Pet Transport from the US to Mexico: 2026 Process
Moving a pet from the US to Mexico is among the simplest international pet relocations available. Mexico does not require a microchip, there is no quarantine, no titre test, and the health certificate is valid for 30 days rather than the 10 days required by …
The United States to Mexico import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Vet
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Licensed US vet (USDA APHIS endorsement optional but recommended)
Responsible: Airline (cabin or cargo) or road transport
What your pet needs to enter Mexico
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Mexico does not require a microchip for entry. This is unusual among international destinations and frequently surprises owners. While not required, a microchip is still strongly recommended for identification.
The health certificate is valid for 30 days for Mexico entry, which is a much longer window than most countries (which require 10 days). This gives more flexibility in timing the vet appointment.
Land border crossing is a genuine option for owners in US border states (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California). The same health certificate and SENASICA declaration applies at the land border.
Mexico restricts certain dogs under local laws in some states. Pit Bull Terriers and similar breeds face restrictions in Mexico City and some other municipalities. Check local rules for your destination city.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Mexico's genuinely simple entry requirements
For US pet owners, Mexico is the most straightforward international destination. The requirements are: current rabies vaccination (within 12 months of travel), a health certificate from a licensed vet issued within 30 days of entry, and SENASICA processing at the border.
No microchip is required. No titre test. No quarantine. No import permit to apply for in advance. The 30-day certificate validity window is the most forgiving of any country regularly visited by US pet owners.
SENASICA (Mexico’s National Service of Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality) handles the inspection and documentation processing at the port of entry, whether that is an airport or a land border crossing. The fee for SENASICA processing is minimal.
The land border option
For owners in US border states, crossing into Mexico by car with a pet is a practical and widely used option. The documentation requirements at the land border are the same as for air entry: health certificate within 30 days, current vaccination records, and SENASICA inspection.
SENASICA has inspection points at all major US-Mexico land border crossings. Peak-hour crossings can involve long wait times in queues, which should be factored into journey planning for pet welfare. Crossing at quieter times of day and at less busy crossings reduces stress for the animal.
Flying in cabin: several US carriers allow this
Aeromexico, American Airlines, and United Airlines all allow small pets in cabin on some US-Mexico routes. The combined weight limit for pet plus carrier is typically around 9 to 10kg. Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancun, and other major cities are served by direct flights from most US hubs.
For owners of small dogs and cats under the weight limit, in-cabin travel is preferable to cargo, particularly on shorter routes of two to four hours. Book the in-cabin space when purchasing your ticket, as airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
Larger dogs travel as cargo. The wide range of direct US-Mexico services makes it easy to find a direct routing from your nearest hub.