United States to Mexico with a dog / cat

1. Check your pet is eligible and from the US

These are the rules for pet dogs and cats originating in and travelling from the United States (APHIS cites SENASICA requirement sheets 007-35-61-USA-USA for dogs and 013-08-504-USA-USA for cats). Mexico's own guidance gives this simpler path to pets originating in Mexico, the US or Canada and coming from the US or Canada (Consulate of Mexico in Yuma / SENASICA requirements, PDF). If your pet was born or lived elsewhere (for example a dog adopted abroad), that same document says you need a health certificate issued no more than 15 days before, a vaccination record with current rabies vaccine (except under 3 months), and internal and external deworming within the previous 6 months.

Not covered here: ferrets (Mexico currently bans them from all US states because of screwworm), pet rabbits (banned from the US since 2010) and birds, which need an APHIS-endorsed certificate plus an NWS addendum (APHIS).

2. Microchip

Not required by Mexico. APHIS's instructions for the dog NWS certificate say Mexico doesn't require a microchip but you can list the number (APHIS NWS certificate instructions). If you are bringing a dog back to the US, though, CDC requires a microchip that a universal scanner can read (CDC). Get it done before you leave.

3. Rabies vaccination

For US-origin dogs and cats coming from the US, Mexico's guidance says you don't need to show SENASICA a health certificate or vaccination card (SENASICA requirements via Consulate of Mexico, Yuma). CDC doesn't need proof of rabies vaccination for a dog returning from Mexico, because Mexico is not on CDC's high-risk list for dog rabies. CDC still strongly recommends rabies vaccination, and your US state, airline or hotel may want proof. ⚠ Recommended, not required on the sources we checked.

4. Titer test

Not required for this route.

5. Dogs: NWS inspection certificate (new since Aug 3, 2026)

Because New World screwworm has been detected in the US, Mexico now requires every pet dog to arrive with the original “NWS Inspection Certificate for Pet Dogs Moving (Exporting) from the United States to Mexico” (APHIS). The key rules from APHIS's form and instructions:

• It must be completed and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. The name and accreditation number must match the NVAP listing because Mexico checks them at the border.
• The inspection date must be within 5 days before entry. For example, for entry on the 6th, the form can't be completed before the 2nd. Dates use DD/MM/YYYY format.
• Handwritten signature in non-black ink (for example blue). Digital signatures are not accepted.
• No APHIS endorsement is needed. The vet gives the original straight to you.
• Dogs only. Adding a cat or another species to the form invalidates it.

APHIS warns that missing or incorrect NWS paperwork can mean the dog is refused entry or held at the border.

6. Cats: no certificate

Cats need no health certificate and no NWS inspection document. Mexico dropped the cat health certificate on December 16, 2019, and the screwworm rules didn't change that (APHIS). Don't add cats to the dog form.

7. Arrival: SENASICA inspection at the OISA

On arrival, take your pet in a clean carrier to the Agricultural and Livestock Health Inspection Office (OISA) and see SENASICA staff. They check that the animal shows no signs of contagious disease, is free of ectoparasites (ticks, fleas) and has no fresh or healing wounds. For dogs, they also check the NWS certificate (APHIS). Mexico's guidance describes filing a request for a Certificado Zoosanitario para Importación (CZI) at the point of entry. The SENASICA form FF-SENASICA-003 is attached to the consulate's PDF.

• Ticks found: you must get a vet of your choice to treat the pet. SENASICA samples the ticks for lab diagnosis and can hold the pet at the OISA until results are back, at your expense.
• Dirty carrier, bedding, puppy pads, newspaper, toys or food: the carrier gets disinfected and those items are removed and destroyed. You can only bring that day's portion of commercial pet food.
• Wounds: Mexico's guidance says pets with fresh or healing wounds are not allowed in.

If you cross often, APHIS mentions SENASICA's “Pet Program – Frequent Traveler” registration.

8. Coming back to the US

Dogs: APHIS has treated Mexico as screwworm-affected since November 22, 2024, so every dog entering the US from Mexico, including US dogs coming home, needs a certificate stating it was inspected for screwworm within 5 days before travel and is free of it (or was treated in quarantine until free). For Mexico, this certificate can be issued by a clinical vet authorized to sign for the official government vet. SENASICA publishes a directory of authorized vets (MVRA). APHIS has no set template (APHIS: bringing a dog into the US). Mexico isn't on CDC's high-risk list, so CDC also requires a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (free, valid 6 months), a microchip, a dog at least 6 months old, and a healthy appearance on arrival. Dogs can come in at any airport, seaport or land crossing (CDC).

Cats: APHIS has no animal health requirements for pet cats (APHIS). CDC only requires that cats look healthy and doesn't need proof of rabies vaccination. Check your US state's rules (CDC).