Updated November 2023
Whether you are driving or flying to Mexico, traveling with dogs to Mexico is easy.
In 2020 the Mexican government – the OISA (part of SAGARPA-SENASICA) – dropped the requirement to provide a Health Certificate from a veterinarian. HOWEVER only
…IF you are coming from Canada or the United States.
Jump Ahead To:
Requirements and Processes For Bringing Pets to Mexico (if traveling from the U.S. or Canada)
Mexico no longer requires your pet to have a health certificate from a veterinarian if you are from the U.S. or Canada.
However, they do require an up-to-date rabies certificate.
No requirement to provide proof of parasite prevention (fleas and ticks) or lice/mites prevention.
No requirement to provide a record of vaccines.
According to Mexico’s SAGARPA-SENASICA website…
“If you visit Mexico, upon arrival your pet may be subject to a physical inspection to verify that there are no health risks.”
“It is not necessary to present a Certificate of Good Health and vaccination record.”
Note: The only reason your dog may be subject to a physical inspection is if the OISA officer looks inside the carrier and the dog looks sick. Otherwise, no inspection.
We recently flew to Mexico City and they did not conduct a physical inspection of any of the dogs entering Mexico.
In fact, there was a sign saying to keep pets in their carriers at all times.
They did not ask for proof of any parasite prevention.
The did not ask to see a vaccine record showing all the shots our dogs have had.
Read about our step-by-step experience flying to Mexico City with two dogs.
This article will explain what to expect when flying with a dog to Mexico City, the SENASICA OISA office and the importation process at the airport.
Food:
According to the SAGARPA-SENASICA website…
A small amount of food is allowed – one or two daily allowances for your dog.
They would like it in the original packaging, labeled in English or Spanish.
Note: we bring dry food in a ziplock bag and pack that in our checked luggage.
Notice from the USDA about the requirements for traveling to Mexico with pets.
Driving to Mexico from the U.S. and Canada
If you are driving to Mexico with your dog, 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.
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.
Note: Please refer to the section regarding entering back into the U.S. with a pet and the new process.
As a side note, the Mexico border agents are not OISA officers and are not part of the SAGARPA-SENASICA.
OISA offices are not at the U.S. border crossings. There is no one who will ask to inspect your dog at the border.
The OISA offices are at the airports.
FLYING To Mexico With A Pet
Flying from the U.S. and Canada (only) into Mexico with a pet, some airlines have stopped requiring a health certificate to bring your pet on board the airplane with you. Note: if your is dog is flying in cargo, it still needs a health certificate.
The airlines – Delta and United – do not clearly state on their website whether or not a Health Certificate is required.
Alaska Airlines does clearly state that a health certificate is not required. Kudos to Alaska Air for documenting this on their website.
Alaska Airlines also has a FAQ page. Find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling with pets.
Delta & United:
I called Delta and United directly (was on hold for over an hour) and when I finally was able to speak to someone, they could not find any documentation stating a health certificate was required.
Therefore, they concluded a health certificate is not required to fly on their airline.
Direct link to Delta Airlines pet policy.
Direct link to United Airlines pet policy.
Aeroméxico does require a health certificate and rabies certificate in order to fly on their airline.
Direct link to Aeroméxico’s pet policy.
I would also like to point out that the airline has recently updated their ESA policy.
Also, if your dog is a Service Animal (SA), a medical certificate from a psychiatrist (not psychologists) is required.
More information about ESA pets flying on Aeroméxico can be found here.
Read about our experience flying to Mexico with dogs on Aeroméxico and the shocking departure incident.
_______
A rabies certificate is required when flying into the United States.
_______
If you are interested in understanding the difference between Service Animals and Emotion Support Animals please read my article here.
What Happens Upon Landing At An Airport in Mexico?
Once you land at the airport, collect your luggage and head to the OISA office inside the airport.
The OISA agent will ask for the rabies certificate for your pet and also give you a form to complete.
This form has nothing to do with the pet.
Once the OISA agent is done submitting information into the system, they will give you two copies of the Certificado Zoosanitorio Para Importación. An importation certificate.
One copy is for you to keep and one to hand to another agent upon leaving the baggage claim area.
Rabies Certificate
The rabies vaccination certificate must include all of the following information:
- Name and address of the owner
- Breed, sex, date of birth, color, markings, and other identifying information for the dog
- Vaccine product information – name, lot number
- Date of rabies vaccination
- The date the vaccination will expire
- Name, license number, address, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccination
Check the rabies certificate to make sure it does not expire while in Mexico!
If it does, this is a reason your dog may be turned away at the airport.
It’s always a good idea to ask the veterinarian for several original copies of the rabies certificates.
Import to note: if you are flying on an airline that does not require a health certificate, please make sure the rabies certificate includes the following:
- Breed, sex, date of birth, color, markings, and other identifying information for the dog
The OISA agent will need this in order to complete the Importation Certificate.
Read more about the importation process for dogs coming to Mexico.
Returning Home With Your Pet
Bringing your dog back to the U.S. from Mexico
The CDC has strict guidelines on dogs entering the U.S. from countries that have a high risk of dog rabies.
113 countries are on this list – Mexico is NOT on this list. View list
No matter what country you are coming from, the US requires an up-to-date rabies certificate be presented upon entering with a pet.
More from the CDC on bringing your pet to the U.S.
FMM – Visitors Permits Requirements (for humans)
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 or flying across the border into Mexico you will be required to complete the FMM card.
When flying, the airlines will hand the FMM card to you.
When driving across the border, generally 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 (for cars) 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.
Traveling to Mexico With a Dog From a Country Other Than The U.S. and Canada
In general, if you are traveling with a dog from a country other than the U.S. and Canada to Mexico you will need to provide the following information on official letterhead paper from the veterinarian’s office:
– Name of pet with microchip number, bred, sex, age, color and distinguishing markings.
– Country of origin and country of destination including the address
– The health certificate must state the pet is healthy and free from any signs of infectious, transmissible, and parasitic diseases.
– A record of up-to-date vaccines with name, lot number and their expiration dates
– A rabies vaccine certificate with name, lot number and expiration date.
– The pet was treated for endo- and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and worms). Name of the product(s) and last application.
Make sure the veterinarian provides his/her license number with the signature.
Also, a photocopy of the veterinarian’s license is beneficial.
Having this information in Spanish will be best or at the very least English.
Make two copies and keep them in separate places.
Check List For Traveling with Dogs to Mexico
Flying
☐ Does the airline require a Health Certificate? Yes/No
☐ If YES, find out how close to the departure date do you need to get the Health Certificate done? For example, no more than 5-days, 7-days, 10 days before the departure date.
☐ Make an appointment with the veterinarian to get an exam and the health certificate completed within this time-frame.
☐ Bring with you to the veterinarian the Rabies Certificate, the address of where the dog is coming from (your home address) and the address of where the dog will be staying in Mexico. Also the Microchip number for your dog.
☐ Contact the airline to make sure the reservation includes your dog. Pay the extra fee for bringing the dog either in the cabin or in the cargo area.
☐ Check to see if the airline has a specific “airline form” that needs to be completed if you are traveling with a dog
☐ Check the Rabies Certificate to make sure it will not expire anytime around the travel dates.
☐ Make sure the Health Certificate and Rabies Certificate has the dog’s name, the type of breed your dog is, and how old he/she is. The OISA officer in Mexico will need this information for their paperwork.
☐ Is your dog carrier “airline compliant”? Which means (for inside the cabin) it must be of a soft material and within a certain height and width in order to fit under the seat in front of you. Check your airline for specific dimensions.
Packing For Your Dog
☐ Bring a small portable water bowl for your dog. Buy a bottle of water once inside the airport. Your pup will be grateful, especially once you land in Mexico.
☐ It is OK to bring a small amount of dog food inside your checked luggage. Mexico just does not want folks importing a large amount of dog food. They want us to purchase food in country.
☐ Old sheet to cover any furniture where your dog tends go and lay down.
☐ Favorite toy from home.
☐ Sturdy leash and harness.
☐ Motion sickness remedy (optional)
☐ Medications and supplements
Cleaning
☐ Waste removal bags
☐ Puppy pads (optional)
☐ Water-based Wipes for the dog’s paws, especially after a walk
☐ Grooming brush
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!
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 In Mexico. Even if you are not a fan of FB, this private group is well worth joining.
Be sure to join the one with Bill Bell as the administrator.
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.
You may also like …
Flying to Mexico City With Dogs – our step by step experience
Flying With an Emotional Support Dog or a Service Dog – What’s the Difference?
Texas – Mexico using the Columbia Bridge Border Crossing with a dog
Mexico City – 5 Pet-Friendly places to visit in CDMX
Thanks for all the helpful info! We are driving down to Merida from BC with our 2 dogs in January. Do you possibly have any suggestions for similar pages regarding traveling with cats as well? We are still wrestling with the desicion of whether we should try and have our 2 calicos flown down to meet us, or if we should leave them with the inlaws for the duration of the trip. We are planning to go for 3-4 months, staying a month in each place. The thought of leaving them behind for so long breaks heart. But I’m also… Read more »
Hola Liz, Thank you for the kind words. I am happy you find this information helpful. =8-) Unfortunately, I do not know of any blogs that are specific to traveling with cats and first-hand experiences traveling with them. If anyone else reading this has had any experience traveling with cats – please chime in with any advice or experiences you have had. Thanks! I completely understand your dilemma on whether or not to bring your cats with you while traveling in Mexico. Here are my thoughts… If you are moving to Mexico and/or staying in one place for an extended… Read more »
We are traveling to Puerta Vallarta Mexico for a month & would like to take our two small dogs (both under 25 lbs). They are both microchipped, have their rabbi shots, their screw worm paperwork & we will have a cerificate that their temperature is normal a week from the flight. What am I missing?
Hola Joseph! Yes, you have the paperwork correct. =8-) I am going to assume you are flying down to PV, although you did not say so. A couple of things you might want to double check on. One… find out (from the airline) what the maximum weight of each dog can be. This includes being inside the carrier. If they are over the airline’s maximum weight, they can make the dogs fly in the belly of the airplane. Two… find out (from the airline) what the specific window is (5 days or 7 days) before you fly to get the… Read more »
Hi I plan a weekend to Ensenada México and my dog immunization is updated I will be driving over there what do I need other than the USA service dog I’d and vaccines? When returning?
Hola Yesenia!
Whether you are crossing the border in TJ or Otay Mesa, you will be asked to present an up-to-date rabies certificate to the Mexican border agents.
Crossing back over into the U.S. you may or may not be asked to present any paper for your dog. They will do a visual to make sure the dog looks healthy. Easy peasy. =8-)
Disfruta Ensenada!
Hello; we are moving to Belize April 2024. We are going back in November 2023. I want to bring 4 cans of dog food on the plane, so that when we get to our new home in Belize (private driver from Cancun to our home) they will have vet-recommended food for upset stomach. Is there a form that I need to filled out (from Canada to Cancun)?
Do you also know what the Mexican border needs for our 2 golden retrievers to get through?
Many thanks,
Sue
Hola Sue! It will be perfectly fine to bring 4 cans of dog food in your luggage. It’s a very small quantity. No paperwork necessary for dog food. =8-) I suggest you read my article about our experience flying into Mexico City with dogs, if you haven’t already. I would expect the process at the OISA office in the Cancun airport to be similar. It’s good to know what to expect. Regarding the drive across the border from Mexico to Belize. The Mexico border agents will not care about your dogs leaving Mexico. It’s the border agents for Belize that… Read more »
thank you so much
this is the email from BAHA…..”Dear Sue,
Kindly fill out the attached AH Application Form for the importation of dog food. Also, kindly submit a copy of the label for each product. The application will be forwarded to the Vet Drug Registrar, Dr. Joe Myers for review. The process takes three to seven workdays. Once approved and issued, the original will be sent to its respective port of entry; a copy will be submitted to your person via this means. The permit is issued with a ninety days validity period.
The following are fees associated with the issuance of this permit:
Import permit fee BZ$50.00
Administrative fee BZ$5.00
All fees can be paid upon entry.
Regards,
Delsia”
Interesting. From the Belize government?
This looks like a process for someone who is importing large quantities of food for animals. I would hardly call 4 cans of dog food a large quantity.
The fees add up to ~$37 CAD. How much are 4 cans of dog food worth?
I’m so glad I found this blog! I am going to travel with my dog to Mexico from the USA soon (his first international flight…yay!) and I was getting so stressed reading all of the CDC’s and the airline’s pet policy. I do have a quick question, exactly how much dog food is allowed? I am only staying in Mexico for two weeks and I have this travel container that can hold 6 cups of dry kibble. The last time I went to Mexico (years ago) the Mexican TSA, took away my small bag of dog treats that I was… Read more »
Hola Diana! According to their documentation, a person can bring enough dog food for a day. Their documentation also says a lot of other things that they are not adhering to. Every airport’s TSA is different, just like in the U.S. With that said, I would advise you bring the six cups of kibbles in a few separate small Ziplock bags. And if you can split it up with another person you are traveling with, the better. Do not put anything food wise in your carry on. It’s OK to bring a portable bowl so you can offer your dog… Read more »
what do i need to fly within in mexico with my dog
from mexicali mx to guadalajara mx
Hola Hector!
The airline will dictate what your dog needs in order to fly with you.
Since you are flying domestically, the Mexican government – OISA office – will not ask for paperwork.
Only the airline will ask for paperwork.
Each airline has their own pet policy regulations.
I also wrote a small article on Flying within Mexico with dogs.
You may find this article helpful as well.
https://www.travelingwith2dogs.com/flying-within-mexico-with-dog-cat/
Safe Travels! =8-)
I am flying to Cancun and staying for the month of June with my 5 lb poodle. Does he need a health certificate of just proof of rabies??
Hola Susan, Check with the airline to see if they require a health certificate. Although the Mexican government does not require a health certificate, some airlines do. You have to comply with both the airline and the Mexican government. Yes, you do need to show an up-to-date rabies certificate plus proof that your pet in on a anti flea/tick/lice medication. Also bring a list (from your vet) of all the vaccines your dog has had. If you buy the anti flea meds from your vet, make sure that is on this same list for proof. BTW… I just flew with… Read more »
I plan on driving to Tijuana with my GSD, she had her rabies shot back in March 2021, is that up to date enough?
Hola Danny!
Yes, that is very up-to-date. Her booster should be in 3 years, 2024.
All good! =8-)
Hola, it’s me again and my (hopefully final) question out of paranoia: regarding “vaccination records”: I spoke with both the CFIA (Canadian equivalent of USDA) and the airline, and according to the CFIA, rabies is the only absolute must, and as far as they are aware, they have not heard of any dog getting rejected at the Mexican border for not being up to date with other vaccines such as DHPP/DAPP. The airline said the same, saying that it’s up to each dog’s veterinarian which vaccines the dog needs (i.e., other than rabies, the airline won’t specify which vaccines are… Read more »
Hola Masaki
I have never heard of a dog/cat being turned away because it was not up-to date-on all the possible vaccinations, except rabies.
The OISA office will want to see the rabies certificate.
During the physical inspection they are looking for lice, fleas and ticks. Make sure to provide your vet with product information you use to prevent them and when they were last taken/applied. =8-)
Thank you so much for posting. This is super helpful as I’m thinking of taking my little dog with me for a week to Holbox Island (we’ll be flying into Cancun).
You are welcome! Happy you find this information helpful.
Enjoy your trip to Holbox Island. =8-)