Bringing your pet to Mexico? We’ve handled hundreds of pet exports to Mexico — let us help with yours.
Traveling to Mexico with your pet is relatively simple, especially for those coming from the United States. Unlike destinations with strict quarantines, mandatory titers, or complicated import paperwork, Mexico’s regulations for dogs and cats are straightforward.
There are still some important details to keep in mind, depending on how your pet is traveling and their health status. This guide covers everything you need to know about Mexico’s import rules and airline requirements, including when to call in the experts for a stress-free journey.
Eligible Pets and Country Restrictions
There are no federal restrictions by breed or country of origin on pet imports in Mexico, but the airline you choose for your flights may have breed bans and size limits in place.
Eligible Pets
There are no nationwide laws banning or restricting pets by breed in Mexico. Some cities or states may have rules in place around licensing, leash laws, or restrictions on the number of pets allowed per household, but there are no local bans by breed, either.
Mexico does have a ban in place for live birds from certain states. The country prohibits the import of live birds from U.S. states where Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed.
The airline you choose to fly your pet to Mexico may have additional restrictions in place. Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and Aeromexico won’t fly snub-nosed breeds of dogs and cats in cargo.
Aeromexico asks that pet owners carry paperwork verifying their breed if they resemble brachycephalic breeds. That airline also won’t fly dog breeds they’ve determined are too dangerous. Those include:
- Akita
- Doberman Pinscher
- Brazilian Fila (Fila Brasileiro)
- Belgian Malinois
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Rottweiler
- Japanese Tosa
Note that mastiffs and American Staffordshire Terriers, breeds commonly on lists of “dangerous” dog breeds, are also snub-nosed breeds. These are already banned from cargo travel by Aeromexico.
Airlines may also have limits on kennel size, especially on smaller planes and shorter routes. If you’re traveling with a larger dog or a pet that requires special accommodations, a pet shipping company can help with your options.
Approved Countries
Mexico does not have an approved list of countries eligible for pet import, but Mexican federal law allows for restrictions on pet importations from zones or countries with known pest risks. There are no current bans in effect outside of restrictions protecting against HPAI.
Planning an international flight for your pet? We can help.
Microchip and Vaccinations
Mexico does not require microchipping to meet import requirements for pet transport. Cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies.
Microchip
Mexico does not have a microchip requirement for imported pets. Regardless of where you’re headed, though, we strongly encourage pet owners to get their pets an ISO-compliant microchip.
These chips can be read by universal scanners worldwide, provide extra peace of mind if your pet is ever lost, and are required when bringing your pet back into the United States.
Vaccinations
All dogs and traveling cats must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, administered at least 30 days before trips to Mexico.
Here’s where it gets a little confusing for pet owners. While a formal health certificate with your pet’s vaccination status is no longer required for pets entering from the U.S. or Canada, the airline will want one if you’re flying by air.
A health certificate is also the easiest way to show your pet’s rabies vaccination status, as that’s a requirement that hasn’t gone away.
Pets under 3 months of age are exempt from rabies vaccines, but if you’re flying, most airlines only allow pets above 8 weeks old.
There are no additional vaccine requirements for pets coming to Mexico, but your vet may have additional recommendations. That may include protection against the following for dogs:
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
The following vaccines are often recommended for cats:
- Feline rhinotracheitis
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline panleukopenia (enteritis)
Blood Tests and Treatments
Pets do not need a rabies titer to enter Mexico. Traveling pets must be treated for internal and external parasites (fleas, ticks, and a dewormer) within 6 months of entering Mexico. Pets that arrive at the Mexican border with visible parasites may face a delay at the border.
Import Documents
Import documents vary somewhat based on the aMexico does not require an import permit or additional import fees for pets. They no longer require a health certificate for pets coming from the U.S., either, but you will likely need to show proof of rabies vaccination, even if you choose ground transportation.
If you’re traveling by air, you’ll need to provide the airline with a health certificate that includes your pet’s vaccination history and confirms that your pet is healthy enough to fly.
These health certificates don’t need to be endorsed by a vet accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as with some destinations. Most airlines ask that health certificates be completed within 10 days of your flight.
Airline Information
There are a number of carriers that offer pet-friendly flights from the U.S. to Mexico. Each option comes with its own rules and restrictions. Here are our preferred options:
Volaris: Volaris provides direct flights to Mexico from several U.S. cities, like Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and New York (JFK). Pets may travel in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Volaris won’t fly snub-nosed breeds in cargo.
Aeromexico: Aeromexico offers direct flights from various U.S. cities to hubs like Mexico City. Pets may travel in-cabin or as checked baggage in IATA-approved carriers. Snub-nosed breeds or breeds on their “dangerous” dogs list are not allowed in cargo.
Viva Aerobus: Viva Aerobus offers direct flights from U.S. cities like Houston (IAH), Dallas (DFW), and New York (JFK) to major hubs like Mexico City. Small pets can travel in-cabin; larger pets (excluding snub-nosed breeds) must travel in the cargo hold.
Quarantine
There is no quarantine requirement for pets traveling to Mexico, as long as they meet all import requirements. If everything looks good, your pet is released to you right away. If parasites or other issues are found, SENASICA may require treatment or additional testing before releasing your pet. The pet owner is responsible for any related costs.
Customs Clearance
Traveling with your pet to Mexico still means crossing an international border, but the customs clearance process is generally quick and straightforward.
When you arrive, you’ll visit the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA). This is where officials from the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) inspect your pet. While land crossings tend to be quicker and potentially less formal with arrival procedures, it’s important to have all of your pet’s paperwork handy, no matter your point of entry.
SENASICA officials check that your pet shows no signs of infectious disease, is free from visible parasites, and has no fresh or healing wounds. If your pet has a skin condition, you’ll need a letter from your vet describing the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Returning to the USA
Pets traveling back to the U.S. from Mexico must meet U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements. Assuming they’ve only been to Mexico, with no trips to high-risk rabies countries in between, that starts with filling out a CDC Dog Import Form.
Mexico is affected by New World screwworm (NWS), a parasite that can infect open wounds. To protect U.S. livestock and other live animals, any dog coming from Mexico needs a certificate from an authorized vet showing that they were inspected within 5 days of travel back to the U.S.
If your dog shows evidence of screwworm, they should be held in quarantine and treated until they’re free of the parasite. Their health documents should detail that process.
Once your pet passes inspection by customs officials, they are released to you, and you can continue home without delay.
If you travel frequently between the U.S. and Mexico with your dog, you can enroll in the Frequent Traveler Pet Program. Enrollment includes an entry record that allows streamlined inspections at the border for up to 6 months.
How Tailwind Can Help
Even travel to a relatively straightforward destination like Mexico can feel stressful when a beloved pet is involved, especially if you’re flying a long distance.
At Tailwind, we can take care of every detail door-to-door, including coordinating with the airline and finding the safest, most efficient routes for challenging breeds. Our mission is to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy while giving you total peace of mind.
Ready to get started? Each situation is a little different, so contact us to get an idea of the costs involved.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
“Flew our 9 year old Vizsla, Whisky, from LAX to LHR last summer. Great service from the veterinary requirements to the actual moving of the dog. literally door to door service and a happy boy at the other end.
Fast forward to March 2024 and need to take him to South America.
Had the complete run around from the airline and UK providers trying to work out how best to do it; crate dimensions allowable; excess baggage or cargo? Called Brady who gave me chapter and verse. Great customer service! 🙂”
– Dr. W
“I had a problem with my air cargo company that let me know a week prior my travel that they would not ship my 3 cats until my final destination, only until the nearest airport. I needed to rush to find a ground ship for them. I received Tailwind Global reference, and in less than a week they were able to calm me down in letting me know my babies would be delivered safe after arriving per aircargo. During all the trip, I received updates about how they were🐱🐱🐱Thanks so much for caring!”
– Viviane G.
“I had a truly positive experience at the pet facility at LAX airport. The staff were kind and professional, and I especially want to thank Michael, who was incredibly patient, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. He made sure to keep me updated at every stage, confirmed my dog’s dietary needs, and went above and beyond to ensure we made it to our connecting flight on time. His empathy and care made a stressful situation so much easier, and I’m deeply grateful.”
– Stav I.