Argentina sets new rules for pets on long-distance buses and planes

How Argentina modernised pet transport on buses and planes

Argentina has formally ended a near-century-old ban on pets in long-distance buses and trains. Under Resolution 2076/2025, passengers may now carry one small domestic animal in an enclosed carrier on services of national jurisdiction, provided they show an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate. The measure overrides rules dating from 1936 and creates uniform standards for an activity that, until now, operated in a limited and patchy manner.

For bus travel, the carrier must be placed on the passenger’s lap, under the front seat or on the adjacent window seat, always secured with a seatbelt. Companies can charge an additional fee, set restrictions by species, breed, weight or age, and establish their own cleaning protocols. Terminals must now designate specific boarding areas for passengers with animals.

Airlines already allowed pets under stricter conditions. In the cabin, most carriers accept animals up to 7–8 kg (including the carrier), with only one pet per passenger and mandatory advance booking. For international flights, the SENASA digital system issues a Veterinary Export Certificate (CVI), a process that can take up to 72 business hours. Larger animals travel in the pressurised, climate-controlled hold, though brachycephalic breeds, very young puppies and pregnant females are often refused. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is currently developing a standardised in-cabin journey map for pets to reduce conflicting requirements between countries.

The government’s move responds to a spontaneous surge in demand during summer holiday periods, when families look for alternatives to leaving pets with carers. Some long-distance bus companies had already begun limited pet services, anticipating a growing market. This trend runs parallel to the expansion of domestic tourism and the increasing sophistication of pet-related ancillary services, from travel insurance to specialised veterinary cover.

What the regulatory shift means for carriers and the travel industry

A level playing field for bus operators

Until now, the few companies that accepted pets did so informally, with no legal backing and inconsistent rules. Resolution 2076/2025 gives the entire sector a regulatory framework. Operators can now openly charge for the service and differentiate themselves based on the conditions they set – for example, by accepting only certain breeds or ages, or by offering premium pet-friendly cabins. The obligation to disinfect vehicles and train staff will raise operating costs, but those who move quickly can capture a loyal segment of animal-owning travellers.

Airlines already had a head start – but face their own hurdles

Unlike buses, airlines have carried pets for years, yet international journeys remain the most complex part. The SENASA CVI process, requiring three working days, forces travellers to plan well ahead. Missteps can cause last-minute denial of boarding. The IATA initiative to harmonise in-cabin rules could eventually relieve this pressure, but for now airlines operating to and from Argentina must keep their own weight limits, breed restrictions and the link to SENASA’s digital system. The competitive risk is moderate: if one airline mishandles a pet, reputation damage could push passengers to rivals, but the overall market is still small compared to total passenger numbers.

Terminals, staff and the push for professionalisation

The resolution also puts pressure on bus terminal operators to create separate boarding zones and improve hygiene infrastructure. For the logistics sector, pets are now part of the passenger flow, meaning staff need training in animal handling and bio-safety. This dovetails with a wider trend: pet travel is gradually becoming a professionalised niche, with its own standards, insurance products and sanitary protocols. The longer-term commercial opportunity lies in the growing willingness of Argentines to pay for services that allow them to travel with their animals, a trend that appears set to strengthen as pet ownership rises.

Preparing for a pet-friendly journey: what travellers and operators need

For bus and train passengers:

• Your pet’s rabies vaccination must be valid, and you must carry the certificate. Without it, boarding will be denied.
• Only one animal per adult is allowed, in a closed carrier that ensures hygiene. The carrier must be secured with a seatbelt on your lap, under the front seat or on the window seat.
• Expect to pay an extra fee and check with the company in advance about breed, weight or age limits – operators now have the right to set their own restrictions.

For air travellers:

• International flights require the CVI issued by SENASA. Apply through the digital system at least 72 business hours before departure to avoid last-minute complications.
• In-cabin limits are typically 7–8 kg total (pet + carrier). Book early, as most airlines cap the number of pets per flight.
• Brachycephalic breeds, very young puppies and pregnant animals are often barred from the hold, so check the airline’s specific policy when planning a trip with a larger dog.

For transport operators:

• Bus companies can now legally charge for pet transport. Establish clear tariffs, breed and size limits, and cleaning protocols to turn a compliance requirement into a revenue stream.
• Terminal managers must designate pet boarding zones and train front-line staff on the new protocols. The longer-term opportunity lies in integrating pet-friendly services with broader tourism packages.