Latest Modification Date: 1/2/24
How to bring your pets to Mexico: dog and cats
Moving to a different country with your pets may be challenging. Making sure they are comfortable in the flight or car is one thing, but going through legal migration procedures can be nerve wrecking.
Everyone who has a pet will understand that they are part of the family and cannot be left behind when the time comes to say goodbye to your hometown. If you’re planning to move somewhere in Mexico for work or even just for a few months as a tourist, you are probably wondering how to take your best friend safely with you.
According to the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad (SENASICA), which stands for the National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality, you can enter the country with two dogs or cats per person.
If you are traveling from the U.S. or Canada, even though it is currently not obligatory to present a health certificate for your pet, we do strongly recommend carrying it with you just in case it is needed at some point. Requirements are constantly updated, so check official websites before your trip.
Documentation includes proof for rabies and other vaccines, and general information to demonstrate your dog or cat is in good health. If you are traveling from other countries outside the U.S. or Canada, it will be necessary to show a health certification with a maximum validity of 15 days after it was issued by an official veterinarian or the competent authority, in original and copy, with the following elements:
Printed professional license number or photocopy of the same (or its equivalent).
Name and address of the exporter (in the country of origin or provenance) and the importer (destination address in Mexico).
Application date of the rabies vaccine and its validity (animals under 3 months of age are exempt).
An inspection prior to their trip stating that the animal(s) were found to be clinically healthy and that the animal(s) have been dewormed internally and externally within the previous six months so they are free of ectoparasites.
You will be asked to present your pet in a clean cage or carrier to the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA) or the personnel working directly with the SENASICA at the airport, cruise or land entry port.
Authorities will inspect your dog(s) or cat(s) to verify they don’t have signs of infectious or contagious diseases, that they are free from ectoparasites (flees, lice, ticks, etc), and that they don’t have any fresh or healing wounds.
If your pet is under treatment for any injury or infection, it’s important to show a veterinarian diagnostic and treatment in a letterhead with the professional registration number of the expert.
Also only the portion of food and water used to feed the animal during the day of arrival is allowed.
If the carrier is dirty or contains bed materials, toys, or anything else, a disinfection will be applied and all objects will be destroyed.
Consider that airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets, so it's advised to check with the company you are traveling with to determine what requirements they may have.
Leaving your own country and the life you know behind is hard enough, so if you are looking for an effortless transition to your new beginning Xpats is here to help! Check out the options we have to help you start your new journey.
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How to bring your pets to Mexico
November 9, 2023
Jean G. Fowler
How to bring your pets to Mexico
November 9, 2023
Jean G. Fowler
How to bring your pets to Mexico: dog and cats
Moving to a different country with your pets may be challenging. Making sure they are comfortable in the flight or car is one thing, but going through legal migration procedures can be nerve wrecking.
Everyone who has a pet will understand that they are part of the family and cannot be left behind when the time comes to say goodbye to your hometown. If you’re planning to move somewhere in Mexico for work or even just for a few months as a tourist, you are probably wondering how to take your best friend safely with you.
According to the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad (SENASICA), which stands for the National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality, you can enter the country with two dogs or cats per person.
If you are traveling from the U.S. or Canada, even though it is currently not obligatory to present a health certificate for your pet, we do strongly recommend carrying it with you just in case it is needed at some point. Requirements are constantly updated, so check official websites before your trip.
Documentation includes proof for rabies and other vaccines, and general information to demonstrate your dog or cat is in good health. If you are traveling from other countries outside the U.S. or Canada, it will be necessary to show a health certification with a maximum validity of 15 days after it was issued by an official veterinarian or the competent authority, in original and copy, with the following elements:
Printed professional license number or photocopy of the same (or its equivalent).
Name and address of the exporter (in the country of origin or provenance) and the importer (destination address in Mexico).
Application date of the rabies vaccine and its validity (animals under 3 months of age are exempt).
An inspection prior to their trip stating that the animal(s) were found to be clinically healthy and that the animal(s) have been dewormed internally and externally within the previous six months so they are free of ectoparasites.
Latest Modification Date: 1/2/24
You will be asked to present your pet in a clean cage or carrier to the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA) or the personnel working directly with the SENASICA at the airport, cruise or land entry port.
Authorities will inspect your dog(s) or cat(s) to verify they don’t have signs of infectious or contagious diseases, that they are free from ectoparasites (flees, lice, ticks, etc), and that they don’t have any fresh or healing wounds.
If your pet is under treatment for any injury or infection, it’s important to show a veterinarian diagnostic and treatment in a letterhead with the professional registration number of the expert.
Also only the portion of food and water used to feed the animal during the day of arrival is allowed.
If the carrier is dirty or contains bed materials, toys, or anything else, a disinfection will be applied and all objects will be destroyed.
Consider that airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets, so it's advised to check with the company you are traveling with to determine what requirements they may have.
Leaving your own country and the life you know behind is hard enough, so if you are looking for an effortless transition to your new beginning Xpats is here to help! Check out the options we have to help you start your new journey.
