Pet Transport Mexico to Philippines: SPSIC Requirements and 2026 Route Guide
A move from Mexico to Philippines with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Plan on roughly 6-10 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. Factor …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Mexico to Philippines
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Mexico to Philippines import process
01
Before SPSIC application.
ISO microchip confirmed. Pet confirmed at least 120 days old.
Responsible: Your vet in Mexico
02
At least 30 days before travel.
Rabies vaccination and core vaccines administered. Antiparasitic treatment completed.
Responsible: Your vet in Mexico
03
Several weeks before travel to allow processing.
SPSIC application submitted online to BAI Philippines with all required documents.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
04
Within 10 calendar days of departure.
IVHC / SENASICA health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico
05
From arrival date.
30-day home quarantine begins on arrival in Philippines.
Responsible: You (under BAI guidance)
Requirements
Philippines entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Source: Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Philippines, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required, administered at least 30 days before travel. Source: BAI Philippines, 2026.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Philippines uses the SPSIC system rather than a titre test requirement. Source: BAI Philippines, 2026.
Quarantine
30-day home quarantine required on arrival. The pet is examined by a BAI veterinary quarantine officer on arrival; if all documentation is correct, the animal proceeds to home quarantine under the owner's supervision. Source: BAI Philippines, 2026.
Import permit
The SPSIC serves as the import clearance. Payment is made at the Veterinary Quarantine office on arrival. Source: BAI Philippines, 2026.
Health certificate
International Veterinary Health Certificate (IVHC) or export permit from the country of origin, issued within 10 calendar days of departure. Source: BAI Philippines, 2026.
Leaving Mexico
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit required for companion animals. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Health certificate
Official zoosanitary health certificate from a SENASICA-authorised vet in Mexico, meeting Philippines import requirements. Source: SENASICA (gob.mx/senasica), 2026.
Costs
What this route typically costs
SENASICA health certificate (IVHC): MXN 1,500-4,000 (approx. USD 75-200)
SPSIC fee: paid on arrival at BAI Veterinary Quarantine office (approx. PHP 500-2,000)
Cargo fees MEX to MNL via Pacific hub: USD 2,000-5,500 depending on size
IATA-compliant crate: USD 80-300 if needed
Agent fees: USD 300-800
Total typical range: USD 2,455-6,800
Critical points
The SPSIC must be secured before travel. Without it, your pet cannot clear Veterinary Quarantine at Manila airport. Start the application well in advance, as BAI processing can take several weeks.
Home quarantine means the pet must remain at a specific address and not be moved around during the 30-day period. A BAI officer may conduct a follow-up inspection. This is not a facility quarantine, but it is still a legal requirement.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Philippine Airlines (PAL)
Philippine Airlines operates to Manila Ninoy Aquino International (MNL). From Mexico, routing typically involves a US gateway (LAX) and then MNL direct or via Tokyo. PAL Cargo accepts pets as manifested cargo.
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
Via US gateway to Hong Kong (HKG) then connecting to Manila. Cathay Pacific Cargo has established MNL routes and handles live animals in temperature-controlled holds.
Cargo Only
Korean Air Cargo via Seoul
Via a US connection to Seoul Incheon (ICN) then to Manila. Korean Air Cargo is a reliable option for Pacific routing from Mexico to the Philippines.
Cargo Only
Philippines entry requirements at a glance
Getting a pet into Philippines is a middle of the road process. The rules are well defined, so most of the work is simply staying on schedule.
Getting the details right
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. The Philippines does not require a titre test under the current BAI import clearance system. You need a valid SPSIC (applied for online before travel), a microchip, current rabies vaccination (30 days before travel), and an IVHC issued within 10 days of departure. Source: Bureau of Animal Industry Philippines (bai.gov.ph), 2026.
Allow several weeks for BAI processing. Submit the online application with all required documents (vaccination records, antiparasitic records, microchip proof, and pet photo) well before your intended travel date. Applications submitted too close to travel risk delays.
A BAI Veterinary Quarantine officer inspects your pet and reviews all documentation (SPSIC, IVHC, vaccination records, microchip confirmation). Payment for the SPSIC is made at the VQ office on arrival. If everything is in order, your pet is released to you to begin the 30-day home quarantine. Source: BAI Philippines, 2026.
Airline guides
Philippine Airlines (PAL)
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
Korean Air Cargo via Seoul
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.