With the holiday season in full swing in Argentina, long-distance bus companies announced that pets are now allowed to join on the ride. The new service, provided by bus operators FlechaBus, Urquiza, and Plusmar, kicked into gear in November and will only be available for a select set of destinations. Here’s everything you need to know to travel across Argentina with your pet.

Why are pets on long-distance buses allowed now?

The announcement may come as a surprise to those familiar with Argentina’s public transport rules. According to Law 26.858, no dogs or cats were allowed to travel in public transport vehicles — the Buenos Aires subway being the oddity — with the exception of guide dogs required by people with disabilities.

However, decree 883/2024, passed in October 2024, deregulated long and median-distance transport. 

“Long-distance bus services are no longer listed as a public service but rather as a registry of private operators,” a spokesperson for the Long Distance Business Chamber (Celadi, for its Spanish acronym) told the Herald. “It means that law no longer applies to this service, and we’re authorized to provide this service, like airlines and other private transport services.”

Grupo Flecha user experience leader Sol Derudder said they implemented the policy to provide a more inclusive and comfortable travel experience. 

“We want to adapt to the needs and expectations of our passengers, and we understand that pets are a fundamental member of many families,” she said.

Derudder added they are working to ensure the experience is safe and enjoyable for pet owners and passengers alike and have high expectations for the season.

What are the requirements to travel with a pet on a long-distance bus?

The option for travel is available for dogs and cats up to 10 kilograms. They must be at least 12 weeks old and travel inside a crate, the weight of which is included in the limit. The crate must be ventilated and present a fluid-absorbent base floor.

Each passenger can carry one pet inside one crate, with a limit of two pets per bus. The pets and their owners will be placed in specific seat allocations in the lower deck.

Travellers must also present a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, stating that the pet is in optimal health conditions to make the trip. This must be done up to 10 days before the date of travel. They also have to present vaccination certificates, including an anti-rabies vaccine applied at least 21 days before the travel date and not older than one year.

Pets that either present aggressive behavior at boarding or are deemed to be dangerous or can cause discomfort to passengers will not be allowed to board. The same goes for those under veterinary treatment.

The pets must be sanitized before the trip, and owners must travel with a hygiene kit including a waste bag, wet wipes, and pet diapers.

Which destinations can I travel to by bus with my pet?

The companies offer trips from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata, Colón, Concepción del Uruguay, and Concordia. Pets pay 50% of the ticket.