Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa Message Board - Importation of pets into Mexico

Importation of pets into Mexico (reply)

Talley Ho — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 15:10:19 +0000

Here is the scoop. Your dog and cat needs to have a health certificate stating that they are free of internal and external parasites, and proof of rabies vaccination. Sometimes this is asked for at the border, more often not. That is the only place you could be checked. The certification must be dated within 10 days of your crossing the border.

Here's a link to the form: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf Every year, we fill it out online, sign it, and date it appropriately. Who signs it? That is up to you.

To return to the US, dogs are required to show proof of rabies vaccination. Cats are not required to be vaccinated for rabies in the US. That's all the US wants. We only get asked for this proof about every 10 years.

It's simple, easy, and makes sense in the requirements.

Have a great drive down, we'll cross about November 1.

Importation of dog into Mexico (reply)

Ernie Gorrie — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 05:04:30 +0000

I have taken pet cats into Zihuatanejo through the airport several times in the past few years, most recently in April 2016.

I followed the rules on a Mexican government website that sai I had to have a current rabies vaccination certificate plus a certificate of health issued by a veteranarian no more than 10 days before arrival.

I have never had any difficulties.

Importation of dog into Mexico (reply)

cantinero46 — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 01:06:15 +0000

I cross at Nogales every year, no problems heading south, of course have all your dogs records up to date. Coming back is a mixed bag, last year no one cared about dog paperwork, but the year before the woman agent was a bitch, scrutinized all the papers. Always be prepared and always be patient, remember no eggs, any pork products, chicken only if fully cooked. Check the US Customs website.

Importation of dog into Mexico (reply)

suztamasopo — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 20:46:04 +0000

We have been crossing the border from US to Mexico at least 3 times a year for the past 17 years and have never been asked for any papers for our dog. But you never know when a border official might ask. The law says you have to have proof of rabies vaccination, distemper etc. and a health certificate within 3 days of entry showing the animal is in good health. Since getting a certificate is very costly we just make one up on the computer but I am not suggesting you do this. We usually cross at the Columbia International Bridge near Laredo. Fast and easy there. But we have used crossings in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Always the same story. No questions asked. We have the same experience reentering the USA and have never been asked for anything there either. All these experiences are for land travel. Air travel is much stricter.

Importation of dog into Mexico (reply)

frostbite — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 20:31:33 +0000

That's one hell of a drive! We took a week driving from Anchorage to our new place in Montana. Don't think I'd want to do that again. Just flew back up today; hoping to do some fishing.
Be sure to get AAA coverage. The standard is just a 7 mile tow. Upgrade to 150 miles. We used them to plan our route and get motel reservations. When entering Mexico, be sure to get good insurance coverage and don't ever drive at night.
Sorry, can't help with dog info.

Importation of dog into Mexico

Casa Juan — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 19:24:34 +0000

Searched the site index but could not find any current information on the Aduana requirements to bring a dog into Mexico .

I hope to go from Alaska to Mexico next month via land travel. I will be dealing with the Canadian requirements.

Any advice from anyone who has brought a pet into Mexico in the last year would be appreciated. Gracias