Home/Routes/Hong Kong to Mexico
HK
Hong Kong
✈️
MX
Mexico

Pet Transport from Hong Kong to Mexico

4-10 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Low
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified

Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →

Overview

If you’re relocating from Hong Kong to Mexico and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year.

This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.

We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.

Step by step

The Hong Kong to Mexico process

1
First step: must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Mexico

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

4
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

6
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Checklist

Mexico: entry requirements

RequirementDetail
MicrochipRequired (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel. Must be at least 30 days before import.
Rabies titre testNot required.
QuarantineNo quarantine for vaccinated pets.
Import permitRequired. Issued by: SAGARPA (Federal or State office). Zoosanitary permit required.
Health certificateRequired. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 30 days from issue. Certificate must list vaccination date.
Leaving Hong Kong

Export requirements

RequirementDetail
Export permitRequired for all live animal exports from Hong Kong
Health certificateMust meet destination country requirements
Costs

What this route typically costs

1Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4Import permit application fee (Mexico)
5Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points

Read before you book

⚠ Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers

Airlines on this route

Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo

What to know about the Hong Kong to Mexico route

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Hong Kong to Mexico is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

SAGARPA (Ministry of Agriculture) regulates pet imports.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from Hong Kong

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Mexico for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
No, Mexico does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Hong Kong. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, an import permit is required from Mexico’s authority (SAGARPA (Federal or State office)). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Hong Kong. The certificate must be issued within 30 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Mexico’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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