Pet Travel from the UK to Argentina: Dog & Cat Import Requirements

Sebastian Miller
Jul 15
2 min read

Wooden dock on a blue lake with an Argentine flag, backed by forested mountains under a clear sky.

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:

the microchip is readable
the number on your vaccination record matches the scanned number
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:

your pet must be vaccinated against rabies
the rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of travel
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:
- distemper
- parvovirus
- hepatitis
For cats, this commonly includes:
- feline panleukopenia
- calicivirus
- feline herpesvirus

Aerial view of a wide tree-lined city avenue with buses and cars between tall apartment buildings under a clear blue sky.

Step 4: Parasite treatment

Anti-parasitic treatment is commonly required as part of the export process.

Based on your notes, treatment should be:

administered within 15 days prior to certification
recorded with:
product name
active ingredient(s)
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):

the clinical examination must be performed within 10 days of issuing the certificate

At the appointment, the OV will typically:

perform a full clinical examination
scan and verify the microchip
review vaccination records
record parasite treatment details
complete and issue the EHC

Shiny metal flower sculpture in a park, surrounded by greenery and city buildings under a cloudy sky.

Step 6: Legalisation

To reduce the risk of delays on arrival, Argentina require documents to be:

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:

the airline
(where relevant) the departure and arrival airports

Step 8: Travel & Arrival in Argentina

On arrival, documents are typically checked by Argentine authorities (SENASA).

In many cases:

pets that meet all requirements are not subject to quarantine
if there are concerns about health status or documentation, isolation or quarantine may be applied

Desert valley with tall cacti in foreground and colorful red-and-green mountains under a cloudy blue sky.

Ready to Start Your Pet’s Argentina Travel Paperwork?

If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Argentina with your dog or cat, we can help make the process clear, organised, and stress-free.

Complete our enquiry form and we’ll review your pet’s details, travel dates, vaccination history, and certification requirements so we can guide you through the next steps.

Ready to get started? Click below to begin your Argentina pet travel enquiry.

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