Can I take my pet to Mexico?
Yes, you can take your pets to Mexico. According to the government website, if you visit Mexico from the USA or Canada, upon arrival your pet will be subject to a physical inspection to verify that there are no health risks (i.e., your pet must appear in good health on arrival). It is not necessary to present a Certificate of Good Health or vaccination card.
Microchips are not mandatory, but it’s a good idea to microchip any pets traveling internationally. Plus, the pet will need to be microchipped to return to or travel through the US.
If you are flying, check with the airline for their specific requirements re crates, food in crates, how many pets you can bring, etc. See some airline rules below.
If you are traveling to Mexico with an animal other than a dog or cat (i.e., fish, bird or retiles), please consult the information here.
New Rules for Bringing Your Dog into the US
Changes to the CDC requirements for taking your dog to the US go into effect on August 1, 2024.
You can read the complete rules here. This page has a “Dog Bot” that can help you determine the requirements for your specific scenario.
Beginning on August 1, 2024, dogs travelling to the United States must:
- Appear healthy upon arrival;
- Be at least six months of age at time of entry or return to the United States;
- Be microchipped; and
- Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (online submission).
Travelling with your Pet on an Airline
Here are the general rules for some of the airlines that fly into Hermosillo. These are general guidelines for carry-on, checked and cargo. Please verify with the airline directly for specifics for your situation.
American Airlines: Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. More info and you can contact their animal desk at 1-800-227-4622 or PetEmbark@aa.com.
- Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements. If the pet qualifies to travel as carry-on, you have to pay the carry-on pet fee ($150 in 2024) and your pet has to stay in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight. You can then only bring one additional item on board with you.
- American only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.
- You can ship your pet with American Airlines as cargo. You may need to hire a professional freight forwarder to help you.
AeroMexico: allows most cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, as well as checked baggage. More info.
- For your cat or dog to travel with you, they must be stowed in a special carrier to be placed under the seat in front of you and shall remain your responsibility throughout the flight. The pet must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh no more than 9kg including the carrier. You must bring your pet’s Vaccination Record including proof of rabies vaccine and Certificate of Good Health. Fees apply.
- This service allows transporting your pet in the aircraft hold as part of your baggage. Remember: your pet must always travel in the same flight as you. Only dogs, cats, and birds will be admitted (brachycephalic pets are not accepted). Any other animals such as rodents, fish, reptiles, etc., must be checked in through Aeroméxico Cargo. The animal must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh no more than 45 kg including the carrier. For pets that weigh more than what is established, they will be transported through Aeroméxico Cargo. The transportation of checked pets in the baggage area is not included in your baggage allowance. There is an additional fee. You must bring your pet’s Vaccination Record including proof of rabies vaccine and Certificate of Good Health.
