Travelling with pets to Mexico

Here’s the current process for taking pets (dogs or cats) from Canada or the USA into Mexico (2025):

🐾 Requirements

1. Health Certificate

No longer required for cats and dogs from the U.S. or Canada.

Mexico’s animal health authority SENASICA (part of SAGARPA) accepts pets arriving without a health certificate, provided they appear healthy.

🛬 At the Mexican Border or Airport

When you arrive:

SENASICA officers (OISA) will inspect your pet.

They check for:

Clear eyes, coat, skin, and paws (no parasites, sores, or illness)

Proper carrier or crate

If your pet looks healthy, they’ll issue a free import certificate on the spot.

🧼 Carrier / Crate Rules

Must be clean and free of bedding, dirt, or seeds.

Bring a leash and collar for inspection.

If the crate has food, only sealed commercial pet food (up to one day’s ration) is allowed.

💉 Vaccinations (Recommended but not checked at entry)

Even though no paperwork is required, you should have:

Rabies vaccination (given at least 15 days before travel, valid within 1 year)

Proof of vaccines helps if returning to Canada or the U.S.

✈️ Airline Rules

Each airline has its own:

Pet carrier size and weight limits

Cabin vs. cargo policies

Temperature restrictions

💡 Tip: Call or check the airline’s website before booking — rules differ even on the same airline between routes.

🏠 Returning to Canada or the USA

Canada: Needs a rabies certificate for dogs/cats over 3 months.

USA: Since Aug 1, 2024, new CDC rules apply:

Must have microchip, CDC Dog Import Form, and rabies certificate if from or through high-risk countries (Mexico is not high-risk).