Expat Logistics

A Step-by-Step Guide to moving Your Pets to Mexico

For the overwhelming majority of expats, relocating to Mexico without their dog or cat is simply not an option. However, moving an animal across international borders is a strict legal process. While Mexico is wonderfully pet-friendly once you arrive, the actual border crossing requires meticulous adherence to agricultural and health regulations.

We at MexFacts have guided countless families through this exact logistical hurdle. In our experience helping expats relocate, failure to possess the correct paperwork at the airport or border crossing results in immediate, non-negotiable quarantine of the animal—or worse, deportation. Fortunately, bringing cats and dogs from the United States or Canada into Mexico is relatively straightforward if you follow the timeline correctly.

In this guide, we break down the definitive 2025 requirements mandated by SENASICA (National Service of Health, Safety and Agro-alimentary Quality) and how to successfully clear the OISA (Agricultural Health Inspection Office) upon arrival.

The Core Rule: Cats and Dogs Only

The streamlined process detailed in this article applies exclusively to domestic dogs and cats. If you are attempting to import birds (especially parrots), reptiles, ferrets, or agricultural animals, you will face an entirely different, intensely rigorous permit process involving SAGARPA and CITES treaties. For dogs and cats, you are legally permitted to import up to three (3) animals per person without paying a commercial import tax.

Step 1: The Certificate of Good Health

Unlike some strict island nations (like Hawaii or the UK), Mexico does not require a titer test or a microchip for dogs and cats coming from the USA or Canada. However, you absolutely must possess an original Certificate of Good Health.

Timeline is Critical: This certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian a maximum of 15 days before you cross the border. Do not get this done a month in advance; the OISA agents will reject it.

The Certificate MUST be printed on the veterinarian's official letterhead and include:

• Your pet’s name, age, breed, and sex.
• The owner’s name and specific destination address in Mexico (e.g., your address in Merida or Puerto Vallarta).
• A statement declaring the pet has been clinically examined and found free of infectious or contagious diseases.
• A statement declaring the pet is free of ectoparasites (fleas/ticks) and has been treated for internal and external parasites within the last 6 months.
• The veterinarian’s signature and physical license number.

Note: If originating from the US, an APHIS Form 7001 (USDA endorsement) is no longer strictly required by Mexico for dogs and cats holding a standard vet health certificate, but many airlines still demand it. Verify with your specific airline.

Step 2: The Rabies Vaccination Certificate

Alongside the Health Certificate, you must present a separate, valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate. This certificate must state the date the vaccine was administered, the expiration date, and the product/batch number.

If your pet is under 3 months old, they are exempt from the rabies requirement, but the veterinarian must explicitly state their age on the Health Certificate.

Step 3: The Border Crossing / OISA Inspection

Whether you are flying into a major international airport or driving across the border while managing a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle, the final hurdle is the OISA inspector.

When you arrive, DO NOT pass through the "Nothing to Declare" green light if you have an animal. Proceed directly to the OISA (SENASICA) office located in the customs hall. The inspector will:

1. Review your original Health Certificate and Rabies Certificate (they will keep a copy).
2. Perform a brief physical inspection of your pet to check for visible signs of illness or ticks.
3. Inspect the pet carrier. Important: The carrier must be clean, and it must contain ONLY the pet. No soft beds, blankets, toys, or large bags of food are allowed inside the carrier during the inspection. They will confiscate blankets to prevent agricultural pests from entering the country.

Comparing Requirements: What You Actually Need

There is a lot of misinformation on expat forums regarding pet travel. Here is the definitive breakdown for US/Canadian dogs and cats:

Requirement	Mandatory for Mexico?	Notes
Health Certificate	Yes	Must be issued within 15 days of travel. Must include parasite treatment dates.
Rabies Vaccination	Yes	Must be current and non-expired. Not required for pets under 3 months.
Microchip	No	Highly recommended for safety, but not legally required by SENASICA.
USDA (APHIS) Endorsement	Variable	Technically no longer required by SENASICA for US pets, but Airlines often mandate it for boarding.
Rabies Titer Test / Quarantine	No	US/Canadian pets do not undergo quarantine if paperwork is correct.

Airline Restrictions vs. Mexican Government Rules

Do not confuse Mexican immigration law with airline corporate policy. While the Mexican government is very accepting, airlines like American, Delta, and Aeromexico have their own strict embargoes.

Many airlines will not fly animals in the cargo hold during the extreme summer heat (especially to cities detailed in our Merida Cost of Living guide, where tarmac temperatures exceed 110°F). Furthermore, "snub-nosed" (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats are banned from cargo travel year-round due to respiratory risks. If you own a large snub-nosed dog, you will likely have to drive them across the border.

Life on the Ground: Vets and Dog Parks

Once you clear customs, you will find Mexico to be extremely accommodating to pets. Veterinary care is world-class in major expat hubs, and costs are typically 60% to 70% cheaper than in the United States. Major parks routinely host dog-walking groups, and finding pet-friendly long-term rentals is significantly easier than in US coastal cities.