Mexico is our most-requested Latin American destination for pet relocation — and for good reason. Since December 16, 2019, health certificates are no longer required for dogs and cats traveling from the USA to Mexico. SENASICA inspects your pet on arrival at the Agricultural Health Inspection Office (OISA) and you’re done. No permits, no government fees, no advance paperwork. The main preparation is ensuring your rabies vaccine is current and your pet is free of visible parasites and injuries.
The complexity has shifted to returning to the USA with your dog. Since November 2024, Mexico is classified as affected with screwworm, and all dogs — even US-origin dogs on a short trip — must obtain screwworm freedom certification before re-entering the USA. Our team handles documentation for both directions of travel.
Going to Mexico vs. Returning to the USA — Dogs
USA → Mexico (Entry)
- ✓ No health certificate needed
- ✓ No import permit
- ✓ No titer test
- ✓ No quarantine
- ✓ No government fees
- ✓ SENASICA physical inspection only
- ✓ Max 2 pets per traveler (standard process)
- ⚠ Rabies vaccine current (15 days before)
- ⚠ Parasite treatment within 6 months
- ⚠ Clean carrier (no hay/straw/cloth bedding)
Mexico → USA (Dogs Only, since Nov 2024)
- ⚠ Screwworm freedom certificate (vet, within 5 days of departure)
- ⚠ CDC Dog Import Form (online, free)
- ⚠ ISO microchip required
- ⚠ Rabies vaccine current
- ✓ No quarantine
- ✓ Cats not affected by screwworm rules
- ✓ Mexico is NOT CDC high-risk for rabies — no titer test
Requirements for Entry into Mexico
Dogs and Cats (from USA — effective December 16, 2019)
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Current Rabies VaccinationMust be administered at least 15 days before arrival in Mexico. Must not be expired. Keep the certificate with you — airlines often verify at check-in, and it speeds up the SENASICA inspection.
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Parasite Treatment Record (Within Last 6 Months)Internal and external parasite treatment within the last 6 months. Documentation recommended — SENASICA may ask. If ectoparasites are detected on arrival, treatment is performed at the owner’s expense before entry.
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SENASICA Physical Inspection at OISAUpon arrival, proceed directly to the OISA (Agricultural Health Inspection Office) at the port of entry. SENASICA officials verify: no signs of infectious disease, no ectoparasites, no fresh or healing wounds. No advance appointment needed.
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Clean Carrier (No Organic Bedding)The carrier must be clean. Mexico specifically prohibits hay, straw, cloth, newspaper, or wood shavings as bedding material. Use an IATA-approved carrier sized for your pet with no organic bedding.
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Maximum 2 Pets Per Traveler (Standard Process)Up to 2 pets per person is the standard non-commercial process. Bringing 3 or more animals triggers Mexican customs commercial shipment rules with additional requirements.
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Microchip (Strongly Recommended)Not required to enter Mexico, but essential for returning to the USA with a dog. ISO 11784/11785, 15-digit chip. Implant before departure to avoid complications on return.
Returning Dogs to the USA from Mexico (November 2024 Screwworm Rules)
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Screwworm Freedom Certificate — Within 5 Days of USA DepartureA licensed veterinarian in Mexico must inspect your dog and certify it is free of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) within 5 days before departing for the USA. This applies to every dog — including dogs that originated in the USA and are simply returning home after a visit.
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CDC Dog Import FormComplete the free online CDC Dog Import Form before departure. Mexico is NOT on the CDC high-risk list for canine rabies, so no FAVN titer test is required — but the form is still mandatory for all dogs returning to the USA from Mexico.
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ISO Microchip (Dogs Returning to USA)Required for all dogs entering the USA from Mexico. ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip. This is another reason to microchip before the outbound trip — it’s needed for the return.
Estimated Cost to Move a Pet to Mexico from the USA
Mexico is one of the most affordable international pet moves from the USA — especially for small pets flying in-cabin. The main variables are airline fees and whether professional coordination is needed.
| Cost Item | Notes | Typical Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Pet Fee (Cabin) | Small pets. One-way fee per airline. | $95 – $200 |
| Airline Cargo Fee (Large Pets) | Based on crate dimensions and route | $300 – $1,200+ |
| IATA-Approved Travel Crate | See crate size guide | $50 – $400+ |
| Rabies Vaccine & Vet Check | If not current | $50 – $150 |
| Parasite Treatment | Within 6 months, documented | $40 – $80 |
| Screwworm Certificate (Dogs — return trip) | Mexico-based vet, within 5 days of USA departure | $50 – $150 |
| Professional Coordination (optional) | Useful for cargo shipments, multiple pets, or relocation | $400 – $1,000 |
| Total Estimated Range | Varies by pet size, route, cabin vs. cargo | $200 – $1,500+ |
Popular Mexico Destinations for Pet Relocation
The primary hub with the most direct flights from US cities. Large expat community, excellent veterinary infrastructure, and many pet-friendly neighborhoods including Condesa, Roma, and Polanco. Altitude (2,240m / 7,350ft) — monitor brachycephalic breeds in the first few days.
Mexico’s second-largest city with a growing expat community and excellent quality of life. More temperate climate than coastal areas. Direct flights from many US cities. Strong veterinary services throughout the metro area.
Popular destination for US expats and retirees. Hot and dry desert climate — better for pets than humid coastal areas. Many beach and resort communities welcome dogs. Direct flights from major US cities.
Close to the US border — a common choice for families relocating for work. Strong economy, growing expat community, and good veterinary services. Very accessible from Texas and southern US states.
One of Mexico’s most pet-friendly beach destinations. Large US and Canadian expat community, several dog-friendly beaches, and a vibrant social scene for pet owners. Direct flights from many US cities.
The most common land border crossing for pet travel from Southern California. Drive-in with your pet — same SENASICA inspection applies at the border. Remember screwworm certification is needed for the return drive too.
Climate Considerations for Pets in Mexico
Mexico has one of the most diverse climates of any country. Unlike Panama, which is uniformly tropical, Mexico ranges from high-altitude temperate (Mexico City) to desert (Baja, Sonora) to tropical humid (Yucatan, Veracruz). Key considerations:
- Never leave pets in a parked vehicle — in coastal and desert regions, interior temperatures can exceed 130°F within minutes
- Altitude acclimation — Mexico City and other highland cities sit above 5,000ft; brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians) may need several days to adjust; consult your vet before moving
- Tropical parasite prevention — in coastal areas, year-round prevention for heartworm, ticks, and fleas is essential; consult a Mexico-based vet for locally appropriate products
- Rainy season (June–October) — most of Mexico sees heavy afternoon rains; humidity can affect brachycephalic breeds significantly in coastal zones
- Pacific vs. Gulf coast — the Pacific coast (Vallarta, Los Cabos) tends to be drier; the Gulf and Caribbean coast (Cancun, Playa del Carmen) is more humid year-round
Official Resources & Further Reading
Planning a Move to Mexico with Your Pet?
Going is simple. Coming back with your dog requires screwworm certification. We coordinate both directions — SENASICA preparation for Mexico arrival and screwworm certification plus CDC documentation for the USA return.
Get a Free Mexico Pet Relocation Quote
