Are shot records needed to bring my cat into ZIH via flight?

Hello all,

I researched this question and found on this website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico?fbclid=IwAR2tH1B73E2JJN-NZQK_pHYGZdKASsRVjTK0BSuJwQ8ST8o7ox9j-ekM2UM that I would not need shot records from my cat. However, a frequent traveler from the US to Zihuatanejo by air says that I do need shot records. Can someone point me to the correct information? If I do need shot records, how recent to the shots need to be? Thanks for your help!

Mexico does require rabies vaccinations for cats, unlike the US.

The big thing is what the airline requires. Mexico doesn't require much, but airlines all have their own requirements that you must meet or you won't fly with your cat.

The information should be on each airlines website, and don't forget to make your pet's reservation too. Airlines limit the number of pets in the cabin per flight.

follow whatever rules the airline that brings you and your cat into Mexico and you will be fine. For what its worth on 10/10/20 my dog's records were checked twice one in Guadalajara and once in Mex. City. If some customs person decides you need the shot records and you don't have them, you will end paying a vet to go to the airport and maybe give your pet whatever customs feels is lacking. Its not worth the hassle to cut corners on it.

Thanks, Talley Ho. I did make a reservation with my airline for our cat, and read their regulations. I will arrange to have her rabies shot and the documentation for that, thanks.

Thanks, Casa Juan. Do you know how recent the shots need to be?

I followed the advice of this website when I brought my cat to Zihuatanejo in 2017 and I breezed through all custom and immigration points. My veterinarian was well aware of the certificate. mexican government website

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Humberto Romero
www.casaarcoiriszihuatanejo.com

I plan on 'driving' with my cat into Mexico without a rabies vaccine. That should be a lot easier!

I would encourage you to read the website I linked to as it gives information directly from the Mexican government about their requirements. You may be able to slide through by driving but that isn't guaranteed.

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Humberto Romero
www.casaarcoiriszihuatanejo.com

We used to commute back and forth from the US to Mexico at least twice a year with both our dogs and cat. Once we got stopped and they were specifically checking cats. He did not have a rabies shot, they aren't required in the US. We ended up having a vet called, having the shot administered in the RV and were finally on our way. It was a bit trying for of us.

It would have been much easier us and Balam, if we had just done it in the US ahead of time. Your choice, your cat.

Thanks! Now that I know it is required, I will definitely take her to get her rabies shot.

I flew into Zih last November with my dog from Vancouver Canada and was asked for the dog's medical certificate of health plus documentation of rabies vaccination by Customs at the Zih airport. The Certificate of Health had to be issued within 10 days of travel and the rabies vaccination certification within 3 years of travel.
I'm glad I had it all done ahead of time despite someone on this board stating otherwise erroneous information. Said person had driven into Mexico from California so a very different scenario.