What to Expect When You Visit A Vet in Argentina

As a pet owner, one of your first concerns upon moving to a new country is finding a new veterinarian for your dog or cat. If your furry companion should become ill or injured or run low on prescription medication, you don’t want to be caught off-guard. Along with identifying potential new vets, what will it be like when you visit? Can you expect things to be the same as home? 

Let’s say you’re moving to Argentina. 

Where to find your new vet

One of the best ways to get advice on selecting a local vet is from expats who are already in place. Expat Focus says veterinarians are readily available in Argentina, and care is good, though the most clinics are located in the cities such as Buenos Aires as opposed to rural areas. You can look online to find listings of vets and get some idea what to expect in the way of medical training and services offered. And, of course, you can read reviews. 

For instance, two highly-rated clinics in Buenos Aires are:

• Veterinaria Del Labrador - Atención las 24 Hs - As the name indicates, this clinic is open to treat pets around the clock

• Mimados - In addition to medical care, this clinic offers “canine hairdressing services,” and they have pets who are awaiting adoption. 

As you look for vets in Argentina, you’ll notice that several (such as Mimados above) also offer grooming services. In addition, many clinics serve as pet stores, selling a wider range of pet accessories and goodies than you would find at a vet in the US. 

Expat Focus notes it’s also relatively easy to find veterinary care in countries such as Ecuador and Brazil. Again, most vets are located in cities. No matter what country you move to, with the popularity of pets increasing worldwide, you’ll also have little trouble finding stores that sell the pet supplies and services your furry friend is accustomed to.

No language barriers

If your Spanish language skills aren’t exactly fluent, no worries. You can be confident you’ll find a vet who speaks English. Many pet docs in Argentina (and other countries throughout South America) are actually graduates of veterinary schools in the United States or the United Kingdom – if they have at least studied there. 

In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association sponsors exchange programs in several South American countries. In Argentina and Ecuador, program participants work alongside other vets in pet clinics. In Belize, the Wildlife and Referral Clinic treats community pets as well as wildlife. These programs promote expanded veterinary education and experience as well as improving the lives of indigenous animals. 

You’ll need to visit your vet before you leave

All foreign countries have a list of health requirements for dogs, cats and other pets coming into their country. Since you and your pet are moving to Argentina, he will need:

• A microchip. Be sure to register your pet’s information with the Global Pet Register, too.
• A rabies vaccination that has been administered within the last 3 to 12 months. Argentina does not accept 3-year vaccinations. On the other hand, dogs and cats do not need to undergo a blood titer test.
• Veterinary Certificate for Argentina, signed by a licensed vet, with a copy in Spanish. If you’re moving from the US, the certificate must be endorsed by the USDA vet in your state. Coming from Canada, you’ll need an endorsement from the nearest CFIA office. From the UK, you won’t need an endorsement. That’s because Argentina is part of the European Union Pets Scheme. 

Pets traveling to Argentina by air arrive in Buenos Aires, at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport. Your airline is required to notify airport officials 24 hours in advance, so an official vet can be on hand to examine and admit your dog or cat. There is no quarantine. 

Documentation and flight reservation in hand, you and your pet will be ready to head to new adventures in Argentina. If you let our Starwood team handle all your pet’s travel-related arrangements, you can focus on finding the perfect new vet.