Traveling with pets to Argentina: 6 pet-friendly destinations for animal lovers

Argentina is known for its passion for football, barbecue, and stunning landscapes, but did you know it's also perfect for traveling with your pet? From the vibrant city of Buenos Aires to the incredible landscapes of Patagonia, the country offers a wide range of experiences, accommodations, and dining spaces to enjoy with your four-legged companion.

If you're planning a trip, don't miss out on these six destinations and activities to do with your pet in Argentina!

1) Buenos Aires: Pet-friendly bars and plazas

Let's start with the capital city! Buenos Aires is pet-friendly, making it the ideal place to stroll with your dog or cat. Neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero are full of parks and squares where you can play and run freely. Additionally, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants with terraces to enjoy delicious cuisine in the company of your faithful friend.

Moreover, the Canine Festival takes place (in 2024 it was in March), where attendees enjoy outdoor film screenings with their pets. Not even Oscar's dog Messi can compete with this event!

Recommended activity: Don't miss visiting the Palermo Woods! A beautiful place for long walks and outdoor games.

2) Bariloche with your dog

Looking for dreamy landscapes? Bariloche is the destination! Cabins with mountain views, crystal-clear lakes with beaches, and outdoor activities for all tastes. From hiking trails to kayaking expeditions or reaching the base of Cerro Catedral, it's all part of the experience. An adventure far from resembling The Secret Life of Pets and promising a lot of fun.

Recommended activity: Climb Cerro Campanario, enjoy some movie-like spots, and take unforgettable photos together.

3) Mendoza: Nature for your pets

How about a getaway to the land of Malbec? In Mendoza, you can enjoy tours of wineries that allow pets and outdoor activities among vineyards and mountains.

Recommended activity: A walk through General San Martín Park will be the perfect excuse to be outdoors and try some good wine.

4) Córdoba: Fun for owners, dogs, or cats

Exploring the natural beauty of Córdoba is an exciting experience, but what to do with your furry companion on the trip? In the province of Córdoba, there are a variety of pet-friendly options that allow you to rest and have fun on vacation. From wandering the streets of the capital city and trying typical products at a café or restaurant, to traveling a bit further and reaching La Falda to see the Seven Waterfalls or explore the natural tunnels of San Marcos Sierra. Don't let your furry friend miss out on the fun!

Recommended activity: A hike to the top of Cerro Las Gemelas with panoramic views of the famous Cerro Uritorco.

5) Walks through Salta with animals

With its colonial architecture and desert landscapes, this province captivates from the first moment. Strolls through the capital city with its charming squares and historic buildings alongside your best furry friend are a must-see.

Recommended activity: The ascent to Cerro San Bernardo by cable car to contemplate spectacular views and explore the surroundings until sunset!

6) Mar del Plata: Sand for pets

Time to delight on the Atlantic coast! At any time of the year, Mar del Plata offers kilometers of beaches to run or walk on. Additionally, there are several parks and green spaces to play and relax with your pet. It's not Disney, but it's super fun!

Recommended activity: Don't miss a stroll along the promenade and a visit to Camet Park to enjoy the sea air!

What to consider when traveling with your pet

Where to stay with pets in Argentina

When traveling with a pet, it's important to consider where you'll be staying. Beyond the attractions, Argentina offers various accommodation options: pet-friendly hotels and apartments located in the best areas to explore cities, or for those who prefer to be in touch with nature, cabins, campsites, and other proposals to immerse yourself in an incredible environment. Finding pet-friendly places is simple because in Argentina, furry friends occupy a special place.

How to travel with pets in Argentina

In Argentina, traveling with pets is an increasingly accessible and enjoyable experience thanks to the diversity of pet-friendly transportation options available. From land transportation services such as buses, metro, and trains that allow the entry of companion animals under appropriate conditions, to airlines that offer flights specially designed for traveling with pets.

Requirements for traveling to Argentina with dogs or cats

To bring pets to Argentina, it is essential to comply with the requirements established by the National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (Senasa). This involves obtaining an International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) or an official passport that complies with the required health regulations.

The IVC must be issued by the veterinary authority of the animal's country of origin and must be written at least in Spanish. If you choose to use an official passport instead of the IVC, it must be valid and contain detailed information about the animal's health, including rabies vaccination, antiparasitic treatment, and a recent health examination. Additionally, this passport must be validated by an official veterinarian authorized by the issuing country's health authority.

It is important to note that passports that do not have the corresponding validation by the official health authority will not be accepted for entry into Argentina.

The necessary health requirements for the IVC or passport are detailed in Resolution GMC 17/15, which establishes the conditions that documents must meet to guarantee the health and safety of pets and prevent the spread of diseases. The requirements are as follows:

Health Certificate: The document must be issued by a certified veterinarian in the country of origin, within a maximum period of ten (10) days before the date of issuance of the International Veterinary Certificate (IVC). This certificate must confirm that the animal is in good health, without signs of parasitosis, and is in optimal conditions to be transported.

Rabies Vaccination: Dogs and cats must be protected against rabies through vaccines approved by the veterinary authority of the country of origin/provenance, with immunity valid within the established validity period by the vaccine manufacturer.

In the case of animals receiving the vaccine for the first time, it must be administered at least twenty-one (21) days before their entry into Argentina.

For puppies under 3 (three) months old, it is required that the veterinary authority certifies their age and that they have not been in areas where urban rabies has been detected in the last ninety (90) days before their trip.

If the country or region of origin of the animal meets the standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to be considered free of rabies, the animal can enter without the corresponding vaccination. However, the veterinary authority issuing the International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) or passport must indicate this condition of being a rabies-free country or region. The original rabies vaccination documentation must not be retained and must remain in the possession of the owner or person responsible for the animal.

3- Parasite Control

Animals must receive treatment against internal and external parasites within fifteen (15) days prior to the issuance of the International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) or the intervention of the passport. This treatment must be carried out with veterinary products authorized by the veterinary authority of the country of origin/provenance.

It is recommended to search the official website of the service or veterinary authority of the country of origin/provenance to learn how and where to manage the IVC or passport validation.

For further inquiries, do not hesitate to visit the frequently asked questions section created by the National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (Senasa).

Don't wait any longer to plan your pet-friendly vacation in Argentina! With a variety of destinations and activities to choose from, this country offers the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your pet. Get ready to explore, enjoy, and experience adventures together in this beautiful corner of the world!