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From the US
Bringing your pet to Mexico
Since 3 August 2026 dogs need an NWS (screwworm) inspection certificate from an accredited vet, issued no more than 5 days before. Cats need no certificate. Inspection on arrival.
Time you needAt least 5 days if you start from scratch
Easy to get wrong on this route
- DogsGetting the screwworm certificate more than 5 days before arrival.
- Packing bedding, toys or treats in the carrier — SENASICA removes and destroys them.
- DogsTicks or fresh wounds on arrival — your dog is held for treatment at your cost.
Your Mexico plan, dated to the day
Every deadline worked out for your travel date, calendar reminders and a travel-day checklist.
Build my plan — free preview$19 to unlock the PDF · 14-day money-back promiseDifficultyEasy
QuarantineNone listed (held only if ticks are found)
Rabies blood testNot needed
PermitNo permit
Rules checked Oct 28, 2026 against official sources · Dogs & cats · Free route check for your date →
Step by step
- Within 5 days before arrivaldogs onlyNWS inspection certificate (dogs)
Signed by a USDA-accredited vet no more than 5 days before arrival. No USDA endorsement needed. - On arrivalImport certificate (CZI) + inspection
Ask SENASICA staff at your point of entry for the zoosanitary import certificate (CZI) form — or download it before you go. Your pet is physically inspected; from the US no health certificate or vaccination card is needed.
Watch out
- Bedding, nappies, newspaper, rags, toys and treats in the carrier are removed and destroyed; a collar and lead are fine. The clean carrier is sprayed on inspection.
- Ticks or other parasites found on inspection: a vet of your choice treats your pet at your cost before release.
- Travelling to Mexico more than 3 times a year? SENASICA has a Frequent Traveller Pet programme.
- Your dog must be free of ticks and other external parasites, with no fresh or healing wounds.
- Don’t add a cat to the dog’s screwworm form — it makes the form invalid. Cats cross without papers and are inspected by SENASICA.
Official sources: www.aphis.usda.gov · www.gob.mx. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the destination's authority.
Related guides
Personal plan · $19 one-time
Every date for Mexico, worked out
Enter your travel date and get your pet's full plan: every deadline dated, a PDF to print, calendar reminders before each one and a travel-day checklist. See the free preview before you pay.
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