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Mérida, Yucatán Mexico

Driving To Mexico With Dogs

January 2023

Driving to Mexico with a dog is less stressful now that Mexico has new pet requirements for entering Mexico from the U.S. and Canada by car.

In November 2019, Mexico relaxed the regulations about bringing pets to Mexico.

Bringing Pets to Mexico – US/Canadians only

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

What changed for driving to Mexico with  pets?

As of November 2019, driving to Mexico with your dog or cat, you do not need to spend the money to go to a veterinarian and get a health certificate.

You do an up-to-date vaccine record and parasite prevention.

You do need to provide a rabies certificate for your dog or cat to enter Mexico.

What has not changed

  • Only a small amount of dog food is allowed to be brought into the country (enough for a week or two is OK)

Here is a link from the USDA confirming the new requirements for bringing pets to Mexico.

Will my dog be inspected at the border?

Mexico border agents are not OISA officers. Therefore they are not part of the SAGARPA-SENASICA which oversees the importation of animals.

There is not an OISA office at the border. No one is there to inspect your pet.

I have been told that at some of the border crossings into Mexico they will ask for the rabies certificate (TJ for example).

Documents to have while traveling

Although Mexico does not require a health certificate to enter with your dog, it is always a good idea to have following documentation with you:

  • An up-to-date rabies certificate. Some border crossing stations are asking for proof of a rabies vaccine.
  • Vaccination record of vaccines and due dates
  • Record of medications for flea/ticks/mites and lice. Plus, heart worm prevention.

Crossing the border back into the U.S.

Both Mexico and the U.S. requires proof of an up-to-date rabies
vaccine for your dog or cat.

The U.S. border agent will do a visual inspection (windows rolled down) to make sure the dog/cat looks healthy.

More from the CDC on bringing your pet in to the U.S.

NEW Visitors Permits Requirements (for humans) To Enter Mexico

Getting a FMM is not the same as it used to be. The Mexico Immigration Office no longer allows tourists to visit Mexico for up to 180-days automatically.

A FMM is a visitors permit, known as Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM. It is what you need to enter Mexico legally.

When driving across the border you will be required to complete the FMM card at the immigration office.

Often times the desk for the FMM is in the same building where the desk is for the TIP (temporary import permit, for cars) is located.

The immigration official will ask how long you intend to stay in Mexico.

Be sure to let them know your plans so that they provide you with sufficient days for your visit.

The immigration official may ask for proof of how long you are staying; such as hotel, Airbnb, and VRBO reservations. If you are flying out, show the airline ticket.

Be sure to surrender your FMM and TIP when leaving Mexico!

Their new systems will keep track of your entry and departure. The officials will look you up on their system before determining how many days they allow you to stay in Mexico.

You can learn more about the FMM here.

Travel Resources

The GrinGO App for traveling in Mexico.

WAZE is the best app for directions and up-to-date information on accidents and where the police are. All information is supplied by other drivers. It is also a great resource to contact other drivers around you to find out why you find yourself stuck in traffic.

Another great resource is the private Facebook group called On The Road To Mexico.  Even if you are not a fan of FB, this private group is well worth joining.

There are 56K+ members who can help to answer your questions real-time with up-to-date travel information all throughout Mexico.

Google Translate, as it allows you to use your phone’s camera to translate menus, signs, ads etc if you are not familiar with Spanish.

WhatsApp for free texting and internet phone calls all over the world.

Uber and DiDi for ride -share services. Very inexpensive in Mexico. Note: not all states in Mexico allow ride-share services.

As always… safe travels!

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My Reviews on 10 Pet Friendly Airbnb Lodgings

Flying WITHIN Mexico with Dogs

Thinking of Moving to Mexico? Read the 2023 Immigration Guide

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Ailed Gomez

So I decided to take my pups last minute with me to Cancun, Veracruz, & Xalapa. I have a Mexican passport. I’m traveling via airlines. It’s all good with my airline, BUT I’m worried about getting them in Mexico. I have dogs & they have been in the US since birth for 6 years. They are all up to date on their shots and just got their regular check up on Jan 13, 2023. I’m set to leave March 17, 2023 & not sure what I need. The websites are a bit confusing. I would appreciate your help. Thank you!

Ailed Gomez

They don’t. But I’m not sure about Mexico’s policies to enter Mexico.

Manuel Nunez San Roman

Dos anyone knows people who can transport dogs from Sacramento, California area into Guadalajara, Mexico?

Chase Wickstrom

I am hoping you could help advise about dog food. I have seen on several websites where you can only bring one day’s worth of food for your dog. We are driving into Baja, it will take 3-4 days to get to our destination, and will be there with two dogs for 3 months. They are both on prescription diets, and one is a diabetic so the right food is critical. Can you present a prescription for food at the border, and thereby be allowed to bring in a large supply? The diabetic dog is a big Labrador retriever so… Read more »

Chase Wickstrom

This is so very helpful. Thank you! We did get an alternative recommendation from our vet we should be able to get at Costco after arrival but this should help us get at least enough food to get down to Los Barriles, and a few days before we make the trek to Cabo for supplies. We will carry the invoice and script from the vet as well just in case they ask. Again thank you for the help!

Ally

Hello! We are going to Puerto Vallarta Mexico in a few months and we cross the tj border by car but then we will take the bus from tj to Puerto Vallarta and we are taking my chihuahua terrier mix with us. Do you know what we might need for her to go on the bus ?

Kioshi

Hi my mom will be traveling with her yorkie/chihuahua mix dog by car to Mexico. I spoke to vet and they said they will need international health certificate. Has it changed recently? Website didn’t really helped. It has listed for when pets are coming in to US but I’m confused. Would those rules apply likewise even though her dog is traveling from US to begin with? We are in GA so it will be a drive but excited!

Kioshi

Hi thank you kindly for responding! Her dog is up to date on vaccines so coming back to US shouldn’t be a problem then?

Kioshi

Thank you so much for your help!! Our vet insisted that we needed a health certificate and they called to check. Saved $225! Thanks again 😄

Terese

Hi there we are traveling to Merida Mexico from Laredo Tx around Oct 8 or 9. It looks like you went to Merida. I would love your route and what pet friendly places you stayed in. It looks like the Las Palmas Hotel would be great. Any info you have is greatly appreciated. We have an 80 lb. 2 year old. Thank you Terese

Lisa

We are looking at driving to rocky point from AZ. When looking up rules and regulations for bringing a dog with us I see that they have to be crated. Is this correct? We have 100 pound rottie who does not have a crate, can we bring him? Thanks for your help.

Mischell Ramirez

Hello and thank you so much for this information! It was very helpful 🙂
I need to cross to tijuana from San Diego and I have a puppy he’s only 2 months and a half, he doesn’t have his rabbies vaccine yet, can he still cross back to SD?
Thank you so much

Kayla

Hello
Thank you for providing many details, your knowledge is very appreciated.
What route do you recommend …
I’m looking to travel from St. John’s Canada to playa Del Carmen with 1 dog.
What will I need to cross the boarders ??

Liliaana

Dear DLWright,
Thank you for all the great information that you have provided.
May I ask this question?
We are moving permanently from Los Angeles to Baja California Sur, we’re driving and entering the border in Mexicali. with our 2 labradoodles who have all the necessary documents from the veterinarian. You mention we don’t need Temporary Vehicle Import Permit? do we need a FMM?
Thank you
Liliaana