Moving Your Pet Abroad
Check the Pet Regulations of Your Host Country
If you are considering pet relocation, most countries will require a microchip to be inserted into your pet for identification. On top of this, most countries will require rabies shots, tapeworm treatment for dogs, and vaccines that will vary from animal to animal. Some countries require your pet to remain in quarantine for a set amount of time.
Mexico’s entry requirements:
The original, plus one copy of a Certificate of Health issued by a veterinarian on letterhead, including his or her professional identification number or a photocopy of their identification.
The name and address of origin and the address of the destination in Mexico.
The date of the rabies shot and its expiry date (if the pet is under three months of age, they are exempt). It is recommended to attach the labels of the vaccines to the certificate as additional proof. Your visit to the vet should be within fifteen days of your trip.
You will need verification that your pet was treated for internal and external parasites and found to be in good health. Flea and tick medication is crucial for disease prevention; tick-borne disease is prevalent in Mexico.
Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
Parasite treatment: Dogs and cats must be treated for endo and ectoparasites within 180 days of departing for Mexico.
These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before the export date for maximum effectiveness.
Each airline has different specifications and rules about weight, the size of the crate and many have breed restrictions and may prohibit short-nosed dogs, because of breathing issues. Check the airline embargo dates, during summer or winter months airlines may not allow pets in cargo.
Small dogs and cats may travel in the cabin in soft-sided carriers and stored under your seat; larger dogs must be in an airline-approved crate and travel in the cargo area.
When you arrive at a Mexican airport, you will find your crated dog in the oversized baggage claim area. At this time you report to official personnel from SAGARPA-SENASICA. There they will inspect your pet’s health certificate, the dog, and crate. Once your dog has been inspected, you are free to continue through to customs.
Compliance with regulations established by SAGARPA / SENASICA does not exempt you from complying with the requirements of other authorities or airlines at the point of entry to Mexico.
For pets other than cats and dogs, see the link below for specific requirements.
https://sistemasssl.senasica.gob.mx/mcrz/moduloConsulta.jsf
Ensure Your Pet is Up to Date On Its Shots
Take your pet to your veterinarian to ensure they have received proper vaccinations and passed other requirements necessary for moving to the new country.
Check Whether Your Pet Can Handle the Move
After the checkup, the veterinarian can give a professional opinion on whether your pet is physically healthy enough for travel. Flights can be particularly straining for pets, so be sure to take your veterinarian’s opinion into account before committing to bringing your pet abroad.
Obtain Any Necessary Medications
While some medications may seem easy to find in your current country, keep in mind that they may be more difficult to find in your host country. Take enough vaccinations for 1-2 months to ensure that your pet is covered until you find a suitable veterinarian.
Gather All Updated Documents on Your Pet to Bring Along
Failing to bring proper paperwork could result in your pet being detained or quarantined upon arriving in your host country, so make an extra copy of all documentation. Within 10 days of travel, your pet will need to see a veterinarian to get a health certificate for travel. When traveling to Mexico from the United States, an APHIS-7001 health certificate is accepted. The health certificate does not need to be endorsed by the USDA if your veterinarian is USDA accredited.
Your pets will need to travel with:
Original health certificate, with your veterinarian's ink signature on it.
Original vaccine certificates for rabies and relevant general vaccines with your veterinarian's ink signature on it.
Proof of parasite treatment.