What do I take to the vet first?

The vaccination record with proof of rabies vaccination, and a veterinary report confirming the animal's health and stating the date of the last deworming.

How long is the CVI valid?

60 days for an adult dog or cat, provided the rabies vaccination remains current throughout that period.

What if my pet is a puppy?

A puppy under 90 days has to wait: once it turns 90 days old it must be vaccinated against rabies and then wait a further 21 days before a new CVI can be issued. There is no shortcut.

How far in advance should I start?

At least two weeks, and earlier for a puppy. The 48 hours covers only issuance: before that come the vet appointment, the deworming and, where needed, the rabies vaccination with its waiting period.

Taking a pet to Argentina or Paraguay: the CVI, deadlines and what changed

Taking a dog or cat from Brazil to Argentina or Paraguay

You need the CVI, issued by Brazil's agriculture ministry within 48 hours. And since 2026 Argentina accepts the electronic version at every border

You cannot simply walk the animal across. You need the International Veterinary Certificate, requested online and issued by Brazil's agriculture ministry within 48 hours.

Taking a dog or cat from Brazil to Argentina or Paraguay

Foto: Cup of Couple / Pexels

Direct answer: To take a dog or cat from Brazil into Argentina or Paraguay you need the CVI (International Veterinary Certificate), issued by Vigiagro, part of Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture. The request is made online through the gov.br portal, and the certificate is issued within 48 hours of the paperwork being reviewed. It is valid for 60 days for an adult animal, provided the rabies vaccination remains current. Since 2026, Argentina accepts the CVI with the ministry's electronic signature at all borders and airports.

There is one document: the CVI

There is no "just walking across the bridge with the dog". The animal needs the International Veterinary Certificate, issued by Federal Agricultural Inspectors at Vigiagro units.

The request is made online, through the gov.br service for international veterinary certificates. You download the document and present it to the authorities in the destination country.

What to take to the vet first

To request the CVI you need:

The vaccination record with proof of the rabies vaccination
A veterinary report confirming the animal's health and stating the date of the last deworming

Without both, the request does not proceed.

The deadlines that matter

Issuance: within 48 hours of the paperwork being reviewed. The certificate appears in your gov.br account area
Validity: 60 days for an adult dog or cat, provided the rabies vaccination stays current through that period
Puppies under 90 days: once the animal turns 90 days old it must be vaccinated against rabies and then wait 21 days before a new CVI can be issued

That last point is what wrecks most last-minute trips: there is no shortcut for a puppy.

What changed in 2026

Argentina now accepts the CVI carrying the ministry's electronic signature at all borders and airports. In practice that removes the need to have the physical document stamped in person before travelling.

Allow time

The 48 hours covers issuance, not the whole process. Add the vet appointment, the deworming and, where needed, the rabies vaccination with its waiting period. Start at least two weeks ahead, and earlier for a puppy.

At the crossing

The CVI is presented alongside your own documents at border control. Check what documents you need for Puerto Iguazú and, before setting out, the live bridge queue.

Sources: Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Vigiagro (CVI issuance and exit requirements) · verified 11/09/2026

Do I need a document to take my dog to Argentina?: Yes. You need the International Veterinary Certificate (CVI), issued by Vigiagro, part of Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture. The request is made online through the gov.br portal and the certificate is issued within 48 hours of review.
What do I take to the vet first?: The vaccination record with proof of rabies vaccination, and a veterinary report confirming the animal's health and stating the date of the last deworming.
How long is the CVI valid?: 60 days for an adult dog or cat, provided the rabies vaccination remains current throughout that period.
What if my pet is a puppy?: A puppy under 90 days has to wait: once it turns 90 days old it must be vaccinated against rabies and then wait a further 21 days before a new CVI can be issued. There is no shortcut.
How far in advance should I start?: At least two weeks, and earlier for a puppy. The 48 hours covers only issuance: before that come the vet appointment, the deworming and, where needed, the rabies vaccination with its waiting period.

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