The Best Way to Bring Your Furry Friend Into Mexico

Overview

You can bring in two cats, dogs, or a cat and a dog as pets into Mexico. This limit is per person, so if you are a couple, you can each bring in up to 4 pets. You will have to pay extra fees if you bring in more than three pets; around $150.

Dogs entering Mexico must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 30 days. Cats don’t need proof of vaccinations, but they will be looked at visually at the point of entry.

We also suggest you bring registration papers as proof that you own the car. All pets are inspected at the border between Mexico and the U.S.; if they look sick, they may be looked at more closely. Unfortunately, you can’t take pets that are younger than three months with you to Mexico. 

To bring your pet into Mexico, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Vaccinations: Make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. This is important, as Mexico has strict import requirements for pets to prevent the spreading of diseases. Dogs entering Mexico must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 30 days.

2. Health Certificate: Obtain an official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian if you reside outside the USA. This certificate must be issued within 10 days of your planned travel date and include information about your pet’s health and vaccination history. Not required if coming from the USA or Canada.  (Still Required if Coming by Air)

3. Contact the Mexican Consulate: Contact the Mexican embassy in your country to inquire about the specific requirements for bringing a pet into Mexico. These requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of pet you are bringing.

4. Microchip: If your pet is a dog or cat, it must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip before entering Mexico. (Not Required)

5. Port of Entry: At the port of entry into Mexico, present your pet’s health certificate and any other required documents to the Mexican customs officials. They will inspect your pet and verify the documents to ensure that your pet meets the import requirements. 

6. Travel in Mexico: If your pet is approved, you will be allowed to enter Mexico with your pet. Remember to keep your pet’s health certificate and other documents with you at all times during your trip in case you are asked to present them again.

Flying Into Mexico

If you fly to Mexico with your cat or dog, you still need an international health certificate. This is a certificate from your vet that must be printed on letterhead and given to you no more than 8 days before you go to Mexico. It needs to include the following:

• The date and length of time since the last rabies shot
• The name and address of the owner
• Species, age, and gender of the pet.
• The pet has been checked out and has no diseases that could spread.
• The number on the vet’s license

Before you fly with a pet, be sure to ask your airline directly about any specific rules. Different airlines have different rules, and as of right now, pets flying into Baja still need a health certificate at the airport in San Jose Del Cabo.

Vaccination

Before bringing your pet into Mexico, you should ensure that all of its shots are up to date. Mexican customs have very strict rules about letting pets into the country. Dogs entering Mexico must have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 30 days.

This is because they want to stop diseases from spreading. To ensure your pet can get into the country, you’ll need to ensure that all of its vaccinations are up to date.

Most vaccines are good for one year, so you should ensure your pet has had all of the necessary shots within the last year. If you’re unsure what vaccines you need, it’s best to talk to your vet or contact Mexican customs for more information. It’s also important to ensure that your pet’s paperwork is up-to-date since customs will check this when you come into the country.

If you take the time to make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all of their shots, you can help make sure they can enter Mexico without any problems. When you enter the country, make sure you have all the documents you need, like a health certificate and proof that you’ve been vaccinated. This will speed up the process. You can travel safely and without stress with your pet if you plan ahead and get the right paperwork.

Health Certificate

Suppose you are not coming from the United States or Canada. In that case, you must get a health certificate for each pet from an official authority or a licensed veterinarian in your home country at least 10 days before your pet arrives in Mexico. This certificate must prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies and distemper.

You don’t need to show this certificate if you live in the US or Canada.

This certificate must be issued within 10 days of your travel date and include detailed information about your pet’s health and vaccination history. It should also list any medical treatments or procedures your pet has had. The certificate must be written in Spanish and signed by the vet. It must also have the vet’s and the clinic’s contact information.

You’ll also need to bring proof that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, in addition to the health certificate. When they give you the health certificate, the vet will give you this proof, but you should bring it with you to Mexico just in case.

When entering Mexico, it’s important to remember that pets may also have to go through extra checks, so it’s best to be ready. Before you go, find out what the rules are for bringing pets into Mexico so that crossing the border goes as smoothly as possible.

Contact Mexican Consulate

If you want to bring your pet to Mexico, you should contact the Mexican Consulate in your home country before you leave. Depending on where you are from, you may need to show that your pet is healthy and meets all the requirements with certain paperwork or documents. You can find out what documents you need and how to get them from the Mexican consulate. 

Also, if you want to take your pet out of Mexico, you should call the Mexican consulate ahead of time to find out what you need to do. For instance, some countries may require that your pet has a rabies shot before it can enter.

No matter what kind of pet you’re bringing or where it comes from, you should check with the Mexican consulate to see if there are any rules you need to follow. So, you can ensure your pet stays safe and healthy while traveling. 

Pet Microchip

Bringing your pet with you to Mexico is a great way to make your trip even more fun. But some important steps need to be taken to make sure everything goes well. Having your pet chipped is one of the most important things you can do. Although this is not required, it’s still a good idea. 

If your pet is a dog or cat, it can have a 15-digit microchip that meets ISO standards before entering Mexico. This microchip should be put under the animal’s skin and registered with the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If you want to take your pet out of Mexico, it must have a microchip that meets ISO standards to find it if it gets lost.

Also, if you plan to fly with your pet, you should know that many airlines require your pet to have a microchip before they can get on board. So check with your airline to ensure they have the right rules. 

When you go to Mexico, you will need to make sure you have your pet’s microchipping certificate. This is what Mexican customs will use to confirm your pet’s name and where it came from. After the paperwork has been checked, you and your pet will be able to go to Mexico without any more problems.

Getting a microchip for your pet is a must if you want to bring it into Mexico and make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Make sure you have all the necessary papers and certificates before you go, and enjoy your time in Mexico with your furry friend.

Port of Entry

When you bring your pet to the port of entry into Mexico, it’s important to have all the paperwork and information you need ready. This includes a valid health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, a passport, and any other paperwork needed for the type of animal being brought in.

Your pet(s) must be taken to Mexico in a pet transporter that is generally clean and sanitary, doesn’t have a bed, and doesn’t have any toys or “snacks.” Dry pet food and water are allowed (see tips above), but any extras, like beds, toys, treats, chew bones, etc., will be taken away and thrown away safely.

On arrival at the port of entry (land, sea or air), take your pet(s) to the zoo sanitary kiosk (look for the acronym SAGARPA/SENSAICA which the Ministry responsible for this process) at the port of entry and present the documentation to facilitate your pet’s entry into Mexico.

When you bring your pet into Mexico, customs officials will check to make sure it meets the import rules. Most of the time, this includes a physical exam and ensuring that all the necessary documents are in order. It’s important to know that Mexican customs can refuse to let in any pet they think is sick, even if all the paperwork is in order.

If you are traveling with more than one animal, each one must be checked out separately and have its own paperwork. As soon as your pet is approved, you can continue your trip in Mexico.

It’s important to remember that you could be asked for more paperwork at any time during your stay, so it’s best to keep all of your paperwork in an easy-to-find spot. Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need before you enter Mexico. This will make the process much easier.

Approval

As long as your pet is healthy and you have the right paperwork, you will be able to bring it into Mexico with you. Keep your pet’s health certificate and other important papers with you at all times when you travel, in case you need to show them again.

Make sure you know the rules for the state you will be visiting in Mexico before you bring your pet there. For example, some states require that your pet has a health certificate and certain vaccinations. Also, some cities in Mexico might have extra rules or restrictions about your pet. Check before you travel and make plans based on what you find.

Also, it’s a good idea to call your hotel ahead of time to make sure they allow pets and can take care of your furry friend. Most hotels will ask you to keep your pet on a leash at all times, so be ready for that too.

It is very important that you follow the rules and regulations when you bring your pet into Mexico. This will help make sure your trip goes well and that your pet stays healthy and safe.

By planning ahead and knowing the rules, you can make sure that bringing your pet into Mexico will be a good time for everyone.

Conclusion

In the end, bringing your pet to Mexico is possible and easy. You shouldn’t have any trouble if you have the right paperwork and the animal looks healthy when you get there. Always double-check with customs officers at the border to ensure all your paperwork is in order, and you are ready to enter. Remember that your pet needs any required vaccinations and health certificates to enter Mexico. Overall, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t bring your pet along on your trip.

References and Other Adventures: 

• Website: SENASICA – This is related to SAGARPA and deals with bringing pets, animals, and agricultural goods into and out of the country. On this page of their website, they explain how to bring pets into Mexico.
• Website: SAGARPA – Mexican Agricultural Ministry