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Bringing a Dog from the USA to Mexico: Requirements

Going south is easy — Mexico dropped the routine health certificate in 2019. The two things to know: a new 2026 screwworm rule for dogs, and a harder trip home.

Rules last verified against official sources: 2026-07-24

Planning for a cat instead? See the cat version of this route →

Pick your travel date to get a dated, backward-planned checklist. (This tool needs JavaScript; the full requirements are listed below either way.)

Mexico is one of the easiest destinations to enter: since 2019 there's no routine health certificate and no rabies-proof requirement to cross. SENASICA simply inspects your pet at the border — it must be in a clean carrier, free of ectoparasites, with no fresh wounds. Cats need nothing more.

Two things changed the picture for dogs. First, from 3 August 2026 a dog needs a New World Screwworm (NWS) inspection certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, issued no more than 5 days before crossing. Second — and this is the part that surprises people — the harder leg is coming home.

Minimum lead time: about 0 months (1 days). There's almost nothing to sequence going into Mexico. From 3 August 2026, dogs need a screwworm inspection certificate issued within 5 days of crossing — and the real planning is for the return to the US.

The requirements, in order

Order matters — several steps are only valid if the earlier ones were done first. This is the same sequence the planner above turns into dated deadlines.

  1. Arrive in a clean carrier for SENASICA inspection
    Mexico requires no health certificate or rabies proof to enter — but on arrival SENASICA inspects your pet at the OISA office. It must be in a clean carrier, free of ectoparasites, with no fresh or healing wounds. Disposable bedding, toys and food (beyond the day's feed) are removed and destroyed.
    Official source ↗
  2. Screwworm inspection certificate (dogs, from 3 Aug 2026)
    Effective 3 August 2026, pet dogs entering Mexico need a New World Screwworm (NWS) inspection certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, issued no more than 5 days before arrival. Cats are exempt.
    Official source ↗

The trip home is the real planning problem

Bringing a dog back into the US from Mexico means meeting the CDC's dog rules (at least 6 months old, microchipped, a CDC Dog Import Form) and, because Mexico is screwworm-affected, carrying APHIS screwworm-freedom certification for re-entry. Keep your dog's rabies vaccination current for that. Cats have none of these return requirements.

At the border

Present your pet in a clean carrier at the OISA/SENASICA office. Disposable bedding (puppy pads, newspaper), toys and food beyond the day's feed are removed and destroyed, and ticks are sampled. A dirty carrier causes delays — travel clean.

Official sources

These are the only authorities on this route. If anything here disagrees with them, they win — and please tell us.

Rather have a professional handle the whole move? Pet relocation companies manage the vet visits, paperwork, and bookings end-to-end. (Referral placement — link to relocation partner here.)
Traveling internationally with a pet? Vet visits abroad are out-of-network by definition. (Pet insurance affiliate placement here.)

FAQ

What do I need to take my dog to Mexico?
A clean carrier and a healthy dog for the SENASICA inspection — no health certificate or rabies proof is required to enter. From 3 August 2026, dogs also need a screwworm inspection certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, issued within 5 days of crossing.
Does my cat need anything to enter Mexico?
No — cats just need a clean carrier and to pass the on-arrival inspection. The screwworm certificate applies to dogs only.
What about bringing my dog back to the US?
That's the harder leg: the dog must be 6+ months old, microchipped, have a CDC Dog Import Form, and — because Mexico is screwworm-affected — carry APHIS screwworm-freedom certification. Keep rabies vaccination current.
Is it different for cats?
Yes — cats are far simpler in both directions: clean carrier and healthy on the way in, and no CDC or screwworm requirement on the way back. Use the cat toggle in the planner.

Other dog routes

Disclaimer: Preflight Pet is a planning aid, not legal or veterinary advice. Import rules change; airlines add their own requirements. Always confirm every step with the official government sources linked on this page, and with your airline and accredited veterinarian, before booking travel.