🇲🇽 Pet Import to Mexico

Mexico's SENASICA (National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality) governs the import of pet dogs and cats. Entry requirements are relatively streamlined compared to many countries. There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs and cats arriving from most countries, and microchipping is not a legal requirement for entry, though it is strongly recommended for identification and recovery purposes. Pets must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an official or accredited veterinarian in the country of origin, dated no more than 10 days before arrival. The certificate must confirm the animal is free of clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease. Proof of current vaccinations is required: dogs need rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis; cats need rabies, panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Rabies vaccination must have been administered within the previous 6 months or be documented as current with a booster schedule. Upon arrival, Mexican customs and SENASICA officials may inspect pets and documentation at the port of entry. Pets may be subject to a physical examination and, in rare cases, temporary isolation if documentation is incomplete. Birds, reptiles, and exotic species require permits from SEMARNAT (Mexico's environmental ministry) and may be subject to CITES regulations. Pet owners should verify with their specific airline well in advance regarding carrier dimensions, in-cabin weight limits, fees, and any breed restrictions that may apply to their route.