regiao · · Updated on
How to take a dog or cat to Argentina and Paraguay?
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannUpdated on
CVI, rabies vaccine and microchip: what to prepare before crossing
To cross the border at Foz with a pet you need the CVI (International Veterinary Certificate), issued by VIGIAGRO/MAPA (online request at gov.br), with an up-to-date rabies vaccine and a microchip. Issue the CVI close to your travel date (short validity) and present it at the border post.
Quick answer: to cross the border at Foz with a dog or cat you need the CVI (International Veterinary Certificate) from VIGIAGRO/MAPA (requested online at gov.br), with an up-to-date rabies vaccine and a microchip. Issue the CVI close to travel (short validity) and present it at the border post.
What you need
- CVI issued by VIGIAGRO/MAPA.
- Valid rabies vaccine (for Argentina, given more than 30 days before and within its yearly validity).
- Microchip (ISO standard), its number on the vaccination record.
- Antiparasitic treatment and a vet health certificate.
How to issue the CVI
Request it online at gov.br, with the animal's documents. VIGIAGRO validates and issues it. The CVI has short validity after issue: so issue it close to your travel date.
At the border (Foz → AR/PY)
Present the CVI and the pet's documents. SENACSA (Paraguay) accepts the VIGIAGRO CVI; Argentina uses the electronic CVI.
Tip
Start weeks ahead because of the rabies timing and microchip. Bring printed copies of the CVI and the vaccination record.
Sources: MAPA/VIGIAGRO (CVI for dogs and cats); SENACSA (Paraguay).
Frequently asked questions
- What document do I need to take my dog to Argentina?
- The CVI (International Veterinary Certificate) from VIGIAGRO/MAPA, with an up-to-date rabies vaccine (given more than 30 days before) and a microchip. The request is online at gov.br.
- Does Paraguay accept the same certificate?
- Yes. SENACSA (Paraguay) accepts the VIGIAGRO CVI. Check rabies timing before traveling.
- How far ahead should I prepare?
- Weeks: the rabies vaccine must be given more than 30 days before and the CVI has short validity, so issue it close to your travel date.
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Content verified by the newsroom based on an official source: MAPA/VIGIAGRO · SENACSA. Last checked: 8/20/2026. Found something inaccurate? We fix it fast. How we work.
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