Bringing Dogs From Mexico to the US in 2023

Bringing dogs from Mexico to the US is a very straight forward process, as long as you are aware of the requirements, and plan ahead.

As long as your dog has remained in Mexico for the past 6 months, bringing dogs from Mexico to the US is easy. You will simply need to visit the vet and organise your means of travel. Your dog will require a health certificate at minimum to show that he is healthy. If your dog has travelled to a high-risk country, your dog will also need a microchip and rabies vaccination. Depending on the size, weight of your dog, and your chosen airline, your dog may fly in the cabin or the cargo area of the plane. 

In this article, we will discuss in detail everything you need to know when bringing dogs from Mexico to the US. Including, the process, requirements and cost.

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What is the process of bringing dogs from Mexico to the US?

Visit the vet.

In order to enter the US from Mexico with a dog, your dog must have a health certificate. A health certificate is required to show that your dog is fit and healthy, and does not pose as a risk to other dogs in the US.

When bringing dogs from Mexico to the US, they are not usually required to have microchips, rabies vaccinations or any parasite treatments. However, if your dog has travelled to a high-risk country in the previous 6 months, he will. 

The vet will simply check the health of your dog to ensure he is fit and healthy to travel. Once your pet has had a full health check, they will provide you with an official health certificate.

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Organise travel.

Traveling by air.

Depending on the airline you fly with and the size/weight of your dog, they may be able to fly in the cabin, or in the cargo hold. 

Airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin, usually only permit very small and light dogs. This is because they must fit in a travel carriers under the plane seats. Therefore, it is likely your dog must fly in the cargo area of the plane. Although this sounds scary, according to the IATA, pets often travel better this way as it is quieter and darker.

All dogs traveling unaccompanied must be claimed by someone with legal residence status in the US. They must have a valid US address.

Please note that some airlines restrict certain breeds, so be sure to check before you travel.

Dogs are permitted to enter the US in many cities including but not limited to New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago.

Related posts:
21 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Pet Policies] 
Airlines that Allow Flying with a Large Dog in Cabin [Pet Policies]
21 Dog Breeds That Can Fly in Cabin
Flying Dogs in Cargo: How Safe is it?

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Traveling by car. 

Bringing dogs from Mexico to the US in a car is more straight forward than flying. This is because you will not have to adhere to strict airline policies. You will simply need to follow the requirements above. At the US border, your dog’s health and documents will be checked. As long as your dog appears healthy and you have the relevant documents, you will be permitted in the US.

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Examination on arrival.

On arrival, all domestic dogs will be examined by a vet to ensure that they are free of disease. If your dog is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner’s expense.

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Requirements for bringing dogs from Mexico to the US.

The requirements for bringing dogs to Mexico from the US depends on whether your dog has remained in Mexico for the past 6 months. If so, the process will be easier.

If your dog has remained in Mexico for the past 6 months you will require the following:

• Health certificate to show that your dog is fit and healthy.
• Oral confirmation that your dog has lived in Mexico for the past 6 months or since birth.
• Additional vaccinations depending on which state you are travelling to. Check with your destination state’s health department before you leave on your trip.

If your dog travelled to a high-risk country in the past 6 months you will require the following:

• Health certificate to show that your dog is fit and healthy.
• A microchip that was inserted before your dog’s rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination that is up to date. Dogs that have never been vaccinated can enter the US after 28 days of vaccination. If your dog has kept up to date on all rabies vaccinations, including 12 month boosters, no waiting period is required. 
• Additional vaccinations depending on which state you are travelling to. Check with your destination state’s health department before you leave on your trip.

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High-risk countries.

The US considers the following countries to be high-risk for rabies:

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How much will bringing dogs from Mexico to the US cost?

Bringing dogs from Mexico to the US should not cost you too much. The cost will depend mainly on how you are planning on traveling to the US from Mexico.

The cost for bringing dogs from Mexico to the US is broken down into the following potential fees:

1. Health certificate – the average cost of a veterinary consultation can be between $25 and $150. However, some charities offer this service for free.
2. Microchipping – this is only required if your dog has traveled to a country the US considers high-risk for rabies. The average cost of a microchip is around $25 to $75.
3. Rabies vaccination – this is only required if your dog has traveled to a country the US considers high-risk for rabies. The average cost of the one-year rabies vaccination is around $15 to $20. A three-year shot will usually costs around $35 to $50. However, some charities offer this service for free.
4. Airline fees – the cost will vary widely depending on which airline you fly with, the size and weight of your dog. Of course, different airlines charge different amounts for shipping dogs. Additionally, they usually charge depending on the weight and size of your dog.
5. Travel carrier – if you are traveling by air, you will need to ensure your dog is traveling in a secure, IATA approved travel carrier.

For information on how much a US Pet Passport costs, check How Much Does a US Pet Passport Cost?.

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How long does it take to bring dogs from Mexico to the US?

It shouldn’t take you long to take a dog from Mexico to the US as there are not many requirements that must be met.

If your dog has resided in Mexico for it’s whole life, or at least for the last 6 months, then you will just need to take your dog to the vet for a health check. You will not require any vaccinations or parasite treatments.

However, if your dog has traveled to a country that the US considers high risk for rabies, then the process may take a little longer. If this is the case, your dog will need a rabies vaccination. Once your dog has been vaccinated against rabies, you will have to wait 28 days before you can enter the US.

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Bringing dogs from Mexico to the US for Commercial Reasons

The USDA APHIS Animal Care has separate requirements when bringing dogs from Mexico to the US for the purpose of resale or adoption.

Puppies and dogs entering the US intended for resale or adoption must:

1. Be 6 months of age;
2. Be fully vaccinated (rabies and distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus (DHLPP); and
3. Accompanied with an import permit

An exception would be dogs being imported for veterinary treatment that is unavailable in the originating country or dogs being imported for research purposes.

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Tips for bringing dogs from Mexico to the US

• Get your pet used to its carrier before traveling.
• Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers.
• Choose departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold.
• Consult with your veterinarian.
• If driving, take plenty of pit stops.
• If flying, walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in.
• If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible to reduce stress.
• If your pet will be transported as cargo, check in early so it can go to the quiet and dimly lit hold of the plane.

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What airlines allow flying a dog to the US?

Most airlines allow flying a dog to the US. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a dog from Mexico to the US, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with dogs, including which dog breeds are allowed, the size and weight of dogs that are permitted, and the number of dogs they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their dogs, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because dogs must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

Related posts:
21 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In Cabin [2023 Pet Policies] 21 Dog Breeds That Can Fly in Cabin [2023]
Flying Dogs in Cargo: How Safe is it?

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Guidelines for Dog Carriers.

If you are flying from Mexico to the US with a dog, it is important that you use a dog carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different pet carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your pet carrier is approved for your chosen airline, aircraft and route. 

The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) ensure that dogs are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, dogs must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).

The rules for pet carriers also vary depending on whether your dog will be flying in the cabin or cargo area of the plane.

If you are travelling in the cabin with your dog, then you will need to ensure that it fits under the seat in front of you. This is why only small dogs weighing under 7-8kg are permitted in the cabin.

Furthermore, airlines often require that your dog must be obedient to your commands and must behave appropriately in public. Thus, he mustn’t bark or growl at other passengers or staff. If your dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, some airlines may transfer him to the cargo hold at an additional cost, or refuse to transport him all together. Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your pet is flight-ready.

For a list of airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, check 21 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies].

Recommended dog carriers. 

BUDGET	DOG CARRIER	PRICE
LOW	AmazonBasics Pet Carrier Medium	CHECK HERE
MEDIUM	PetsFit Pet Carrier With Expandable Side	CHECK HERE
HIGH	Mr. Peanut’s Double Expandable, Soft-Sided Pet Carrier	CHECK HERE

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Is quarantine required when bringing a dog from Mexico to the US?

In most cases, quarantine is not required. As long as your dog appears healthy upon arrival in the US, they will not need to be quarantined.

Can I bring my puppy from Mexico to the US?

Yes, as long as your puppy has a health certificate and seems healthy upon inspection. Puppies entering the US for commercial use, for resale or adoption, require additional vaccines. Please refer to the section above.

Is there an entry fee when taking dogs to the US?

Luckily, there is no fee to pay when entering the US from Mexico.

Can I adopt a dog in Mexico and take it back to the US with me?

Of course, as long as the dog is healthy. You will need a health certificate, and potentially a rabies vaccination.

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Bottom Line

Bringing a dog from Mexico to the US is straight forward. As Mexico is a country that the US considers to be low risk for rabies, you will simply need to take your dog to the vet for a health certificate, and organise travel.

If traveling by air, check that your chosen airline will allow your dog to travel with you either in the cabin, or in the cargo area of the plane. Different airlines have different policies and prices.