On Importing Pets and Other Animals to Mexico

We’re sometimes contacted by readers who plan to bring their pets or birds with them to Mexico—on vacation, or as part of a move here.  Like most countries, Mexico has specific rules and procedures for the import of animals, including domestic pets.

Bringing dogs and cats to Mexico

Domesticated dogs and cats are relatively easy to bring to Mexico: you are allowed to import two pets per person provided that each animal’s zoo-sanitary paperwork is in order.  You can import up to 3 pets at no charge; If you bring 4 or more pets with you, you’ll need to pay import processing fees.

Regardless of how many pets you bring, if you’re arriving from a country other than the US or Canada you’ll need to have certain veterinary paperwork in order when you arrive that demonstrates that the animal is in good health and that its vaccinations are current. If you’re flying to Mexico, airlines also have rules and procedures to follow in regard to transporting pets; you can find general advice about this, as well as information about the zoo-sanitary paperwork on the Mexperience guide to Bringing Pets to Mexico.

When you arrive at the port of entry in Mexico, you’ll need to attend the SAGARPA desk/kiosk, where an official from the Mexican ministry of agriculture (SAGARPA-SENASICA) will check the documentation if required, undertake a physical review of the animal(s) and, provided everything is in good order, will issue you with an import certificate.

Importing other pets to Mexico

According to the Mexican Customs website, other common pets including: canaries, hamsters, guinea pigs, Australian parrakeets, cockatiels, ferrets, parrots, tortoises, and small wild birds (but not predatory birds) can be brought to Mexico as part of the duty-free 3-pet allowance—if you have 4 or more pets, you need to pay import duties.  All pets must pass zoosanitary inspection at the port of entry.

Airline restrictions: If you are flying to Mexico, check with the airline about restrictions they may have in place regarding the transportation of pets other than cats and dogs.

Importing any animal other than common pets defined in the Customs list requires more effort.  You’ll might need export permits from your home country, and an import permit from Mexico.

Some animals (or species), even those listed on the common pet allowances may be banned from either export from your country of departure and/or import to Mexico.

Contact your nearest Mexican Consulate for details if you want to import any animals or pets to Mexico that are not considered common pets.

Taking your pets abroad from Mexico

If you’re resident in Mexico and plan to take your pet abroad for a short while, you’ll need to check the requirements of the country you are traveling to and ensure that you have the necessary health certificates ready to present to the authorities overseas.

Some countries have quarantine regulations in place, and if this is the case your pet will need to be quarantined (at your expense) for a determined period upon arrival.

Exit permit from SAGARPA

You will need an exit permit for your pet when you leave Mexico: this is issued by SAGARPA who will also undertake a visual inspection of your pets to assess their state of health.  This certificate is only valid for six months, so if you plan to be outside of Mexico for more than six months, you’ll need to get health certificates and vaccinations from a veterinary abroad (see procedures above about bringing pets into Mexico) before you return otherwise you won’t be allowed to re-import the pets.

Learn more about importing pets to Mexico

You can find more details about the procedures, as well as links to relevant websites, on the Mexperience guide to Bringing Your Pets to Mexico.