Pet Transport from United States to Mexico
Planning to move your pet from United States to Mexico? Get Your Quote
Moving a pet from United States to Mexico involves more paperwork than most owners expect.
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.
Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.
Step-by-Step Process
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
First step: must be done before any vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Apply for import permit from Mexico
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Mexico Import Requirements
What Mexico requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel. Must be at least 30 days before import.
Rabies Titre Test
Not required.
Quarantine
No quarantine for vaccinated pets.
Import Permit
Required. Issued by: SAGARPA (Federal or State office). Zoosanitary permit required.
Health Certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 30 days from issue. Certificate must list vaccination date.
Exporting from United States
What you need from United States before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
No formal export permit. USDA endorsement of health certificate serves as export documentation.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
- Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
- Import permit application fee (Mexico)
- Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Important Warnings
Key requirements for moving your pet to Mexico
Compared to some international pet transport routes, United States 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 United States
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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