To bring dogs and cats into Mexico via an airline please check your airline’s website – rules vary quite a bit. Pets are generally not permitted to fly, other than in the cabin (smaller dogs and cats), during the hotter summer months. There are also embargoes on flying pets on many airlines during the Christmas season — actually for weeks leading up to it. The theory, as far as I can tell, is that the cages take up too much room during a busy season with lots of extra suitcases.
When bringing a dog or cat by car, health certificates are no longer required.
Please read here regarding dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, etc. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico
Please have a collar and tag on your dog.
The tag should incudes pet’s name and email address or a phone number. If the phone number is not a Mexican number, please include access code for when calling from Mexico.
U.S. Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries
Dogs entering or returning to the United States that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months must meet the following requirements. To find out if a country is dog rabies-free or low-risk, check this website. Only high-risk countries are listed on the website. If the country is not listed on the website, it is considered a dog rabies-free or low-risk country.
- Be healthy and complete the CDC Dog Import Form. This is the only form that is needed.
- Instructions on how to fill out the form.
- A receipt will be emailed to you upon submission of the form. You can print the receipt or show it on your phone.
- The receipt is valid for 6 months from when it’s issued unless the dog visits a high-risk country during that time. The receipt can be used for multiple entries into the United States as long as the dog has not been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months.
- Cost is free.
- Each dog must have its’ own form.
- The form may be completed up to 6 months prior to entering the US. CDC Dog Import Form receipt can be printed or shown on a phone screen to U.S. customs officials or airlines (if applicable)
Other Requirements
Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.
