Taking Your Dog to Mexico: What Travelers Need to Know in 2025

Your Mexico road trip is planned. Mexico auto insurance? Check. Itinerary? Check. Cooler full of snacks? Double check.

But what about your four-legged co-pilot who’s been giving you those “don’t even think about leaving me behind” stares?

Great news: taking your dog to Mexico is totally doable. In fact, taking your pet to Mexico is a great way to travel in Mexico. Mexico loves dogs almost as much as the American tourists who drive the countryside, and the Mexican dog travel rules for crossing the border are way easier than you think.

The plot twist? It’s getting back INTO the U.S. that’s gotten complicated recently.

Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered on both sides of the border.

The Big Question: Do You Need a Health Certificate for Mexico?

Short answer: Nope.

Longer answer: Still nope, but there’s a catch.

Mexico doesn’t require health certificates for dogs coming from the U.S. or Canada. This isn’t new—it’s been this way for years. So whoever told you that you needed a mountain of veterinary paperwork to cross into Mexico was probably thinking of somewhere else (or maybe just enjoys watching people stress-eat).

But here’s the catch: Your dog will get a quick physical inspection at the border by SENASICA officials.

Think of it like a bouncer checking IDs, except instead of looking for fake licenses, they’re checking for fleas, wounds, or anything that screams “I might make other animals sick.” It’s usually fast, friendly, and over before your dog can decide whether they like the inspector or not.

Road warrior tip: Give Fido a good bath and brush before you hit the road. A clean dog makes everyone’s life easier and keeps the border inspection brief. Plus, they’ll look great in your Instagram posts.

Dog Travel to Mexico 2024: Here’s What’s Actually New

Mexico didn’t change anything. The United States did. And boy, did they go all-in on bureaucracy.

The CDC Dog Import Form (Yes, Really)

As of August 1, 2024, every dog entering the U.S.—including American dogs coming home from vacation—needs a CDC Dog Import Form.

Your dog could be more patriotic than a Fourth of July parade, born in Texas, and raised on baseball and apple pie. Doesn’t matter. Form required.

The fine print:

Dog must be at least 6 months old
Must be microchipped
Must be healthy (no surprise there)

The Screwworm Situation (November 2024)

As of November 2024, the U.S. considers Mexico screwworm-affected, which means your vet may need to provide a certification before you return. Check the APHIS website for the latest requirements, as this is an evolving situation.

The real talk: Getting into Mexico is still easy. Getting back into the U.S. now requires some planning and potentially additional paperwork.

What You Can (And Can’t) Pack for Your Dog

Mexico has some quirky rules about dog supplies that can trip up even seasoned road trippers.

Pet Food: One Day Only

You can bring exactly one day’s worth of pet food. Not a week’s supply. Not “just enough to get started.” One day.

Why? Because pet food is technically an agricultural product, and Mexico protects its farming industry like a mama bear protects cubs.

Smart move: Pack one day’s worth, then buy Mexican pet food once you arrive. Mexican pet stores are surprisingly well-stocked, and your dog will survive eating something different for a few days. Might even prefer it.

Bedding and Toys: Keep It Synthetic

Items made from animal products (leather toys, wool blankets, that special rawhide bone) might get confiscated. Synthetic materials are usually fine.

Pro tip: Leave the fancy leather collar at home and pack the nylon one. Save the drama for your telenovelas.

Keep Everything Clean

Dirty carriers or crates make border officials nervous. Clean ones make them happy. Happy officials make your border crossing faster.

It’s not rocket science, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this obvious step.

Taking Your Dog to Mexico by Car: Why Driving Beats Flying

Since you’re already planning to drive to Mexico (smart choice, by the way), here’s why bringing your dog to Mexico by car beats flying:

Airlines are picky. Health certificates, specific carrier sizes, weight limits, advance reservations, and fees that cost more than your hotel room. Airlines treat pet travel like it’s space shuttle logistics.

Border crossings are chill. Drive up, get your dog inspected, answer a few questions, and you’re in. No reservations, no weight limits, no wondering if your dog is traumatized in a cargo hold somewhere over Guadalajara.

Your dog stays with you. Road trips mean bathroom breaks when needed, water when thirsty, and air conditioning controlled by someone who actually cares about their comfort.

Plus, you get to see the countryside, stop at roadside taco stands, and avoid airport security lines. Everybody wins.

The Smart Way to Prep Your Dog for Mexico

Health Stuff (The Boring But Important Part)

Get that rabies shot. Mexico doesn’t require it for entry, but rabies exists in Mexican wildlife. Protecting your dog isn’t about following rules—it’s about keeping them healthy.

Treat for parasites before you go. If SENASICA finds fleas or ticks during inspection, they might require treatment on the spot. That means delays, extra costs, and a stressed-out dog at a border crossing.

Prevention is cheaper and way less dramatic than treatment.

Road Trip Prep (The Fun Part)

Plan for heat. Mexico can be hot. Your car can be hotter. Pack extra water, plan for shade breaks, and don’t try to make it a marathon driving day. Your dog needs pit stops just like you do.

Bring documentation anyway. Even though health certificates aren’t required, pack proof of rabies vaccination and recent vet records. Think of it as insurance—if questions come up during inspection, paperwork solves problems fast.

Test drive your setup. If you’ve never done a long road trip with your dog, do a practice run before the big journey. Figure out where they’re comfortable, how often they need breaks, and whether they’re the type who gets carsick on winding mountain roads.

Your Border Crossing Checklist

Print this out and tape it to your dashboard:

Must-haves for Mexico entry:

Clean, healthy dog
One day’s supply of dog food
Clean carrier or restraint system

Must-haves for U.S. return:

Microchip (non-negotiable)
Completed CDC Dog Import Form
Current rabies vaccination proof
Screwworm certification (check APHIS for current requirements)
Extra patience for potentially longer wait times

Nice-to-haves that make life easier:

Recent vet records
Photos of your dog (helpful if they wander off)
Contact info for Mexican vets (just in case)

Special Situation: Snowbirds and Dual Residents

Got a place in both countries? Lucky you. Your dog situation is actually pretty straightforward.

If your dog lives with you part-time in Mexico: As long as they were vaccinated by a U.S. vet and have their microchip, you’re golden for border crossings. Just make sure that the rabies vaccine stays current.

Planning ahead for the new rules: If you’re reading this before August 2024 and your dog doesn’t meet the new requirements yet, plan a trip back to the U.S. before the deadline to get everything sorted. Much easier to handle the paperwork when you’re not rushed.

The microchip situation: If your dog is older and was chipped years ago, double-check that it’s an ISO-certified chip. Older chips might not meet current standards, and finding out at the border is not the time you want this surprise.

The Bottom Line: Bringing Your Dog to Mexico Is Still Simple

Bringing your dog to Mexico hasn’t gotten harder—the rules have just shifted from Mexico’s side to the U.S. side. Mexico wants your tourism dollars and doesn’t mind if your dog tags along for the adventure.

Mexico wants your tourism dollars and doesn’t mind if your dog tags along for the adventure. The U.S. has gotten pickier about who (and what) comes home, but it’s still manageable with a little planning.

The real secret when bringing your dog to Mexico: Focus your prep work on the return trip, not the entry. Mexico’s inspection is quick and straightforward. The U.S. paperwork is where you need to dot your i’s and cross your t’s.

Once you’ve got that sorted, you’re free to enjoy margaritas on the beach while your dog discovers that Mexican sand feels just as good between their toes as American sand.

And just like buying your Mexico auto insurance before you leave the house, a little advance planning keeps the whole trip running smoothly.

Now stop researching and start packing. Those Mexican sunsets won’t watch themselves, and your dog is ready to help you enjoy every single one.