Pet Travel from the UK to Argentina: Dog & Cat Import Requirements
Travelling with your dog or cat to Argentina is a well-established process, but it requires careful attention to timing and documentation. This guide outlines the key steps and requirements to ensure your pet meets all entry conditions and travels smoothly without unnecessary delays.
Timeline Overview – Travelling to Argentina
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1–2 months before travel
Confirm travel plans and ensure rabies vaccination is valid
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2–3 weeks before travel
Arrange parasite treatment and gather all documentation
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Within 10 days of travel
Official Veterinarian appointment for clinical examination and Export Health Certificate
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Before travel
Consider legalisation (Apostille) of documents
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Day of travel
Travel with all original documentation
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Argentina
Step 1: Microchip identification
Your pet should be microchipped, and the microchip number must match every document exactly.
Before your certification appointment, its worth double-checking:
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the microchip is readable
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the number on your vaccination record matches the scanned number
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your pets details (name, species, breed, date of birth) are consistent across paperwork
Step 2: Rabies vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination is a core requirement for many international journeys.
In general terms:
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your pet must be vaccinated against rabies
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the rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of travel
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rabies vaccination evidence is typically referenced in, or attached to, the export paperwork
Note: Pets under 90 days old may be able to travel without rabies vaccination depending on certification and the specific circumstances. If this applies to you, confirm the current rules carefully before making travel plans.
Step 3: Routine Vaccinations (Recommended)
Even where not strictly required for certification, its sensible to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
For dogs, this commonly includes:
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distemper
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parvovirus
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hepatitis
For cats, this commonly includes:
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feline panleukopenia
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calicivirus
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feline herpesvirus
Step 4: Parasite treatment
Anti-parasitic treatment is commonly required as part of the export process.
Based on your notes, treatment should be:
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administered within 15 days prior to certification
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recorded with:
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product name
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active ingredient(s)
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date of administration
If you’re unsure what counts as acceptable evidence, it’s best to confirm with your certifying OV before the appointment.
Step 5: Export Health Certificate (EHC 3887)
Argentina requires a UK-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 3887) completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV).
Key timing points (as provided):
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the clinical examination must be performed within 10 days of issuing the certificate
At the appointment, the OV will typically:
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perform a full clinical examination
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scan and verify the microchip
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review vaccination records
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record parasite treatment details
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complete and issue the EHC
Step 6: Legalisation
To reduce the risk of delays on arrival, Argentina require documents to be:
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legalised with an Apostille via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
This step isn’t always discussed early, but it can be important especially if you’re travelling on a tight timeline.
Step 7: Airline Requirements & Fit to Fly
Some airlines may ask for a Fit to Fly certificate in addition to the Export Health Certificate.
Because airline policies vary, owners should confirm requirements directly with:
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the airline
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(where relevant) the departure and arrival airports
