Requirements to travel to Mexico with a dog: US guide

Wondering if your furry friend can tag along to Mexico with you?

Traveling to Mexico with a dog is pretty straightforward, especially if you're driving across the border. Flying can be a bit more complicated since airlines often have separate pet policies on top of official requirements, but it's still doable.

Mexico doesn't require a health certificate for dogs entering the country, but they'll need to pass a physical inspection. However, you'll need a fair amount of paperwork to bring your pet back to the US with you, even if they normally live there.

Here's everything you need to know.

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Can I take my dog to Mexico?

Yes, as long as your dog is healthy.

Mexico doesn't require health certificates for dogs crossing the border anymore (they used to before 2019).¹ However, your pet will still get inspected by SENASICA (Mexico's agricultural inspection service) when you arrive. It's a simple physical check to verify that your dog doesn't have any infections or diseases.

That said, it's smart to keep your dog's vaccination records handy just in case the inspection officer wants to see them. Your airline might also require you to have vaccination records or other paperwork to board the plane.

What do I need to bring a dog into Mexico?

The main requirement is a visit to the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA) once you arrive with your pet. Your dog needs to be in a clean carrier or cage.

SENASICA officials will do a physical inspection of your dog to check for a few different things:¹

• Signs of contagious diseases that could spread to other animals
• External parasites, such as fleas and ticks
• Open or healing wounds

If inspectors find parasites during the exam, you'll need to get treatment from a local vet right away. For tick infestations, SENASICA will collect samples to test at their lab and make sure that all parasites are removed.

Your dog will have to stay at the inspection office until they confirm the parasites aren't exotic species or part of any ongoing disease control programs in Mexico.

Any costs for treatment or extended stays come out of your pocket.

Other considerations

Microchips

Mexico doesn't require your dog to have a microchip.

However, you need a microchip to bring your dog back into the US, even if your pet lives there and is just returning home from vacation. In other words, make sure your dog is microchipped before you leave, or they may not be allowed back in.²

Pet food

When entering Mexico, you can only bring enough pet food to feed your dog for 1 day. Any extra food beyond what's needed for the day of arrival won't be allowed through inspection.¹

Carriers

Your pet's carrier or crate must be clean. During the inspection, officials will spray the carrier with a preventive treatment as a precaution.

Don't pack any bedding, toys, treats, or accessories made from cow, sheep, or goat materials. These items will be taken away and destroyed.³

Your dog can keep their collar and leash.

Air transport

Airlines can set their own rules on top of Mexico's official requirements.

Many will still ask for health certificates, vaccination records, or other paperwork, even though Mexico doesn't require them. Some airlines also have specific carrier size requirements and breed limitations.

It's a good idea to call your airline before your trip and ask them what they need.

Can I drive to Mexico with my dog?

Yes, you can. The only requirement to travel to Mexico with a dog by car is to stop at the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office for a physical inspection.¹

You don't need a health certificate, but your dog does need to be healthy.¹

Spend like a local in Mexico with the Wise Account

Withdrawing your travel money with a card once you arrive in Mexico will usually get you a more favorable exchange rate compared to changing cash in the US. Choose a Wise account and multi-currency card, and you could get an even better deal on spending and withdrawals in Mexico.

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What do I need to bring my dog back to the US?

Pet travel to Mexico might seem like the hard part, but bringing your dog back to the US can often be more complicated, even if your dog lives in America and you're just taking a quick weekend trip.

Since November 2024, Mexico has been affected by screwworm, a parasitic pest that can harm animals. This means every dog coming from Mexico, including American pets returning home, needs a special certification proving they're screwworm-free.⁴

The screwworm freedom certificate must state that:⁴

• Your dog was inspected for screwworm within 5 days before traveling to the US
• Your dog is either completely free from screwworm, OR your dog had screwworm but was quarantined and treated

It needs to be signed by an official government veterinarian or an authorized clinical veterinarian. You can find a vet who can issue the screwworm freedom certification using the MVRA Directory of Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals.⁴

Traveling to Mexico with a dog is a relatively straightforward process, especially if you're driving across the border.

The only thing you'll need to do is a physical inspection to make sure your dog is healthy. Mexican authorities haven't been requiring a health certificate for dogs since 2019.¹ If you're taking a plane, your airline might have additional requirements.

Speaking of planning, one thing that many travelers overlook is foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates when spending abroad. Even if you're only going to Mexico for a weekend, these expenses can add up quickly.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is an easy way to pay and get paid like a local in Mexico, with low fees and no currency exchange rate markups.

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Sources

1. USDA - Pet Travel From the United States to Mexico
2. CDC - Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations
3. Government of Mexico - Traveling with your pet to Mexico
4. USDA - Bring a Pet Dog into the United States