Traveling to Mexico with Your Furry Friend? Say Goodbye to Health Certificates!
Great news for pet parents! If you’re planning a trip to Mexico with your dog or cat, you’re in luck. As of December 16, 2019, Mexico has lifted the requirement for a health certificate for dogs and cats entering the country. No more vet appointments or last-minute paperwork hassles. Now, you can simply bring your furry companion across the border without a health certificate.
However, a smooth travel experience still relies on a smooth official inspection upon arrival. You’ll need to visit the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA) upon entering Mexico with your pet. Be prepared for your dog or cat to undergo an inspection by SENASICA officials.
What to Expect at the Border
Upon arrival, SENASICA officials will conduct a physical inspection of your pet to ensure they meet certain requirements:
-
No Signs of Illness:
Your animal should not show any signs of infectious or contagious diseases. -
Free from External Parasites: Your pet needs to be free of external parasites.
- Wound-Free:
Your pet should not have any fresh wounds or wounds in the healing process.
What If Parasites Are Found?
If parasites are found during the inspection, you’ll need to work quickly.
First, contact a veterinarian who can administer appropriate treatment.
If ticks are detected,
SENASICA personnel will take a sample for laboratory diagnosis and ensure all parasites are removed from your pet.
Your pet may need to remain at the OISA while the samples are reviewed.
If it turns out your pet has parasites unfamiliar to Mexico or those subject to an animal health program in Mexico, you’ll be responsible for any costs associated with further treatment or quarantine.
keep in mind that compliance with these inspection requirements is imperative.
Even if your pet is receiving treatment for skin issues like lesions, mites, or infections, you’ll need to provide documentation.
Present a letter from your veterinarian detailing the diagnosis and treatment plan, including their professional registration number.
Other Things to Know
In addition to the on-site inspection, here’s what else you need to know about traveling with your pet:
-
Proper Caging and Food: Use a clean cage or carrier, and bring only the food needed for your pet on the day of arrival.
-
General Requirements: These boarding requirements apply to domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and domestic cats (Felis catus).
- Frequent Traveler Program: If you’re a frequent traveler to Mexico with your dog or cat, consider registering with the "Pet Program – Frequent Traveler." This program simplifies border crossings for regular trips. Contact 59051000 ext. 53611, 54326 and 51020 at (0155)
43130154; 43130155 and 43130152 for more information.
Enjoy your trip with your furry friend!
What are the new regulations regarding health certificates for pets entering Mexico?
## Fido’s Fiesta: Mexico Drops Health Certificate Requirement for Pets
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to Pet Talk! Today, we have exciting news for those who love to travel with their furry companions. Joining us is Dr. Emily Parker, a veterinary expert, to discuss the new regulations for bringing pets into Mexico. Dr. Parker, thanks for being here!
**Dr. Parker:** Thanks for having me!
**Interviewer:** Let’s jump right in. Mexico recently made a big change concerning pet travel. Can you tell us about it?
**Dr. Parker:** That’s right! As of December 16th, 2019, Mexico eliminated the requirement for a health certificate for dogs and cats entering the country. This is fantastic news for pet owners who want to explore Mexico with their furry friends!
**Interviewer:** This sounds amazing! No more last-minute vet visits and paperwork?
**Dr. Parker:** Exactly! No more worrying about those extra appointments or rushing to get the paperwork finalized.
**Interviewer:** But are there still any requirements at the border?
**Dr. Parker:** While the health certificate is no longer needed, you still need to visit the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office, or OISA, upon arrival. SENASICA officials will perform a quick inspection of your pet.
**Interviewer:** What does this inspection entail?
**Dr. Parker:** They will primarily check for signs of illness, make sure your pet is free of external parasites, and confirm they don’t have any fresh wounds.
**Interviewer:** What happens if they find parasites?
**Dr. Parker:** If parasites are discovered, you’ll need to work with officials to treat your pet immediately. They’ll guide you on the necessary steps and potential quarantine procedures.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for clarifying that, Dr. Parker. This new rule makes traveling with pets to Mexico much simpler.
**Dr. Parker:** Absolutely! It’s a great change that makes travel less stressful for both pets and their owners.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Parker, thank you so much for joining us!
**Dr. Parker:** My pleasure! Remember to always double-check the latest travel regulations before your trip. Have fun exploring Mexico with your furry friends!
