Taking your dog into Mexico?

[jornvango]

We're taking our dog with us into Mexico. She's traveling on her pillow in the car's back seat.
I've been reading various different opinions on what is needed.

I assume the dog needs a recent health certificate by a vet and current rabies shot.
But some articles claim that the dog needs to be in a container (or kennel) without bedding, as the dog's bedding will be destroyed..

Can someone shed some light on what's actually needed?

[Talleyho69]

The airlines are super careful about having the absolutely correct paperwork. They don't want to be in the position of having a pet rejected upon arrival. That's a good thing.
Driving is a totally different animal!
Our pets specialize in being "needy." They try to do their best to provide dog love to anyone, especially those who have left theirs at home.

[Andymon]

ramsgm wrote:
Don't they eat dogs in Mexico? Oh, no that's China is it not. Sorry, I could not resist.

When I lived in San Diego in the late 60's and early 70's, it was noted that dogs did get eaten in Tijuana. Everytime we'd go down there, you would never see a stray dog......

[tahoenow]

In ten years the only attention our dog has gotten is from us and the many tourists who are missing theirs back home and ask if they can pet him. That's if we drive in.

If you fly into the country things are different. You will need shots and papers current within 5 days and a special document signed by someone at the US Dept. of Agriculture. When you arrive at the airport you will be directed to an office where papers are checked and you are OK'd to continue on. About a 1/2 hour process.

[kca87]

Hey Maggy -

At the Tecate border now twice in a row we were able to bring back all of our dog food as long as it was in the original bag we purchased it in - and it didn't have to be a US brand. Maybe this is specific to certain border crossings.

[maggybeck]

We always travel with our dog and have always carried health certificates although have seldom been asked for them. As for the new law we will be sure to leash him in the back seat next time we cross. As an afterthought US Customs won't let you bring back more dog food than enough for one day.

Maggy

[jornvango]

Thanks! So far no issues. Both at the border and at military checkpoints no one even looked at our dog in thr backseat!

[Talleyho69]

We have always traveled with a dog, and that's since 1980. Now we travel with two, one Mexican.
Finally, for the first time, in October, we were asked for copies of a health certificate at the border in Lukeville/Sonoyita. They made a copy. That was it. Here's the link to the form, we fill it out on line, sign it, and print. http://www.petrelocation.com/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf
We are in a motorhome, and do not remove our pets (including a cat) if they choose to inspect us. We simply restrain them, and tell the inspectors that they are safe, and make sure that the dogs do not scare them. Both are large.
Have a great time, and enjoy having your pet with you! We provide "dog love" to people along the way who have flown in without their pets.

[ramsgm]

Don't they eat dogs in Mexico? Oh, no that's China is it not. Sorry, I could not resist.

[RoyB]

If your dog is a Beagle I would be hesitant of taking them across the Mexico border. It seems the Beagles may have been used as border patrol agents in the past and the Chiwawa dogs may have some well deserved hard feelings..



Just kidding of course
Roy Ken

[gjwarneke]

Mexico recently passed a law saying that your dog must be restrained in the vehicle. This past Nov. while I was in Mexico I asked about this at the East Mexicali Border crossing. They said YES must be restrained. My 100lb dog was in backseat but I had leash attached to him. They said "OK" So each time I came to a check point or when crossing border I just made sure to have the dog leashed at that time. I was also asked to take dog out of vehicle at military check points, All OK.

I have always (past 15 yrs) carried vet certificates for my dogs and I have never been asked for them. But know that if I do not carry them..thats when they will want them 🙂
Jo

[kca87]

The only place I know of where you need a health cert is right at the border. We've gotten them, but never been asked for them. The dog can be comfortable and ride wherever you like. S/he may need to get out of the car for periodic military inspections but that's it.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!