For dogs traveling from the United States, USDA reports a New World screwworm inspection certificate requirement effective August 3, 2026, issued within five days before travel. US-origin cats follow a different process. Check the current official instructions and the airline’s rules for your exact journey.
In this guide
- The 2026 update US pet owners need to know
- Match the checklist to the departure country
- Build the timeline around the shortest document window
- Airline rules are a separate check
- What happens on arrival in Mexico
- Returning a dog to the United States
- Settle your pet into the new home
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and scope
The 2026 update US pet owners need to know
The USDA APHIS Mexico travel page, updated September 21, 2026, says a US-to-Mexico dog needs the specified New World screwworm inspection certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within five days before travel. APHIS endorsement is not required for that dog certificate.
For US-origin cats proceeding from the US, that page says Mexico does not require a health certificate or screwworm inspection document, but arrival inspection still applies. Do not add a cat to the dog certificate.
Older advice that treats all US dogs and cats alike can now lead to the wrong appointment or paperwork. Give your veterinarian the current destination page and form, rather than asking only for a generic travel certificate.
Match the checklist to the departure country
| Journey | Where to start | What to arrange |
|---|---|---|
| Dog from the United States | USDA APHIS Mexico dog instructions | Current inspection form, accredited veterinarian and travel date coordination. |
| Cat from the United States | USDA APHIS Mexico cat instructions | Arrival inspection, clean carrier and any separate airline documents. |
| Dog or cat from Canada | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | Canada-specific requirements, airline checks and any US transit rules. |
| Pet from another country | SENASICA import requirements | Requirements for the species, origin and countries transited. |
| Bird, reptile, ferret or other animal | Species-specific official guidance | Possible permits, restrictions or export prohibitions; do not use a dog/cat checklist. |
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all columns.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Mexico guidance is the appropriate starting point for direct Canadian departures. A journey through the US can add separate requirements even when Mexico is the final destination.
Build the timeline around the shortest document window
- Before booking: check entry requirements, airline acceptance, connection airports and the intended inspection point.
- Before choosing the appointment: give the vet your departure and arrival dates, route and species-specific form.
- Near departure: complete examinations within the official validity window and check every name, date and signature.
- On travel day: carry original documents when required, copies and offline versions. Keep records with the person accompanying the pet.
- Before returning: check destination import rules again. Your outbound documents may not satisfy the return journey.
Ask what happens if a flight is delayed beyond a certificate's validity. A flexible itinerary is useful only if the animal's documents remain valid for the revised journey.
Airline rules are a separate check
Border acceptance does not guarantee boarding. Ask the operating carrier, including every connecting carrier, about cabin or cargo availability, carrier dimensions, breed restrictions, temperature limits and required veterinary records.
Get the pet booking confirmed rather than assuming a passenger ticket includes space for an animal. Check whether the airline requires documents beyond Mexico's entry rules. Bring vaccination and identification records even when a specific border procedure does not require them; they can help with airline checks and care after arrival.
For driving, identify the crossing's animal inspection procedure before departure. Combine this plan with the car border checklist, while keeping the vehicle and pet paperwork separate.
What happens on arrival in Mexico
Follow signs or ask officials for the SENASICA/OISA animal inspection point. Have the relevant documents ready. Arrive with a clean carrier and follow the official rules for its contents and pet food; do not assume a large supply of food, bedding or toys will be admitted.
Allow time for inspection and for any issue to be resolved. Visible illness, wounds or parasites can require additional action. Do not promise yourself a fixed clearance time or assume correct paperwork prevents every delay.
Once cleared, arrange water, temperature control and safe transport to your accommodation. Check balconies, window screens, gates and outdoor hazards before letting the animal explore.
Returning a dog to the United States
Check both agencies. CDC dog import rules require dogs to be at least six months old, appear healthy, be microchipped and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Additional requirements depend on vaccination and travel history.
USDA APHIS dog import guidance also addresses dogs arriving from screwworm-affected countries, including Mexico. Arrange the required screwworm-freedom certification with an authorized veterinarian in Mexico within the stated window. The CDC form alone does not cover all USDA requirements.
Check the return plan before taking a puppy south, and before making a trip with a dog whose travel history includes another country. Cats have their own return rules; do not apply the dog requirements to them automatically.
Settle your pet into the new home
Confirm pet permission in writing before signing a long-term rental. Ask about size limits, deposits, shared areas and noise rules. Locate a local veterinarian and after-hours clinic, keep medication records and update identification contact details.
Frequently asked questions
Is a generic 15-day health certificate enough for a US dog?
Do not use that as your checklist. Follow the current APHIS dog instructions, which specify the 2026 screwworm inspection form and a five-day window.
Does a US cat need the same form as a dog?
No. Check the cat section of the official Mexico travel page and the carrier's separate boarding requirements.
Can I use the same documents to bring my dog back to the US?
Check the return requirements separately. CDC and USDA rules both apply, and some examinations or forms must be arranged for the return date.
Sources and scope
Reviewed October 7, 2026. Use the linked USDA, CDC and CFIA pages for the current species- and country-specific instructions. This guide is for household travel planning, not commercial animal shipments. Requirements can change between booking and departure.