Pet Transport from USA to Mexico: Documents, Health Certificates and Entry Rules

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for American expats and snowbirds, and the US-Mexico route is one of the busiest pet relocation corridors in the world. The requirements are less onerous than most international moves – no titre test, no quarantine in normal circumstances – but the health certificate must be correctly issued and endorsed.

Mexico’s Pet Import Requirements

The Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) under Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture (SADER) governs live animal imports.

For cats and dogs arriving from the USA, Mexico requires:

1. USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate – issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services; must be issued within 15 days of entry to Mexico; the endorsement confirms that USDA has reviewed and authenticated the vet’s certification
2. Current vaccinations – rabies vaccination (current, within valid period); for dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis are strongly recommended and often inspected; for cats: panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus
3. Microchip – strongly recommended and increasingly checked; ISO-compliant chip is best practice

No titre test is required for the USA-to-Mexico route. No import permit is required for personal companion animals (as distinct from commercial imports).

Getting the USDA APHIS Endorsement

This is the step that most people underestimate for timing:

1. Visit a USDA-accredited vet (not all vets are USDA accredited – ask specifically before booking)
2. The vet completes the APHIS-format health certificate
3. You take or mail the certificate to your nearest USDA APHIS Veterinary Services area office for endorsement
4. Processing time varies: same day to 5 business days for walk-in or express mail; up to 2 weeks by regular mail

The health certificate must be endorsed no more than 15 days before your Mexico entry date. Plan the APHIS appointment accordingly.

Driving vs Flying

By road: Thousands of pet owners drive across the US-Mexico border annually. The main crossing points that handle vehicle traffic (Tijuana, Nogales, El Paso, Laredo, McAllen) all have SENASICA inspection points. Have your endorsed health certificate readily accessible – not buried in luggage. Inspectors scan for documentation quickly but randomly stop vehicles.

By air: Mexican airlines (Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus) and US carriers (American, United, Delta, Southwest) operate US-Mexico routes. Many of these airlines accept pets in the cabin for small animals (under 6-8 kg combined) or as cargo hold. Note that Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) has specific live animal import procedures; confirm with the airline and SENASICA in advance.

Return from Mexico to the USA

Bringing a pet back to the USA from Mexico requires a CDC-compliant health certificate for dogs (the CDC dog import rules apply; see the CDC dog import rules guide for details). Dogs vaccinated in Mexico or with Mexican documentation need to meet CDC vaccination requirements, which changed significantly in 2024.

Breed Restrictions

Mexico does not have a national breed ban list, but some Mexican states and municipalities have enacted breed-specific legislation. Verify local rules for your specific destination.

Sources: SENASICA, Mexico (gob.mx/senasica); USDA APHIS international pet travel; CDC dog importation requirements; Aeromexico live animal policy.