Traveling with Pets

Beginning August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States must meet new, specific requirements depending on where they have been in the 6 months before entering the U.S. and where they received their rabies vaccines (if required).https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

Driving to Mexico with Pets

Pets under the age of three months are not permitted to travel with you to Mexico.

Only dogs and cats are considered pets by Mexico’s definition.

We recently have had some reports that border agents have fined drivers if their animal is not restrained in the vehicle. They have indicated that all pets must be in the backseat of the vehicle and crated or restrained.

For dogs you must have a certificate showing they have had a rabies vaccination that is current and issued at least 30 days prior to arrival in Mexico. No vaccinations paperwork is needed for cats but they will be subject to visual inspection at point of entry.

It is a good idea to bring proof of ownership, registration paperwork. All pets are subject to inspection at ports of entry into Mexico and into the U.S. and may be subject to further inspection if they appear ill.

You do not have to pay customs import fees if you have three or fewer pets with you. Four or more pets and you must pay a fee of $1,817.00 pesos (about $150 USD)

A good idea is to put your email address on the pet’s ID tag, not a phone number. If you pet gets lost and someone finds him/her, they most likely cannot call a US or Canadian phone number, but anyone can send an email at not cost to them.

Flying to Mexico

Pets under the age of three months are not permitted to travel with you to Mexico.

You are required to have a Health Certificate for pets flying into Baja. Check with your airline for their requirements before flying. The certificate is issued by your veterinarian and must be on letterhead and issued with eight days before you enter Mexico. The following information must be included:

The date and expiration of most recent rabies vacation
Owners name and address
Description of pet: species, age, sex
That the pet has been examined and is free of contagious diseases
The veterinarians license number

Dogs must also have a certificate showing they have had a rabies vaccination and that it is current and issued within 30 days of your entry into Mexico

Both dogs and cats need to have proof from the veterinarian that they are free from internal and external parasites (tapeworm & ticks) and that they have been treated against them in the past six months.

No vaccination paperwork is needed for cats, but they will be subject to visual inspection at point of entry.

You will need the original Health Certificate and a copy of the certificate at your point of entry. You must visit the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection office (OISA) to contact the official personnel working with SENASICA. Once these have been presented and they have been inspected, an Animal Health import certificate will be issued for your pet(s).

Your pets must be in a clean and clear travel carrier with no other toys, treats, beds or other objects in the carrier. If the carrier is dirty or contains anything other than the pet, a disinfection will be applied, removing all that is inside the carrier for proper destruction.

You do not have to pay customs import fees if you have three or fewer pets with you. Four or more pets and you must pay a fee of $1,817.00 pesos (about $150 USD)