After finding out about our year-long relocation to Buenos Aires, some of the first things I began to look into were the regulations regarding traveling with a pet to Argentina.  There aren’t any ridiculous regulations to worry about, but the regulations that exist have pretty specific requirements. After doing a bit of research and having sticky notes all over my desk, I figured it would be more efficient to list all my findings here. And besides, someone out there might find this summary relevant!  I also posted this on the eHow website, check it out here.

The first thing to know is that your pet must be inoculated against rabies. The date the vaccine was administered must be not more than 1-year prior to the date your pet will be entering the country, but the vaccine must be administered at least 30-days prior to entering the country. So double check your vet records and see if Fluffy is due for a booster, if so, make sure you have at least 30 days to go before your trip. Argentina does not recognize the 3-year rabies vaccine.

The next thing you’ll need to do is to schedule an appointment with your APHIS Accredited Veterinarian to obtain an International Health Certificate (USDA APHIS-7001 form). This certificate states that your pet is vaccinated, free of parasites and in good health. It will list the name of your pet(s) and other identifying information. After your vet fills out this form and signs it, you must take or mail it to your State Veterinarian for endorsement.  If you are mailing the form, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can send it back to you. The tricky part is that this certificate must be signed and dated by your vet not more than 10 consecutive days prior to your pets arrival to Argentina. Within that 10-day timeframe, the State Veterinarian (who may or may not be within driving distance) must endorse the form and get it back to you. Fortunately, and endorsement by the Argentine Consulate is not required for travel with your personal pets.  If you need to find an accredited veterinarian, contact your State Animal Health Official.

So long as you obtain the International Health Certificate, your pet will not need to be quarantined upon arrival to Argentina.

As far as travel arrangements for pets going from the US to Argentina, there are a few different options.  You can use a pet relocation company, send your pet as cargo through a commercial airline or your pet can travel on your flight.  If you choose to bring your pet on your flight you can check the pet as luggage or travel with the pet in-cabin.  If you are checking the pet as luggage, call your airline ahead of time to check on specific restrictions like temperature requirements.  If your pet is small enough, you can bring it as a carry-on and store it’s carrier under the seat in front of you.  Be sure to call your airline ahead of time to let them know that you’ll be traveling with a pet, they only allow a limited number of pets to travel in-cabin.  I chose to go with the latter option, as I prefer that my kitties travel with us in the cabin so I can check on them often.  I recently looked into which airlines offer in-cabin pet travel for routes from the US to Argentina. The following are able to accommodate in-cabin/carry-on pet travel:

• Avianca No fee if pet is traveling in-cabin as a carry-on. They do require you use their pet carriers and the rental fee is $40. Call Avianca at 1-800-284-2622 for more information.
• Delta They allow up to 4 pets in coach class per flight on a first-come, first-served basis. Their fee is $150 per pet, each way. Call Delta at 1-800-221-1212 for more information.
• NWA Their fee is $150 per pet, each way. There are limitations to the number of pets allowed in- cabin, but arrangements can be made via their website when accessing your seat assignments and flight information. Call NWA at 1-800-225-2525 for more information.
• TAM Brazilian Pets are permitted to fly in-cabin on international flights only. Call 1-888-2FLYTAM for more information.
• United Their fee is $200 each way, per pet. Call 1-800-United1 for more information.

This above list is not inclusive, however the following airlines DO NOT allow pets to fly in-cabin from the US to Argentina:  American, British Airways, LAN, US Air, Aerolineas Argentina, Air Canada, Continental, Aero Mexico and Mexicana).

*Check restrictions and pet carrier size limits with the airline before arriving at the airport.

The final thing you should do is make sure to have your airline notify the station manager at the airport in Argentina, at least 24-hours prior to your pets arrival, to ensure that the official is there to look at your paperwork.

Fees (as of 03/20/09):
APHIS-7001 endorsement $24.00 per form, but more than one pet can be listed on a form
Pet import fees Varies based on date and time of arrival, ranges from $13-37.00 if you arrive on M-F and $67.00 if you arrive on the weekend)
Airline fees for traveling with a pet in-cabin $150-200.00 each way

This information is just to be used as a guide. For official and up-to-date information, always contact the Argentine Consulate in Washington, DC before your trip.

Now the tricky part… how do I get my kitties back home after the trip is over?