It’s far from an exaggeration to say that pets are an essential part of the family. Whether your furry baby is a barking ball of love or a meowing wreck-maker, pets deserve the same love and attention as any other family member. That is why many people moving to Mexico, or simply traveling to Mexico, are keen on bringing their pets along with them. Now, it’s not as easy to just jump on a plane and fly down with your pet. You need to fulfill some regulations and requirements in order for you to cross the border with your pet. Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to do prior to bringing your pet to Mexico and once arriving in the country.
Bringing Your Pet to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know
First things first, when you’re bringing your pet to Mexico, you need to understand what border control considers a domestic pet. Most people will travel with their cat and dog, which are the animals that require the least amount of documentation. You must present all the zoo-sanitary documents, but it is rather easy to travel with them. However, if your pet is somewhat exotic – a bird, lizard, snake, or any other animal – you will need to check import regulations with authorities and border control prior to trying to travel with them. You will also need to check airline regulations.
Another thing to consider is that while Mexican regulations allow up to two dogs or cats per person, airlines will only allow one animal to board with each individual. If you plan on traveling with more than one pet, you need to double-check the requirements that the airlines ask for.
Microchip
The first step you need to take before bringing your pet to Mexico is make sure they have a microchip. International travel requires this without exception. The health certificate and further documentation will need to identify your pet’s microchip number clearly, as well. While Mexico does not require this identification, when you travel back home you will need to present it. We recommend that you microchip pets as a means of identification in case they are misplaced or separated from you.
Updated Vaccinations
Before bringing your pet to Mexico, you must be sure that all their vaccinations are up to date. They will require all the basic vaccinations and a rabies shot administered no more than 15 days before traveling. You also need to deworm your pet. Document the date the vaccine was administered and its expiration dates properly, as well.
Certification of Good Health
You will need to ask your veterinarian for a Health Certificate. Vets need to print this on letterhead in English and Spanish. They must include a photocopy of their professional license and original singature. We highly recommend you bring both the original and the copy. Please note that the certificate must not be issued more than 5 or 10 days prior to the day of travel. You need a new health certificate issued by a vet before traveling back home if you are staying in Mexico for a longer period than 10 days. The certificate will claim that your pet is in good health and ready for travel and entering the country. In order for your vet to issue the certificate, they will need to check your pet’s health and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
Airline Regulations
We recommend you compare airline regulations before purchasing your ticket to find the one that best suits your needs. You will need to pay an extra fee for transporting your pet as a documented baggage with most airlines. However, carry-on pets may travel free of charge. Again, we recommend checking directly with the airline. However, these are the general guidelines you must follow for bringing your pet to Mexico:
- Proper crates and kennels are required to transport pets (unless they are emotional support animals and you have a certificate from your doctor that states they must travel freely). Due to the cat’s sizes, they must travel in a crate and will most-likely travel as carry-on. However, dogs vary in sizes more so their kennel must be in accordance to their size. Airlines allow small dogs under 10 kilos that can fit under an airplane’s sit to be brought on board in a proper crate. Staff requires big dogs to be documented as extra baggage. They must be in a properly-fitted kennel.
- Label your pet’s kennel with your name, address and phone number (both at home and at your destination). Mark it with a LIVE ANIMAL label, as well. Within the kennel you may place a blanket or pillow for your pet’s comfort. Staff will not allow toys, water and food within the kennel. You may place an empty dish within the kennel for longer flights so airline staff can give your pet water while waiting. You should line it with absorbent materials in case your pet needs to go to the bathroom.
- Your pet should travel with a collar and plaque with their name and your contact information. Carry a leash on your carry-on for easy access when your dog is allowed outside the kennel (prior to boarding and once arriving at the entry port).
- Bring some food and water with you on the plane. That way you will be ready to feed your pet upon arrival. Mexican border control allows a small amount of dry pet food to enter the country.
Upon Arrival at the Port of Entry
You’ve succeeded in bringing your pet to Mexico; however, there is one last step to comply with. Upon arrival at the port of entry, you will be met by SAGARPA-SENASICA (Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food). They will do a quick physical inspection of your pet and check all the documentation before allowing them to enter the country. Authorities will quarantine pets that are ill upon entry. Otherwise, you are ready to enjoy Mexico with your pet!
Frequent Travelers Program
Bringing your pet to Mexico can be a tiring process if you do it on a constant basis. Luckily, frequent travelers can now apply for the Frequent Pet Traveler Program which is now available at Cancun International Airport. The program aims to make it easier for those who travel with their pet often. When you register your pet for this program, you receive an official document for both you and your pet. This document includes their vaccinations and updated health bill.
Not a dog or cat person?
You can still bring your pet to Mexico regardless of their type. Authorities don’t recognize birds, reptiles or other exotic pets as a regular pet. Present importation permissions different to the domestic cat or dog for these animals to authorities when traveling. Regulations require a lot of other paperwork for both export and import. That means you need to check the export documentation from your home country and the import documentation required in Mexico. Your local Mexican Consulate can help you define what paperwork you need to go through with this. Moreover, if you are flying into Mexico, you need to check their exotic pet transportation policies.
Bringing your pet to Mexico is rather easy. Nobody wants to leave their adorable pets behind, especially when you live part-time in the country. Fortunately, places such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun are very pet-friendly. Many establishments will welcome your pets in the region. Additionally, many properties are becoming widely more acceptable of pets in their premises, especially in residentials or condominium complexes. Make sure to check with our Buyer’s Representatives to see which home best suits your life in the Riviera Maya with your pets.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!