Bringing a dog or cat into Mexico

The short version

• Import permit needed

How early to start

The least time the officially fixed waiting periods allow, by where your dog is coming from. Vet, lab and paperwork appointment times come on top.

Where your pet is coming from matters

Mexico sorts countries into groups. These are the groups exactly as the authority publishes them (Mexico: requirement path by the country the pet travels from, checked 2026-10-08).

• SENASICA words this as origin/provenance; we classify by the country the pet travels from.
• US territories (PR, GU, VI…) are not mentioned and stay on the stricter 'other' path until confirmed.

Every requirement

For every pet

1. Permit

   Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI) on arrival

   On arrival, ask SENASICA staff at the airport, port or border for the CZI application form for your dog or cat (you can also download it beforehand).

   Details and the official words

   “you must request the Zoosanitary Import Certificate (CZI) at our offices located at all points of entry into the country (ports, airports, and borders).”

2. On arrival

   Physical inspection on arrival

   SENASICA inspects your pet on arrival to check its health. Pets with recent wounds or parasites need treatment first.

   Details and the official words

   “a physical inspection of your animal will be carried out to verify its health status”

Depends on your pet or your route

1. Vet exam

   Screwworm inspection document (dogs from the US)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Coming from the USA — screwworm inspection document for dogs and your pet is a dog

   A USDA-accredited veterinarian must inspect your dog and sign a document confirming it is free from New World screwworm, within the 5 days before you travel. Cats don't need it. No health certificate or vaccination record is required from the US.

   Details and the official words

   “you must present an inspection document upon arrival verifying that your dog or bird (cats are exempt) is free from the New World screwworm (NWS).”

   “The document must be signed by a veterinarian accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) within the 5 days prior to travel.”

2. Paperwork

   Certificate of Good Health (issued within 15 days)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Any other country — Certificate of Good Health (15 days)

   Bring the original and a copy of a Certificate of Good Health issued no more than 15 days before you arrive, by an official vet or a private vet on letterhead with their licence number. It must show your pet's rabies vaccination (date and validity), that it was healthy at the pre-travel exam, and that it was dewormed inside and out in the last 6 months and is free of external parasites.

   Details and the official words

   If this is missed: You must use a private vet in Mexico to treat your pet and issue the certificate, at your cost.

   “you must present a Certificate of Good Health with a maximum validity of 15 days from its date of issuance”

3. Vaccination

   Rabies vaccination (recorded on the certificate)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Any other country — Certificate of Good Health (15 days) and (your pet is 3 months old or older on arrival, or you don’t know your pet’s birth date)

   Your pet's rabies vaccination date and its validity must be on the Certificate of Good Health. Pets under 3 months old are exempt.

   Details and the official words

   “Date of administration of the rabies vaccine and its period of validity (animals under 3 months of age are exempt).”

4. Treatment

   Internal and external deworming

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Any other country — Certificate of Good Health (15 days)

   Your pet must be dewormed internally and externally within the 6 months before travel and be free of external parasites — this goes on the Certificate of Good Health.

   Details and the official words

   “That the animal(s) have been dewormed internally and externally within the six months prior to travel and are free of ectoparasites.”

Good to know

• Mexico removes and destroys crate bedding, diapers, newspaper, sawdust, rags, toys and treats made with ruminant ingredients. Travel with a clean crate — it will be sprayed on arrival. Collar and leash are fine.
• If parasites such as ticks are found at the inspection, you must pay a vet in Mexico to treat your pet before it's released.