Many people travel with their pets to Mexico. If you want to take your dog or cat with you on your Mexico vacation, there are a few steps you need to take in advance. Please note that for Mexican regulations only cats and dogs are classified as pets: other animals can be imported, but the regulations are different. Mexican regulations allow travelers to enter the country with up to two dogs or cats, but if traveling by plane, airlines will only allow one pet per person. If you are traveling to Mexico with more animals, you should contact the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy for more information.
You should have your pet examined by a vet and your pet’s vaccinations should be up to date. Bring the following documents when entering Mexico with your pet:
- Either APHIS Form 7001 (pdf) Veterinary Health Certificate OR a certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian and printed on letterhead (handwritten documents are not acceptable) in English and Spanish with the veterinarian’s professional license number or a photocopy of the license, and the signature of the veterinarian. Take the original and a plain copy.
- Proof of the rabies vaccine administered at least 15 days before the pet’s arrival in Mexico. The vaccination certificate must indicate when the vaccine was administered and how long it is valid, as well as the name of the product and the batch number.
When you arrive in Mexico with your pet, the staff of SAGARPA-SENASICA (Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food) will conduct a brief physical inspection and verify that your pet meets the above requirements.
Travel by air
If you are traveling by plane, you should check with your airline in advance about its rules and additional charges for transporting pets. The airline has the final say on whether or not they will bring your pet (and each airline may have different rules), so be sure to check all the requirements with them before purchasing your ticket. Some airlines do not transport animals at all. Most airlines will allow small pets to travel in the cabin with you, but the pet will need to be in an airline certified travel box that fits under the aircraft seat.
Check with the airline for acceptable dimensions.
AeroMexico regulations for transporting a pet in the cabin are as follows: Pets are allowed in the cabin only for flights of less than six hours. The carrier must be safe and well ventilated. The inner base of the carrier must be made of absorbent material and must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. The carrier must be large enough to allow the pet to stand up, roll over, and lie down. The pet must remain inside the carrier during the entire flight and it is prohibited to provide food or drinks to the pet during the flight.
Land traveling
Traveling by car is the most convenient way to travel with your pet. Traveling by bus and taxi can be difficult unless your pet is very small and rides well on a carrier. Read about traveling with your dog.
Where to stay
Finding pet-friendly hotels and resorts can be challenging. Check in advance to make sure your furry friend is welcome at your accommodation. Bring Fido has information on hotels in Mexico that accept pets.
Returning from Mexico
Bringing your pet back with you to the United States? Depending on how long you’ve been in Mexico, you may want to obtain a health certificate ( Certified Zoosanitary ) from a licensed Mexican veterinarian, to present when you enter your home country. Make sure your dog’s rabies vaccine is still up to date. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for the most up-to-date information.
