Bringing Your Pet to Mexico
Complete requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Mexico from the United States. Verified against official sources.
Mexico allows pets to enter without quarantine when paperwork is complete. Here's what you need, in order.
Step-by-step timeline
What it costs
Realistic all-in costs for an already-healthy pet. Does not include airline pet fees.
| Rabies vaccination (if needed) | $20 – $60 |
| Vet exam + health certificate | $75 – $200 |
| Airline pet fee (in-cabin) | $100 – $150 |
| Typical all-in | $150 – $400 |
Common mistakes that cause denied entry
- Assuming Mexico requires the same USDA APHIS endorsement as the EU. It does not — a standard vet-signed health certificate is sufficient for dogs and cats.
- Arriving with an expired rabies certificate. Mexico verifies the expiration date, not just whether a vaccine was administered.
- Traveling with a ferret. Mexico does not have clear import rules for ferrets — contact the Mexican consulate before travel.
- Bringing more than two pets without declaring. More than two pets per person triggers a commercial import process with fees and additional paperwork.
- Missing the on-arrival OISA inspection. Some travelers walk past the inspection point and then cannot legally have their pet in Mexico.
Airline notes
Aeromexico, United, American, Delta, and Volaris all permit pets in cabin (under ~17 lbs including carrier) on routes to Mexico. Cargo options are also available. Be aware that resort destinations (CUN, SJD, PVR) may have more rigorous OISA inspection than MEX or GDL.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really not need the USDA APHIS endorsement for Mexico?
Correct — for pet dogs and cats entering from the US, Mexico accepts a standard veterinary health certificate issued by a US-licensed vet. You do not need to send it to USDA APHIS for endorsement, which saves both time and money ($38-173 fee). Mexico is unusual in this regard; most international destinations do require the USDA endorsement.
What is OISA and why does it matter?
OISA (Oficina de Inspección de Sanidad Agropecuaria) is the Mexican agricultural inspection office at international airports. Every pet entering Mexico must be inspected by OISA officials on arrival. The inspection is free, but you must actively seek out the OISA counter — it's often near customs but easy to miss. Skipping inspection can cause problems if you later need proof of legal entry.
Can I drive my pet from the US to Mexico?
Yes. Land border crossings (Tijuana, Mexicali, Nogales, Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, etc.) are often easier than air travel for pets. Bring the same health certificate and rabies vaccination records. OISA inspection may or may not happen depending on the crossing — ask for it if not offered, as some travelers have been asked for proof of legal entry later.
Does Mexico restrict any dog breeds?
Mexico has no federal breed ban. However, some airlines will not fly certain brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds in cargo, and some resort hotels have breed restrictions. If you have a pit bull, Rottweiler, or similar breed, confirm both airline and accommodations in advance.
What about bringing a pet from Mexico back to the US?
Since August 2024, CDC requires all dogs entering the US — even returning US dogs — to be at least 6 months old, microchipped with an ISO chip, appear healthy, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs that have been in Mexico for more than 6 months and were vaccinated against rabies in the US need the USDA-endorsed Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination form. Plan for this on the way home, not just the way down.
Can I bring food and pet medications?
Small quantities of packaged pet food for the duration of your trip are generally fine. Raw or homemade food is not allowed. Prescription medications should be in original labeled containers with a letter from your vet for controlled substances.
- SENASICA — Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria · last checked 2026-04-19
- USDA APHIS — Pet Travel to Mexico · last checked 2026-04-19
Related destinations
/country/mexico.json (structured data) or /country/mexico.md (markdown mirror). Full schema at /agents.md.