Is there anything we should know about bringing pets and food across this border?
We typically cross at Tecate - just east of Otay Mesa. We prefer it to San Ysidro and we get barely a glance when we cross. This last November 1st we were asked if we had tobacco or alcohol. Of course all the other illegals items go without mentioning.
We crossed with our dog, his food, and a refer and freezer with our favorite goodies and no look at all.
You will have to give up apples and potatoes when you enter Baja California Sur at Guerrero Negro.
For short term insurance - I'll let others respond as we now use more longer term insurance that we get here in La Paz.