Pets Flying Into Mexico Update Sandra Castaneda - PV Guide
go to original October 7, 2012

With all the commotion this summer about travelling with pets to Mexico, PV Guide took the opportunity to meet with airport authorities to get the latest scoop. We sat down with Dr. Amaro Venegas (Medical Veterinarian), the representative of  SENASICA (National Service of Health, Food Safety and Quality) in Puerto Vallarta and Antonia Haase from IICA (Interamerican Institute of Cooperation for Agriculture) to learn how travelers can bring their furry companions to this tropical paradise.

Director Venegas explained that SAGARPA, the Ministry of Agriculture, is responsible for regulating the entry of pets into Mexico.

"It is the responsible thing to do in order to continue monitoring for potential disease that may be crossing our borders," says Director Venegas. "We keep track of all pets that enter and leave the country and process any Export Certificates when required by other countries; much like the CDC does with passports in Immigration."

SENASICA and Director Venegas have been working hard to modify the requirements so that those traveling by air can bring their dogs and cats into the country. This is great news for those who heard horror stories of pets being denied entry over the summer. What’s more, the importation process will be faster than ever before, thanks to SAGARPA's recent policy adjustments.

Here's what you'll need when bringing your favorite dog or cat into Mexico from Canada or the U.S.:

• A health certificate (original and copy) issued by a licensed veterinarian.

• An official letter (printed on the letterhead of the veterinarian's office) certifying that the animal is physically fit, disease-free and without external or internal parasites. The pet will need to have been vaccinated against rabies, and the date of issue and expiry should appear on the letter.

• Incoming pets from other countries will need to have additional documentation noting the recent treatment  - within the last six months - of ectoparasites (fleas and ticks) and endoparasites (internal parasites).

Should your pet not have the required documentation, you will need to contact a local Puerto Vallarta veterinarian to meet you at the airport for an examination. This will be at your expense. The vet will check your pet's natural orifices - ears, temperature, folds, skin and fur - for the following:

• Mucosa (oral, nasal conjunctiva)
• Ectoparasites (ticks and fleas)
• Skin infections, tumors or lesions

If ectoparasites are present, the vet will treat the issue at your expense. Once completed, your furry pal can enter the country. If skin infections such as scabies (sarna), hongos (fungus) or mange (alopecia) are present, your pet will be denied entry and will need to return to the place of origin within 36 hours.

Currently, SENASICA and Director Venegas are working with international airlines to implement the policy changes. They are taking strides in giving all tourists clear, concise communication as we move into high season. Several airlines have already changed their policies in recent months, and more are expected to follow.

As PV Guide learns more about pet travel into Mexico, we will keep you informed. Until then, enjoy your time in Puerto Vallarta with your four-legged friends.

For more details and questions, send an e-mail to Oisapuertovallarta@senasica.gob.mx. To learn more about pet travel requirements into Mexico, visit here (in Spanish) or here (in English).

  Learn about Centro de Control, Asistencia Animal Pound

  Learn about Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic

  Learn about Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR)

  Learn about Mexi-Can Vet Project

  Learn about MexPup Adoptions & Foster Homes

  Learn about Paraiso Felino Cat Shelter

  Learn about PEACEAnimals Free Mobile Clinics

  Learn about PuRR Project No Kill Feline Shelter/Adoption