pets
Entering Mexico With Pets
Do we need any special documentation to take our dog and cat to Mexico?
Yes! According to the Mexican Consulate, in order to cross over the border into Mexico with pet dogs or cats (and to make sure they return home safely with you!) you will need to carry two main documents throughout your journey:
- An International Certificate of Good Health (Form 77-043) issued by a licensed veterinarian (signature must be approved by the State Veterinarian) who has examined your pet within 10 days of transport, and…
- Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper, administered at least 15 days (but not more than 12 months) before your pet enters Mexico.
However, to be on the safe side, it is recommended to get the rabies vaccination at least 30 days (but not more than one year) before entering Mexico, and waiting to get your International Certificate of Health until you are within 72 hours of your journey south. Since inspection and enforcement procedures can vary depending on the time of day when you cross into Mexico, which port of entry you are using, and traffic ~ it’s probably better to err on the side of caution. If you go by our guidelines, you will be sure to avoid getting turned away at the last moment.
Visit the San Diego Mexican Consulate’s website for the latest information.
You should also bring proof of pet ownership.
Is there any information that MUST be included on the International Certificate that my vet writes for our pet?
Actually, yes. First, make sure that the actual dates of vaccination appear on the health certificate! According to the USDA, your certificate for each pet must…
- be presented in duplicate (you should always keep an extra copy!)
- clearly state your name and address
- include a complete description of your pet (species/age/sex)
- state that your pet has been examined and found to be free of all contagious diseases
What other vaccinations should I consider when taking my dog into Mexico?
- Hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
You must carry proof that your dog has been vaccinated for these diseases within the last calendar year.
What other vaccinations should I consider when taking my cat into Mexico?
According to the USDA, in addition to inoculation against rabies and distemper, cats entering Mexico should also be vaccinated for:
- Panleukopenia
- Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
Why are all of these vaccinations necessary? My pets are perfectly healthy!
You are actually doing your pets a huge favor by vaccinating them and making sure that they are in good health before you leave for your vacation.
Depending on where you will be traveling in Mexico, your animals are likely to come into contact with elements which could sicken – or even kill them – without the proper precautions.
Don’t let this scare you away from bringing your pets along for the ride! As long as your pet has its vaccinations and is in good health to start with, you and your pets should enjoy a great vacation together.
What will it be like to cross the USA-Mexico border with pets?
When you get to your border crossing, look for a sign that reads: “Aduana.” In Spanish, this means ‘customs office.’ You will show your documents to Mexican Customs officials at the aduana.
Be prepared for customs officials (in both directions) to visually inspect your pet for signs of disease before giving you clearance.
Where do I show this information at the border, or turn it in?
When you get to your border crossing, look for a sign that reads: “Aduana.” In Spanish, this means ‘customs office.’ You will show your documents to Mexican Customs officials at the aduana.
Be prepared for customs officials (in both directions) to visually inspect your pet for signs of disease before giving you clearance.
Will my pets have to be quarantined in Mexico, or when returning to the US?
Your pets will NOT be placed in quarantine when entering Mexico, as long as you have the necessary paperwork with you.
My family is planning to stay in Mexico for a long time. What happens if my pet’s vaccinations run out while we’re there?
You must have proof that your pet has been vaccinated at some time between 12 months and 1 month prior to your re-entry. If your pet does not have proof of a valid rabies vaccination when re-entering the US, or if the vaccination took place within the thirty days prior to your re-entry, US Customs will quarantine your pet at the place of your choosing until a full 30 days have passed since the actual vaccination took place.
If your pet has not been vaccinated at all for rabies and distemper within the past calendar year, it can only be re-admitted to the US if it is quarantined immediately upon re-entry at the place of your choosing. You must get it vaccinated within four days of its arrival at your final destination, but no more than 10 days after its arrival at the port of entry (border). It will then need to stay in quarantine for a full 30 days.
Importation of dogs and cats into the US is regulated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). According to the CDC, all domestic cats and dogs must show no evidence of disease that can be communicable to humans at the port of entry.
Even if all of your paperwork is in order, if your dog or cat does not look like it is in good health, further examination by a licensed vet (at your expense!) will be necessary before your dog or cat is allowed to re-enter the US!
Is it possible to get an International Certificate of Health and proof of vaccinations for my pets while I am in Mexico?
Yes, it is. For a small fee, you can get a Certificado Zoosanitario from a licensed Mexican veterinarian proving recent vaccination for rabies, triple canina and parvovirus. Remember that at least 30 days must pass after your pet is vaccinated before you may enter the US with it, or else you will have to place it in quarantine. The Mexican certificate of good health must indicate that your pet has been thoroughly checked out by a vet within the month (30 days) prior to your re-entry and clearly state that your pet is in good health. Any health certificate older issued more than 30 days before your re-entry will not be accepted.
My friend told me something about a pet health stamp. What’s that?
According to Pet Travel.Com, some countries require that any certificate issued by a US vet have an official stamp. Although Mexico does not officially require this Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) stamp, here is how you can go about getting one, if you want your veterinary certificate to be as ‘official’ as possible:
Get APHIS Form 7001, and ask your veterinarian to fill it out, in order to show that your pet is healthy and parasite free. Once the vet has signed the form, take (or mail) the original copy to your nearest APHIS/USDA vet office (there is at least one of these offices in each US state.
The APHIS/USDA office will then endorse and stamp this form. There is a $23 fee per form… which can add up if you have more than one pet – so make sure to ask your vet to please list all of your pets on the same form. If your vet lists each animal on separate forms, you will have to pay the full fee for EACH form!
If you mail your form(s) to the office, make sure to enclose the original form(s), a $23 payment per form, and a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Processing this stamp through the mail will take at least a week, if not longer, so if you want the extra security of getting this stamp, you should try to plan in advance.
My puppy was born two months ago, and isn’t old enough yet to have all of her shots yet. What should I do?
Well, you have two options…
One, you can postpone your trip until your pet is at least four months old. Two, you can leave your pet at home this time, and promise to bring it on the next adventure!
Dogs and cats that are three months old or less may not legally enter Mexico.
Can I bring my birds and ferret to Mexico?
Yes. Information can be found on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website. Scroll down to “Pets” to find the latest requirements.
THIS INFORMATION COURTEOUSLY OFFERED THRU BAJA BOUND INSURANCE.
One thing i discovered on MICROCHIPS. If your pet has been chipped in the US – it will not work for detection in Mexico.
**********************************************************
Rosarito Opens New Pet Information Center- a community center to romote animal welfare issues!
SCAAT event
A place to meet, exchange ideas, network and learn about what is going on in the animal community. Organized by SCAAT which stands for Second Chance Animal Alliance, this group is working under the sponsorship of Give Some Life Foundation. SCAAT is funded by memberships, donations and the Trading Post Consignment and Thrift Store. For more information on low cost sterilization, or becoming a SCAAT member, please email:
Rosarito Beach BC – Free Spay/Neuter Clinic. Second Chance Animal Alliance Tradepost (SCAAT) Km 31.5, east side of Blvd. Benito Jurarez
Bazaar Hours: 10AM – 4:30PM, Mon. – Sat. 2nd Sunday of each month 9AM to 1PM.
2010 SCAAT Free Spay/Neuter Schedule:
March 14; April 11; May 9; June 13; July 11;
August 8; September 12; October 10; November 14; December 12.
We need volunteers! Call Karen Patonai if you can help
(661) 613-0737;
e-mail: karenpatonai@yahoo.com
New Hope for Dog Pound Dogs/Rosarito Rescue Angels
New Hope for Dog Pound Dogs By Marlene Dunbar,contributor A brighter future awaits Rosarito homeless pets thanks to the hard work of three people; Carlos Meir, Rosarito City Canine Control Director, Robin Gunther, the center`s volunteer coordinator, and Augustine, the on-site supervisor and caretaker.
Together, these three people have completely transformed the Rosarito municipal perrera, as Mexico dog pounds are called, into a first class dog rehabilitation center. The Baja Times met up with Robin Gunther at the recent Give Some Life-Scaat sterilization clinic. Robin was helping care for the dogs and recovery and she told us about her work at the city pound. “I go to the perrera almost every day. I work with the dogs, walking them on a leash, training them, socializing them and preparing them for adoption. I even take some of them home.” Robin added that she wished she had more people to help foster these dogs. Every effort is made to rehabilitate and prepare dogs for adoption. They are treated for fleas, and tics and sterilized, with the help of Joaquin Villasenor and the SCAAT—GSL clinic. Puppies are de-wormed, and with the help of Augustine, all the dogs are bathed and groomed. Robin couldn’t say enough good things about Canine Control worker Augustine: “he keeps the whole place, and the dogs spotless!” Robin added that Augustine sees to it that all the dogs have fresh water and plenty to eat. Robin did say that they are always in need of food, and happily recieve donations for food and supplies. The City Canine Control now has a website…and there is a “wish list” where people can see what kind of supplies are most needed.  educating kids Canine Control Director Carlos Mier y Teran is the perrera “man about town” so to speak. Know by many as a former local channel 54 TV personality, Carlos has been responsible for organizing a number of public pet events and programs. Training programs were offered free to Rosarito pet owners this year. Special children’s events, such as a Halloween Costume Contents and a Run with Your Dog event, were presented in 2008 and another big event is scheduled for Oct. 24. These programs are intended help educate families and kids about proper pet care and of course provide a day of fun. Under the administration of Carlos Mier y Teran, with the help of Robin Gunther and Augustine, the city Canine Control Center has become probably the best run “perrera” in the state of Baja. In a recent San Diego magazine Reader article, the Rosarito Canine Control Center was described as a “doggie Hilton!”  Menucos-available TO find out more…log on to the beautiful new website these folks have created! www.adoptauncan.com 71 pets were sterilized at the recent October clinic. Special thanks to Rosarito Vet Dr. Pala Fox. Karen, president of SCAAT, told the Baja Times that the “response to these clinics has been overwhelming!” She also reminded everyone that new Halloween and Christmas decorations, some of which are rare antiques, have been donated to the Trading Post. Karen also added that volunteers were needed “to help decorate” and get the shop ready for the holidays.” Of course clinic volunteers are also always needed. SCAAT welcomed a new volunteer this month; The lovely and charming Evon Riviera, from Rosarito, has joined the SCAAT team. On Oct. 13, Evon was helping Bill Clark at the reception desk, greeting pet owners bringing their dogs and cats for sterilization. Evon speaks fluent Spanish and her charming presence helped arriving pet owners feel welcome and at ease.
Joaquin and Bill Clark will be embarking on a spay & neuter expedition this coming November. These are special expeditions where they take their spay & neuter programs, vets and volunteers and head for some of Baja`s more remote areas. Animal activists in these areas coordinate with Joaquin, who then organizes the vets, volunteers and equipment into a traveling clinic. This time they will travel to San Felipe, San Quintin, Tecate, and El Hongo, and other remote places. Volunteers are needed and welcome, but must agree to a training session, (and be ready to “rough it”) The regular SCAAT-GSL sterilization will of course be held…on the second Sunday of November at the Trading Post clinic on Popotla Boulevard, across from the Tapanco steak house and the OXXO store. Please check the Rosarito Town Crier website for dates and times of this and future clinics, and don`t forget to visit the SCAAT Bazaar! |
Karen and Joaquin are becoming local TV celebrities! Karen recently appeared on Rosarito channel 54, talking about the SCAAT-GSL programs. Joaquin Villasenor, the clinic veterinarian, is also a regular on the Rosarito channel 6, which airs weekly on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. Joaquin told the Baja Times;” We talk about the importance of pet sterilizations, humane treatment of dogs and cats and other important pet issues.
