Taking an animal to and from Mexico isn’t as difficult as many international travels. For example, animals do not have to be quarantined like they do in England, which can make the preparation relatively easy and accessible. While many people like to risk crossing the border with an animal without the required certification, this is not wise. The US and Mexican border officials are busy, but there is always the chance that someone will ask and you don’t want the hassle associated with that. Follow these few simple tips and start planning long in advance and you’ll be set to travel with your pets in Mexico in no time.
Give yourself adequate time to plan. Whether you’re driving across the border or flying into the country, you’ll need to give yourself plenty of lead time if something goes awry. Call your airline carrier to make sure that you can fly with pets and what their rules are for international travel. Many airlines will ask for a small fee and fine, usually no more than $100. It may also be wise to go to your Mexican consulate and talk to them about the specific animal laws in Mexico.
See your vet. You’ll need to have proof that your animal has been properly vaccinated. Dogs, for example, need to be vaccinated against Rabies, Hepatitis, Pip and Leptospirosis, Canine Distemper, the Parainfluenza and Parvovirus vaccine, Canine Adenovirus Type -2 and Bordatella. Look up the laws or call the Mexican consulate to ask for specific vaccinations according to animals. If your animal is already properly vaccinated in the US, chances are they have the right vaccines for Mexico.
Get a health certificate. This is the single most important document you can have for your pet. It is required if traveling more than 30 miles into the Mexico and if you are stopped by officers inside Mexico, they will ask for it. Ask your doctor to provide you with a health certificate. Carry a copy with you at all times and keep an extra copy in another safe place. The health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than 72 hours before you enter the country.
Find pet friendly accommodation. There are many places, hotels, apartments and camp grounds, that will allow animals to stay. That said, there are also many that will not, so make sure you do your research in advance. Ask about pet rules before you make a reservation.
Bring or buy water. There are few places in Mexico where you can drink the water and if the water is not drinkable for you it is not drinkable for your pet either. Bring some water with you, so that your pets are adequately hydrated during travel and once you run out only give them clean drinking water that you’ve bought in a store.
Keep a close eye on your pet. In Mexico, pets, especially dogs, are not held in high regard, which is evident from the massive amount of malnourished and abandoned dogs on the streets. That said, you’ll want to be a little more aware of your animals in Mexico than you are in the US. Even well behaved dogs should be leashed when outdoors. Exotic animals are a big business in Mexico and most of these animals are stolen, so keep an eye out. Additionally, Mexican authorities will kill stray dogs, so don’t let your dog off his leash out of your site.
Bring a supply of food. Animals are accustomed to routine and you should avoid changing their diets, especially when traveling. If you have dogs, bring a large bag of their typical brand, if you have reptiles that eat live insects, bring those along too as finding the right types could be a challenge. Avoid the hassle and risk of buying in Mexico.
Be vigilant about pet identification. Make sure your pets identification is clearly marked. If you have an animal that wears a collar, secure these tags to his collar. Tags must have your phone number and home address and proof of their rabies vaccination. It may be wise to look into identification chips, especially for exotic animals or hard-to-tag animals, like birds. Chip identification is inserted under the animals skin and provides all of the animals pertinent information, including their vaccination information.
