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Bringing a Dog or Cat to Mexico
Mexico's rules depend on where your pet comes from. Since 3 August 2026, dogs from the United States need a screwworm inspection document signed by a USDA-accredited vet within 5 days before travel. Cats from the US and pets from Canada need no certificate. Pets from the UK, the EU and other countries need a health certificate issued no more than 15 days before arrival. Every pet is inspected by SENASICA on arrival.
Requirements at a glance
| Microchip | Not required by SENASICA; recommended |
|---|---|
| Dogs from the US | Screwworm inspection document from a USDA-accredited vet, issued within 5 days before travel; no APHIS endorsement |
| Cats from the US | No certificate since 2019; inspection on arrival |
| Pets from Canada | No health certificate or vaccination card; inspection on arrival |
| From the UK, EU and elsewhere | Health certificate no more than 15 days old, showing a valid rabies vaccine (pets 3 months and older) and deworming in the last 6 months |
| On arrival | SENASICA inspection for signs of disease, ticks and wounds; Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI) issued at the port of entry |
| Quarantine | None listed; pets with ticks are held until samples are cleared, at the owner's cost |
| Plan ahead | 1 week from the US or Canada; 2 weeks from elsewhere |
Step-by-step timeline
- 2 weeks before (UK, EU, other)Check that the rabies vaccine is valid for pets 3 months and older and that internal and external deworming was done within the last 6 months.
- 15 days before (UK, EU, other)Health certificate from an official vet, or from a private vet on letterhead with their professional licence number. Bring the original and a copy.
- 5 days before (US dogs)Screwworm inspection by a USDA-accredited vet, who signs the inspection document. It is valid for 5 days and needs no APHIS endorsement. Cats are exempt.
- PackingLeave bedding, diapers, newspaper, and toys or treats made with ruminant ingredients at home. Bring only the food needed for the day of arrival; anything else is removed and destroyed.
- ArrivalGo to the SENASICA office (OISA) at the airport, seaport or border crossing. An official inspects your pet and issues the Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI).
Dogs vs cats
The new screwworm inspection is for dogs coming from the United States; cats are exempt and must not be added to the dog form. From the UK, the EU and other countries, dogs and cats follow the same health certificate rules, and pets under 3 months are exempt from the rabies vaccine.
Common mistakes
- Using a screwworm document that is more than 5 days old. It is valid for 5 calendar days only.
- Adding a cat to the dog inspection form. USDA warns that this invalidates the form.
- Packing bedding, toys, treats or a bag of food in the crate. They are removed and destroyed at the border.
- Arriving with ticks. The pet is held while samples are checked, and the owner pays the costs.
Official source: SENASICA: travelling to Mexico with your pet (Spanish)
Other destinations
🇪🇺 EU🇬🇧 UK🇺🇸 US🇨🇦 Canada🇯🇵 Japan🇦🇺 Australia🌺 Hawaii🇳🇿 New Zealand🇸🇬 Singapore🇹🇭 Thailand🇵🇭 Philippines🇮🇩 Indonesia & Bali🇨🇷 Costa Rica🇮🇪 Ireland🇰🇷 South Korea🇭🇰 Hong Kong🇦🇪 UAE🇨🇳 China🇮🇳 India
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need a health certificate to go to Mexico from the US?
Not a general health certificate. Since 3 August 2026, dogs from the US need a screwworm inspection document signed by a USDA-accredited vet within 5 days before travel. It does not need APHIS endorsement.
Does my cat need paperwork to enter Mexico?
Not from the US or Canada; cats are inspected on arrival. Cats from other countries need a health certificate issued no more than 15 days before arrival.
Does Mexico require a rabies vaccine for pets?
Pets from the US and Canada do not have to show a vaccination record. Pets from other countries need a health certificate showing a valid rabies vaccine, unless they are under 3 months old.
Is there quarantine for pets in Mexico?
SENASICA does not list one. Pets are inspected on arrival; if ticks are found, the pet is held until the samples are cleared, at the owner's cost.
Sources
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.