Moving to Argentina with Pets: The Complete UK Guide

Moving pets from the UK to Argentina is a well-trodden path — there's no quarantine requirement for dogs and cats arriving from the UK provided the paperwork is complete. But "provided the paperwork is complete" is doing heavy lifting in that sentence. The process involves your UK vet, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), your airline, and SENASA (Argentina's agricultural and food safety authority). Start at least 3 months before your travel date.

Timeline: Working Backwards from Your Flight

3 months before departure:

• Ensure your pet's rabies vaccination is current. If your pet has never been vaccinated for rabies (uncommon for UK dogs but possible), the first vaccination must be at least 30 days old before travel
• If your pet's microchip isn't ISO 11784/11785 compliant, get a compliant one implanted (most UK chips already are)
• Book your flight and confirm the airline's pet policy — rules vary significantly

6-8 weeks before departure:

• Apply for the SENASA import permit through their online portal (SIGSA system)
• This requires: proof of rabies vaccination, microchip number, pet's health details, and your travel itinerary
• Processing time: typically 2-4 weeks, but allow longer for safety

10 days before departure:

• Visit your vet for the pre-export health examination
• The vet completes a health certificate confirming your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and free from parasites
• Internal and external parasite treatment must be administered within this window

5-7 days before departure:

• Submit the health certificate to APHA for endorsement — this is the UK government stamp that makes the certificate valid for international travel
• APHA endorsement can be done by post or in person at specific offices (the Carlisle office handles most of these)
• Cost: approximately £121 for the APHA export health certificate

Day of travel:

• Carry all original documents: APHA-endorsed health certificate, SENASA import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, microchip registration
• Arrive extra early at the airport — pet check-in takes longer than human check-in
• Your pet should not be sedated for the flight (most airlines prohibit this and vets advise against it)

SENASA Import Permit — The Critical Document

SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) is Argentina's equivalent of DEFRA. They control all animal imports. Without a valid SENASA import permit, your pet will be held at the airport or refused entry.

How to apply:

• Register on the SIGSA platform (sigsa.senasa.gob.ar)
• Complete the import application, listing: species, breed, age, microchip number, vaccination history, your Argentine address
• Upload supporting documents (vaccination records, microchip certificate)
• Pay the application fee (nominal — a few hundred pesos)
• Wait for approval (usually 2-4 weeks)

Common reasons for rejection or delay:

• Rabies vaccination dates don't match (too recent or expired)
• Microchip number discrepancies between documents
• Missing parasite treatment certification
• Incomplete Argentine address information

Airlines and In-Cabin vs Cargo

In-cabin (most airlines, pets under 8-10kg including carrier):

• British Airways: Pets in cabin on BA-operated flights to Buenos Aires (check current policy — it changes)
• Iberia: Allows pets in cabin; convenient if routing through Madrid
• KLM/Air France: Pets in cabin; routing through Amsterdam or Paris
• The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you (approximately 45cm x 35cm x 20cm)
• Cost: £50–200 depending on airline and route

Cargo hold (larger pets, 10kg+):

• Most airlines operate pressurised, temperature-controlled cargo holds specifically for live animals
• Your pet travels in an IATA-approved crate (hard-sided, specific size requirements per weight)
• Cost: £200–1,000+ depending on animal size and route
• Some airlines offer a dedicated pet transport service rather than general cargo

IATA crate requirements:

• Large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
• Hard-sided with secure latches
• Water dish attached inside (non-spill type)
• "Live Animal" stickers on all sides
• Absorbent bedding on the floor
• No wheels (or wheels must be removed/disabled)

Direct vs connecting flights:

Direct London–Buenos Aires flights (British Airways, seasonally) are best for pets — no transit handling, shorter total journey. If you route through Madrid, Amsterdam, or São Paulo, the transit adds stress and logistical complexity. Some connections require your pet to clear transit customs, which adds time and paperwork.

Arriving in Argentina

At Ezeiza International Airport (or Aeroparque for domestic flights from connecting cities):

• SENASA officials inspect your paperwork at a dedicated animal import desk
• They may briefly examine your pet (general health check, not invasive)
• If all documents are in order, clearance is typically quick — 30-60 minutes
• If documents are missing or incorrect, your pet may be held for additional inspection or quarantine

Quarantine is NOT normally required for dogs and cats arriving from the UK with complete documentation. Argentina does not consider the UK a high-risk rabies country.

Veterinary Care in Argentina

Once you're settled, Argentine veterinary care is good and affordable:

• Standard vet consultation: £8–20
• Vaccinations: £5–15
• Spay/neuter surgery: £30–80
• Emergency vet visit: £20–50+

Veterinarians are plentiful in Buenos Aires — most neighbourhoods have multiple clinics within walking distance. Pet culture in Argentina is strong; Buenos Aires is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. Dogs are welcome in most outdoor café areas, parks have dedicated dog runs, and professional dog walkers (paseadores) are a common sight walking 10-15 dogs at once.

Buenos Aires Pet Practicalities

Dog walking: If you work full-time, hiring a paseador (dog walker) is standard practice. Cost: ARS 15,000–30,000/month (£10–20) for daily walks. They collect your dog, walk them in a group with other dogs, and return them. This is a genuine industry — not informal.

Pet-friendly housing: Most Buenos Aires apartments allow pets, but confirm with the landlord before signing. Some older buildings have restrictions. Houses in outer neighbourhoods and suburbs are naturally more pet-friendly.

Dog-friendly spaces: Buenos Aires has numerous dog parks and plazas. Parque Las Heras, Parque Centenario, and the ecological reserve (Costanera Sur) are popular. Dogs can be off-leash in designated areas.

Pet food: International brands (Royal Canin, Pro Plan, Hills) are available but expensive — roughly double UK prices. Argentine pet food brands (Excellent, Vital Can) are cheaper and decent quality.