Pet Transport UK to Mexico: Health Certificate, SENASICA Permit and 2026 Requirements
Moving a dog or cat from the UK to Mexico does not require a titre test or quarantine period. The two central requirements are the SENASICA zoosanitary import permit (obtained …
The import process, in full
Responsible: Your UK vet
Responsible: Your UK vet
Responsible: You or Mexico-side agent
Responsible: You
Responsible: APHA-authorised UK vet
Responsible: You
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
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Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know every carrier policy for this corridor.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
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.
The SENASICA permit and why it needs to come first
SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) is Mexico’s agricultural health authority. For dogs and cats arriving in Mexico, it requires a zoosanitary import permit to be obtained before the animal travels. This permit is separate from the health certificate and must arrive with the animal at SENASICA inspection on entry.
The permit application process takes four to six weeks. Starting it early, before you finalise your travel date, gives you flexibility. The health certificate from your UK vet is issued within 10 days of travel, so that part is done close to departure. Get the permit first, then finalise the travel date and certificate appointment once it is confirmed.
Working with an agent who is familiar with SENASICA requirements can reduce the chance of a rejected application. The permit application asks for information about the animal’s species, breed, age, vaccination history, and origin country, all of which should be straightforward to provide.
Flying directly from the UK to Mexico City
A direct flight from London Heathrow to Mexico City Benito Juarez International (MEX) is the simplest routing for UK to Mexico pet transport. It avoids US transit, which would bring in USDA import rules even for animals in transit.
British Airways operates this route and accepts pets via BA World Cargo. Aeromexico operates from Heathrow to Mexico City and accepts small pets in the cabin on this route, with larger pets in the hold as checked baggage. Virgin Atlantic also operates the Heathrow-Mexico City route. Check current pet acceptance policies with the airline at the time of booking.
KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris are alternatives if Heathrow connections are not convenient. Both carriers accept pets and have established cargo networks to Mexico City.
Common questions
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