Moving your dog or cat from United States to Mexico
Short answer: start at least 5 days before your flight. Rules last checked against official sources on 2026-10-30.
This page and the planner are generated automatically from official government sources. Planning tool only — not veterinary, legal or professional advice; no human expert reviews your plan. Always confirm with your vet, the official authority and your airline.
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United States → Mexico pet import requirements
| Requirement | Status | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies titer test (RNATT) | not required | Not listed in the official requirements for this route. | official |
| Health certificate / endorsement | conditional | Cats: no certificate. Dogs: New World screwworm (NWS) inspection certificate signed by a USDA-accredited vet, issued no more than 5 days before entry; no APHIS endorsement. | official |
| Quarantine | conditional | None if healthy; SENASICA (OISA) inspects on arrival for disease signs, ectoparasites and wounds; pets with ticks may be held until lab results. | official |
| Other | required | Clean carrier with no bedding, toys or extra food (only that day's food portion). Ferrets and pet rabbits from the US are banned. | official |
Order of steps
- Have your vet check for ticks/fleas and wounds — between 14 and 5 days before the flight. Pets with ectoparasites or fresh wounds can be held at the border. Recommended: 1–2 weeks before.
- NWS inspection certificate (dogs) — between 5 and 0 days before the flight (dogs). USDA-accredited vet; issued no more than 5 days before entry; no APHIS endorsement.
- Arrive with pet in a clean, empty carrier; go to OISA — at least 0 days before the flight. SENASICA inspection on arrival.
Items marked “verify” could not be fully confirmed; check the official source and your vet.