As a pet parent, one of your first priorities when moving to a new country is finding a new veterinarian for your dog or cat. If your furry family member becomes ill or injured, or runs low on prescription medication, you don’t want to be scrambling for help. As you identify potential vets, it also helps to know what to expect from your first visit. Will it feel similar to home, or a bit different?
Let’s say you’re moving to Argentina.
Where to find your new vet
One of the most helpful ways to choose a local vet is to connect with expats who are already living there. Expat Focus notes that veterinarians are widely available in Argentina and that the quality of care is good, with most clinics located in larger cities such as Buenos Aires rather than in rural areas. You can search online for local veterinary clinics, review their services, and get a sense of their medical training and areas of expertise. And, of course, you can read reviews from other pet owners.
For example, two highly rated clinics in Buenos Aires are:
Veterinaria Del Labrador - Atención las 24 Hs – As the name suggests, this clinic is open 24 hours a day to treat pets.
Mimados – In addition to veterinary care, this clinic offers grooming (“canine hairdressing services”) and also has pets available for adoption.
As you browse options in Argentina, you’ll see that many practices (such as Mimados above) offer grooming services alongside medical care. It’s also common for clinics to serve as pet shops, carrying a broader range of accessories, toys, and treats than you might find in a typical veterinary practice in the U.S.
Expat Focus also notes that veterinary care is relatively easy to access in nearby countries such as Ecuador and Brazil, again with most clinics based in urban areas. Wherever you move, the global rise in pet ownership means you’re likely to find ample pet supply stores and services to support your companion’s routine care and comfort.
No language barriers
If your Spanish is still a work in progress, that doesn’t have to be a concern. It’s very likely you’ll find a veterinarian who speaks English. Many veterinarians in Argentina (and throughout South America) have graduated from, or completed training at, veterinary schools in the United States or the United Kingdom.
In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association sponsors exchange programs in several South American countries. In Argentina and Ecuador, participants work alongside local veterinarians in small animal clinics. In Belize, the Wildlife and Referral Clinic provides care for both community pets and native wildlife. These programs help expand veterinary training and experience while also improving the welfare of indigenous animals.
You’ll need to visit your vet before you leave
Every country has its own health and import requirements for dogs, cats, and other pets. If you and your pet are moving to Argentina, your pet will need:
- A microchip.
- A rabies vaccination administered within the last 3 to 12 months. Argentina does not accept 3-year rabies vaccines. The good news is that dogs and cats are not required to complete a rabies blood titer test.
- A Veterinary Certificate for Argentina, completed and signed by an Accredited Veterinarian.
- If you’re traveling from the U.S., the certificate must also be endorsed by the USDA.
Travel to Argentina
Pets traveling to Argentina by air will arrive in Buenos Aires at Ministro Pistarini International Airport. Your airline must notify airport officials 24 hours before arrival so that an official veterinarian can be present to inspect and clear your dog or cat. Currently, there is no quarantine requirement for pets that meet Argentina’s entry rules.
Once your documentation is in order and your pet’s flight is confirmed, you’ll both be ready to begin your new adventure in Argentina. If you partner with our Starwood team to handle your pet’s travel logistics from start to finish, you can keep your attention on settling in and choosing the right veterinarian for your new home.
