SENASA requirements guide for the international transport of pets

For a dog or cat to leave Argentina, it is mandatory to comply with the regulations of SENASA (National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality). This agency is responsible for certifying that the animal meets the health requirements of the destination country, issuing the essential document for shipment: the International Veterinary Certificate (IVC).

At Animal Cargo, we handle these procedures daily and know that technical precision is the only way to guarantee a smooth transfer. Here are the general requirements and necessary administrative steps:

1. Basic Health Requirements

Before starting the process with SENASA, a licensed private veterinarian must ensure that the pet meets the following requirements:

Rabies Vaccination: It must be up-to-date and have been administered, generally, at least 21 or 30 days before the trip if it is the first dose or if the previous dose has expired.

Health Certificate: Issued by the veterinarian within 10 days prior to obtaining the CVI (Veterinary Health Certificate). This document certifies that the animal is clinically healthy and shows no signs of infectious diseases.

Internal and External Deworming: It must be performed with authorized products and within the specific timeframes required by each country (usually between 5 and 15 days before the trip).

2. Microchip Identification

For destinations such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, and certain countries in Asia and Oceania, microchip identification is mandatory. It is essential that the microchip be compatible with ISO 11784/11785 standards and that it be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination for the immunization to be legally valid.

3. Specifications by Destination

SENASA validates the specific requirements of each country. Some notable examples are:

Mercosur: This is a standardized procedure that requires up-to-date health and vaccination certificates.

European Union: Requires a specific CVI form and, depending on the health situation in the country of origin, may require a rabies antibody titer test.

United States: Compliance with the new CDC regulations (online form, microchip, and age requirements).

4. Obtaining the CVI (Veterinary Travel Certificate)

The process with SENASA (National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service) is divided into several stages:

1. Data Entry: This is done through SENASA’s pet self-service system.

2. Technical Documentation: Vaccination, health, and deworming certificates issued by the veterinarian are attached.

3. Certificate Issuance: Once verified, SENASA issues the CVI. The validity of this document for travel typically ranges from 10 to 60 days, depending strictly on the regulations of the receiving country.

Professional Support for Your Transport

An error in vaccination dates or an inconsistency in health certificates can result in the pet being prohibited from boarding. At Animal Cargo, we offer comprehensive solutions to avoid these risks:

Technical Assistance: We review and manage all documentation with SENASA to ensure it complies with current regulations.

Accompanied Pet Transport Service: We handle all the necessary paperwork at customs and checkpoints, accompanying your pet throughout the entire process.

Need to verify the specific requirements for a particular destination? Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice on exporting your pet.

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