Traveling internationally with a non-traditional pet requires planning. Unlike the usual procedures for dogs and cats, the international transfer of other species may be subject to particular sanitary requirements and additional authorizations.
Therefore, before organizing the trip, it is essential to consult in advance the entry conditions established by the destination country for the species to be transported. This foresight allows sufficient time to complete the procedures with the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA) and other involved organizations.
The international transfer of non-traditional pets requires managing the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) with SENASA, which certifies compliance with the sanitary requirements of the destination country.
However, requirements may vary depending on the species and destination. In some cases, it requires import permits issued by the country of travel or authorizations from other competent organizations, such as those related to wild fauna. Therefore, to begin planning the transfer, it is suggested to:
Consult the requirements of the destination country. Access the official SENASA search engine, verify if there is a current sanitary agreement for the destination and the corresponding species, and examine the export requirements.
Consult before starting the process. If the species or destination is not listed in the search engine, it is suggested not to start the process directly and to contact the National Service, which will initiate the negotiation process to agree on the necessary certificate model.
Verify if additional permits are needed. Depending on the case, it may be necessary to obtain an import authorization from the destination country, a permit from the competent authority in biodiversity and wild fauna, or an authorization for the export of fish or aquatic organisms.
Register the electronic address with SENASA —if not previously declared— through the SIGTRÁMITE platform.
Initiate the authorization request. When an applicable sanitary agreement exists, the request to export live animals is made through the Trámites a Distancia (TAD) platform. To start the process, it is necessary to know data such as the species, the number of animals, the purpose of the transfer, the destination country, and the estimated travel date.
Anticipate sanitary procedures and necessary times. Once the file has been initiated, and in accordance with the requirements of the destination country for each species, the corresponding sanitary tasks (clinical examinations, laboratory analyses, sample collection, treatments, and/or quarantine periods) are carried out and verified before issuing the CVI and before embarkation. These tasks, supervised by SENASA, require coordination and can extend processing times. Therefore, being informed in advance allows anticipating the necessary steps and organizing the trip more safely and predictably.
In addition, it is suggested to contact the airline in charge of the transfer, in order to consult if they establish additional requirements for the transfer of the species in question.
To receive guidance on the matter, users can write to responde@senasa.gob.ar, contact via WhatsApp at +54 11 3585–9810 or visit the SENASA offices. For more information, access the information portal for non-traditional pets.
