Bringing a pet to Uruguay

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Uruguay has moderately strict pet import requirements that vary depending on the rabies-risk classification of the country of origin. There is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from low-risk countries if all documentation and health checks are in order, but pets from high-risk areas face stricter rules and possible isolation. Expect to provide a valid rabies vaccination certificate, microchip, and a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian, and always confirm the specific origin-based requirements before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Uruguay.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before arrival)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for dogs from rabies-free origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before arrival)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for dogs from low-risk origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before arrival)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival by an official veterinarian

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No additional requirements for dogs from high-risk origins.

Frequently asked questions

No, Uruguay does not require a rabies titer test (FAVN) for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is sufficient.
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before arrival in Uruguay. There is no maximum validity period specified, but the vaccine must be current (typically 1-3 years depending on the vaccine type).
No, Uruguay does not impose quarantine for dogs from any country. Your dog can proceed directly to your accommodation upon arrival, provided all documents are in order.
Uruguay does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 5 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries (MGAP) for guidance on larger numbers.
No, Uruguay does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must still have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. No special documentation for service animals is recognized.
The health certificate must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Uruguay. It must include a statement that the dog is healthy and free from infectious diseases.
Yes, an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip is mandatory. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given. If your dog has a non-ISO chip, bring your own scanner or have the chip replaced.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Uruguay.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, with 21-day wait completed)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin country authority (e.g., USDA, DEFRA)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit required for this tier.

No quarantine upon arrival.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, with 21-day wait completed)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin country authority (e.g., USDA, DEFRA)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No titer test or import permit required for this tier.

No quarantine upon arrival.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, with 21-day wait completed)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by origin country authority (e.g., USDA, DEFRA)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) result showing ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 90 days before travel
  • Import permit from Uruguay's Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MGAP.

No quarantine upon arrival if all documentation is in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The United States is classified as low-risk for rabies. Cats from the US do not need a FAVN titer test or import permit — only a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Uruguay generally allows up to 2 cats per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 2, the shipment may be treated as commercial and require additional permits, customs clearance, and possible quarantine. Confirm with MGAP before travel.
No. Uruguay does not recognize emotional support animals as exempt from standard import rules. Service animals (e.g., guide dogs) may have slightly different rules, but for cats, all standard requirements — microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate — apply regardless of the animal's role.
Most airlines allow cats as carry-on in the cabin or as checked baggage depending on size and airline policy. Uruguay's Ministry of Livestock does not restrict the mode of arrival, but the airline must accept the pet. Always confirm with the airline at least 72 hours before departure.
Uruguay requires rabies vaccinations to be valid at the time of entry. Once inside the country, local veterinary regulations apply — you should keep the vaccine up to date. There is no specific penalty for expiration after arrival, but it is recommended to maintain current vaccination for your cat's health and for any future travel.
Yes. All documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation. The health certificate should be issued by an official veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK). The translation must be done by a sworn translator in Uruguay or by the issuing authority.
Uruguay does not set a specific minimum age for cats, but the rabies vaccination must be given at 12 weeks of age or older, and the 21-day waiting period after vaccination must be completed before travel. This effectively means a kitten must be at least 15 weeks old to enter.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Uruguay.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No import permit or quarantine required for ferrets from rabies-free origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

No import permit or quarantine required for ferrets from low-risk origins.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from Uruguay's Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Import permit must be obtained from MGAP before travel. No quarantine upon arrival, but all documents must be presented at entry.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The US is classified as low-risk, so a FAVN titer test is not required. Only ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia) need a titer test, with a minimum 30-day wait after vaccination and results ≥0.5 IU/mL.
Uruguay generally allows up to 5 pets per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, commercial import regulations apply, which may require additional permits and inspections.
No. Uruguay does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import rules. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements.
No. Rabies vaccination is required, and the minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks. A ferret must be at least 12 weeks old on the day of vaccination, plus a 21-day wait after the vaccine, so the earliest entry age is about 15 weeks.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. If it expires before arrival, you will be denied entry or the ferret may be placed in quarantine at your expense. Plan your vet visit accordingly.
No. Ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk origins (including EU countries) do not need an import permit. Only ferrets from high-risk countries require a permit from MGAP.
No. Uruguay does not impose quarantine on ferrets arriving from any origin, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and titer test if applicable) is in order.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before travel and no more than 12 months prior. A government-issued health certificate endorsed by the veterinary authority of the origin country is required, and it must be issued within 10 days of departure.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Uruguay, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Uruguay's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.