Pet Transport UK to Mexico: Health Certificate, SENASICA Permit and 2026 Requirements
Moving a dog or cat from United Kingdom to Mexico is very doable with the right preparation. Expect about 4-8 weeks, with a short and predictable checklist. There is no routine …
Rabies titre testNot required for Mexico entry from the …
QuarantineNo routine quarantine for dogs and cats …
Import permitA SENASICA zoosanitary import permit is …
Health certificateOfficial veterinary health certificate …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Mexico
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Before the health certificate appointment.
ISO microchip confirmed or implanted.
Responsible: Your UK vet
2
Before travel. Allow time for re-vaccination if the current one has lapsed.
Current rabies vaccination confirmed.
Responsible: Your UK vet
3
4-6 weeks before travel.
SENASICA zoosanitary import permit applied for. Submit the application online via SENASICA or through an agent in Mexico. Allow 4-6 weeks.
Responsible: You or Mexico-side agent
4
2-4 weeks before travel (to secure the appointment).
Book your APHA-authorised vet appointment for the health certificate, within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: You
5
Within 10 days of travel.
APHA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: APHA-authorised UK vet
6
Travel day.
Travel to Mexico City (MEX) with health certificate and SENASICA import permit. Present documents at the SENASICA inspection point on arrival.
Responsible: You
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
ISO-compatible microchip recommended for identification. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination on record. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Rabies titre test
Not required for Mexico entry from the UK. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for dogs and cats arriving in Mexico from the UK with correct documentation. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Import permit
A SENASICA zoosanitary import permit is required in advance of travel for dogs and cats. The permit is obtained before the journey and must accompany the health certificate on arrival. Apply through SENASICA at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate from a UK vet, endorsed by APHA. The certificate must confirm the animal is healthy, free of disease, microchipped, and vaccinated. Mexico's SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) is the authority that receives and processes the documentation. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
Export permit
No routine UK export permit for pet dogs and cats to Mexico. The APHA-endorsed health certificate is the key UK-side document.
Health certificate
Official Veterinary Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised veterinarian in the UK, endorsed by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency). The certificate must meet Mexico's SENASICA requirements. Issued within 10 days of travel. Source: GOV.UK.
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Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
British Airways
British Airways operates from London Heathrow (LHR) to Mexico City Benito Juarez International (MEX). BA World Cargo accepts pets. A direct UK to Mexico City option on a reliable carrier.
Cargo Only
Aeromexico
Aeromexico operates from London Heathrow (LHR) to Mexico City (MEX). Aeromexico accepts small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the hold as checked baggage on this route. One of the most practical options for UK residents moving a dog or cat to Mexico.
Hold Baggage
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic operates LHR-MEX. Virgin Atlantic Cargo accepts pets. Confirm current pet cargo policy and availability before booking.
Cargo Only
KLM / Air France
Via Amsterdam (AMS) or Paris (CDG) to Mexico City. Both KLM Cargo and Air France Cargo accept pets and connect to Mexico City with good frequencies. The Amsterdam connection is a reliable option if Heathrow direct flights are full.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
APHA vet appointment and health certificate: GBP 100-300
The SENASICA import permit must be obtained before travel. Arriving without one can result in the animal being held at the airport. Apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and must be in the format Mexico requires. Use an APHA-authorised vet who is familiar with international export certificates to avoid format issues.
Mexico bans or restricts certain breeds in various states, including Pit Bull Terrier type dogs. Check the specific requirements for the Mexican state you are moving to.
US transit: if your route transits through a US airport, US customs and USDA rules apply to the transit even if Mexico is the final destination. Direct flights to Mexico City avoid this complication.
What Mexico requires
The requirements for Mexico are light, but not zero. A little planning goes a long way on a route like this.
Avoiding the common mistakes
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
No. Mexico does not require a rabies titre test for dogs or cats arriving from the UK. You need a current rabies vaccination, a health certificate from an APHA-authorised UK vet, and a SENASICA import permit. No titre test, no quarantine. Source: SENASICA, 2026.
The SENASICA zoosanitary import permit is issued by Mexico’s agricultural health authority before travel. You apply online via the SENASICA portal, or through an agent in Mexico who handles animal import paperwork. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing. The permit must accompany your pet and health certificate on arrival.
Yes. Cats from the UK can enter Mexico without quarantine, provided they have a current rabies vaccination and the correct documentation (SENASICA permit and APHA-endorsed health certificate).
If your flight transits through a US airport with a layover requiring you to pass through US border control, then yes, US import rules apply including USDA animal entry requirements. Booking a direct flight to Mexico City or routing via Amsterdam (KLM) or Paris (Air France) avoids this.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Once used for entry into Mexico, it is not reusable for a return journey. A new certificate from a Mexican vet is required if the animal is to travel back to the UK.
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