: £500-1,500 depending on pet size and crate.
• Specialist pet transport companies — PetAir UK, PBS Pet Travel, Airpets — handle the entire process door-to-door. Cost: £1,500-3,500 all-inclusive.
• Latam Airlines — cargo service from Europe to Buenos Aires with pet-handling capability.

The cargo hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled. the same compartment that carries human passengers' luggage. Modern aircraft cargo holds are safe for pets.

Specialist pet transport

For families who do not want to manage the logistics:

• PetAir UK — London-based, handles UK-to-Argentina moves regularly
• PBS Pet Travel — comprehensive door-to-door service
• Airpets — established specialist near Heathrow

These companies handle APHA paperwork, airline booking, Ezeiza customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery. Cost: £1,500-3,500 for a medium-sized dog.

Arrival at Ezeiza

At Buenos Aires Ezeiza airport:

1. Pets in cabin: you collect your pet at arrivals and proceed to the SENASA desk in the customs hall.

2. Pets in cargo: proceed to the cargo terminal (separate building), present your APHA export certificate, pay the SENASA import fee (approximately USD 50-100), and collect your pet.

SENASA inspects the documentation, verifies the microchip, and stamps the import approval. The process takes 30-90 minutes depending on queue.

Quarantine: the good news

Argentina does NOT require quarantine for dogs and cats arriving from the UK with correct documentation (valid APHA EHC, current rabies vaccination, microchip). Your pet goes home with you the same day.

This is different from some countries (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii) which enforce mandatory quarantine periods. Argentina's import process is documentation-based, not quarantine-based.

After arrival

Within the first weeks in Argentina:

1. Register your pet with a local Argentine vet. they will create a health record (libreta sanitaria)

2. Update vaccinations to the Argentine schedule if any are due

3. Parasite prevention. Argentine tick-borne diseases (ehrlichiosis, babesiosis) are more prevalent than in the UK. Your vet will recommend appropriate prevention.

4. Dog licence. some municipalities require registration. Buenos Aires City has a voluntary registry.

Costs summary

Breed restrictions

Argentina does not have a breed-specific legislation ban like the UK's Dangerous Dogs Act. Breeds prohibited in the UK (Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro) can be legally owned in Argentina. However, some Argentine municipalities have local regulations requiring muzzles for certain breeds in public.

Not veterinary advice. Every pet's health situation is different. Consult your UK vet and APHA for current requirements specific to your animal.

Worth reading next

• Moving to Argentina from the UK: A Practical Guide
• Moving to Argentina with Pets: The Complete UK Guide
• Getting a CUIL or CDI as a UK Citizen: ANSES in Practice