September 2023
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Bringing Pets to Mexico – US/Canadians only
Note: Only dogs and cats are considered pets by Mexico’s definition.
If you are 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 not need to have a veterinarian provide proof that the pet has had parasite prevention.
You may need to show a rabies certificate for your dog or cat to enter Mexico. It varies from border crossing to border crossing. (TJ for example does ask for the rabies certificate)
BTW… when driving back into the U.S. the border agent will just do a visual inspection (from the car window rolled down).
If the dog is healthy looking, they will usher you through.
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 U.S. Mexico border. No one is there to inspect your pet.
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 (optional)
- Record of medications for flea/ticks/mites and lice. Plus, heart worm prevention. (optional)
Check List For Traveling with Dogs to Mexico
General
A Rabies booster is the only vaccine requirement Mexico has.
However, we dog-lovers want to keep our furry friends healthy.
This is especially true when traveling to another country.
Mexico has a lot of street dogs who are not vaccinated or treated for parasites.
Therefore, keep your dog current on vaccines such a Bordetella, Canine Influenza, DHPP Booster (K9 Distemper) and a parasite prevention medication.
Regarding the dog’s ID Tag worn on the collar – put your email address not a phone number.
If your dog gets lost and someone finds him/her… they probably cannot call a U.S. or Canadian phone number.
However, everyone can send an email at no cost to them. Just something to keep in mind. =8-)
Download the PDF version of this checklist!
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 will allow you to stay in Mexico.
You can learn more about the FMM here.
Smart Safety Planning Tips
Never drive after dark. Get to your destination before the sun sets.
Stay on the Tolls roads (Cuotas) as much as possible.
If you see a gas station when your tank is half full, fill it up. Do not let your gas tank get below half full.
Make sure the gas pump is at $00.00 (zero) before they start pumping the gas.
Tell the gas station attendant exactly how much you want. For example, x amount in pesos, and try to pay with that exact amount. This will illuminate the chances of being short changed.
Keep two wallets. One with ~1,000 pesos. Use that to pay the tolls, gas, food. Replenish that wallet out of the sight of others.
Keep the 2nd wallet with the remainder of your cash hidden and out of sight.
Get a checking account at a bank that reimburses international fees at the ATM. Charles Schwab is good.
These are prudent safety tips for driving anywhere, not just in Mexico.
We have encountered many wonderful and kind people while driving throughout Mexico. It is unfortunate that a few like to prey on tourist. No different than in the U.S.
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.
On the Road In Mexico (with Bill Bell) Another great resource is the private Facebook group called On The Road In 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.
Make sure it is the one with Bill Bell as the Administrator.
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!
You may be interested in…
Flying to Mexico City with dogs – our step by step experience in 2023
Columbia Bridge Border Crossing – Details on crossing from Texas to Mexico
Flying WITHIN Mexico with Dogs
Flying With an Emotional Support Dog or a Service Dog – What’s the Difference?
Pet Friendly Road Trip – from Texas to Central Mexico
Hi, I’ll be driving to Mexico City from Dallas in January with two large dogs (labrador retrievers). I’ve heard mixed messages on the required use of crates while crossing the boarder. I know that when flying, obviously crates are required, but in your experience, did the border crossing agents require your dog to be contained in a crate?
Hola Allan!
You do not need to put your dogs in a crate when driving across the border. When you go through the inspection station for your car, be sure to take the dogs out and away from the car. They don’t care about the dogs. They are more interested in items you could bring over the border to sell. Such as liquor and computers.
Enjoy your trip to Mexico City – my favorite city!
=8-)
Hi I’m driving up to the Mexico border with my cat and family she is up to date with her rabies vaccine. She also has a rabies certificate so my question is do I need anything else? Or is that it and do I needs health certificate as well? Also when I go to to the cross Mexico border from the U.S. is there anything I can expect from them? What does this mean? “they will be inspected by SENASICA upon arrival” is it an office that I have to stop by after crossing? The whole website is confusing me… Read more »
Hola Cristina,
There is no OISA/SENASICA office at the border. No one will ask to inspect your cat.
No health certificate required.
The only requirement Mexico has for pets coming from the U.S. and Canada is an up-to-date rabies vaccine certificate. Nothing else.
The border agent in Mexico may not even ask to see the rabies certificate. It depends from border crossing to border crossing.
I hope this clears up any confusion you had. =8-)
Hi, I’m going to Ensenada in a few weeks (crossing in Tijuana), driving down from Canada with my dog.
I have a question regarding the rabies “certificate”. My dog has an international health “passport” showing all vaccinations and due dates. Will that be sufficient or do I need an actual letter from our vet? Also, how do they check if I did the tick/flea prevention? Is a recent receipt from the vet sufficient? Thank you for helping me out!!!
Hola Erika, Thanks for the question. =8-) The border agents in Mexico want to see a specific letter stating that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. They really don’t care about the flea/tick prevention. I am sure your vet will know what the rabies certificate/letter should include, however just in case, here is what to include: Date of last booster. Duration of the booster. Date when the next booster is due. Manufacturer. Serial number. Lot expiration. Microchip number for your dog, if you have one. Signature and license number for the veterinarian. Have a great time in Ensenada! Safe… Read more »
thank you for your quick and comprehensive reply! Just to make sure – I do NOT need a health certificate like apparently was needed in the past, just the rabies letter?
Correct, no health certificate required to enter Mexico if you are from the U.S. or Canada.
thank you so much! That’s very helpful!
Hi!
I am going to Ensenada from Los Angeles on a road trip with my family and I will be bringing my dog. What paperwork do I need for my dog so I won’t have any issues at the border coming back home?
Hola Jackie! Believe it or not, the border crossing from California IN to Mexico with a dog (especially at San Ysidro to Tijuana) will be more of a hassle. The border agents in Mexico will want to see the up-to-date rabies vaccine certificate. Bring that and a list of recent vaccines your dog has had. Crossing back into the U.S. will seem much easier. The U.S. border agents are making sure no sick dogs come into the U.S. They will just do a quick visual inspection from the car and then wave you through. They don’t ask for a rabies… Read more »
Ok so do u have to have them registered and vaccinated to bring them in to Mexico or not
Hola Carmen,
Dogs/cats need to have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Bring the certificate with you.
I don’t know what you are referring to when you say “registered”. You do not need to registered your pet with an agency.
Hope this answers your question. =8-)
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!
Does they airline you are flying with require health certificates?
They don’t. But I’m not sure about Mexico’s policies to enter Mexico.
Hi Ailed…I provide all the information on what is needed in my blog post here:
https://www.travelingwith2dogs.com/traveling-with-dogs-to-mexico-the-facts/
If you have further questions, please let me know. =8-)
Dos anyone knows people who can transport dogs from Sacramento, California area into Guadalajara, Mexico?
Hola Manuel,
I don’t know of a pet transportation company. I think you might have better luck posting this question in the private Facebook group called ON THE ROAD IN MEXICO hosted by Bill Bell. Give them a try. =8-)
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 »
Hola Chase! I can appreciate the concern for bringing a large amount of food into Mexico for your diabetic dog. Here are my suggestions. When packing up the car, don’t make it obvious you are bringing a large amount of dog food. Separate the food into different suitcases. Take them out of any retail packaging (i.e., case of canned food wrapped in plastic). Bring the receipts showing you purchased the food for your dogs. The border agents want to make sure you are not bringing in food to sell in Mexico. If you are even asked, you can legitimately show… Read more »
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!
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 ?
Hola Ally! So you want to take your furry friend with you on the bus. You don’t need any special paperwork. However, keep in mind that they will not allow you to take the dog inside the bus with you. The dog has to go under the bus where the luggage is stored. Years ago, we tried taking our small dogs on the bus in Guadalajara. They would not allow them inside the bus with us even though they were in their carriers. We tried talking to the manager of the bus line and she refused. There was no absolutely… Read more »
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!
Hola Kioshi! Nothing has changed. Your dog does not need an International Health Certificate to enter Mexico from the United States. Perhaps the vet should be more up-to-date and refer to the CDC webpage which states: “Effective 12/16/2019: A health certificate for dogs and cats is no longer needed to enter Mexico. Dogs and cats may be taken to the border without health certificate documentation, they will be inspected by SENASICA upon arrival. Please follow the guidance on this page.” Since your mom is driving, the dog will not be inspected by SENASICA at the border. They only do this… Read more »
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?
As long as the dog looks healthy and she has updated vaccine records, she will be fine coming back into the U.S.
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 😄
My pleasure to help you! =8-)