Pet travel rules for Mexico: SENASICA, OISA and the NWS screwworm certificate
Federal rules from SENASICA with OISA inspection at ports of entry. Verified 2026-11-06. Always confirm with SENASICA and your airline before you fly.
Federal rules (SENASICA / OISA)
Dogs (including NEW Aug 3, 2026 NWS rule)
- Rabies
- From US/Canada: not checked at entry. From other countries: current rabies (except <3 months) on a health certificate ≤15 days (consulate PDF).
- Health / NWS certificate
- From US: NO health certificate, BUT since 3 Aug 2026 an 'NWS Inspection Certificate for Pet Dogs Moving from the US to Mexico' signed by a USDA-accredited vet ≤5 days before entry (no APHIS endorsement). From non-US/CA origins: certificate of good health ≤15 days.
- Microchip
- Not required by Mexico (required by CDC for US return).
- Import form
- Certificado Zoosanitario para Importación (CZI) issued at OISA on arrival after physical inspection.
- 🔴 NEW 3 Aug 2026: Mexico requires NWS (screwworm) inspection certificate for US-origin pet dogs — missing doc = denied entry or held.
- 🔴 RETURN TO US: since 22 Nov 2024 Mexico is screwworm-affected → every dog (incl. US dogs returning) needs a screwworm-freedom certificate from a SENASICA-approved vet, inspection ≤5 days before travel (APHIS: https://direct.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs; SENASICA approved vet list: https://www.gob.mx/senasica/documentos/directorio-de-mvra-en-clinicas-y-hospitales-veterinarios?state=published).
- OISA checks: no disease signs, no ectoparasites (ticks → held for lab ID, costs to owner), no fresh wounds.
- Carrier must be clean: bedding, puppy pads, toys, food removed/destroyed; only that day's food ration allowed.
- Frequent traveler 'Pet Program' registration available (SENASICA).
- Pet ferrets from US currently prohibited (NWS); pet rabbits from US banned since 2010.
Cats
- Rabies
- From US/CA: not required at entry.
- Health certificate
- From US: none since 16 Dec 2019; no NWS doc for cats.
- Microchip
- Not required.
- Do NOT add cats to the dog NWS form — invalidates it (APHIS).
Return to the United States
CDC: every dog entering the US needs ≥6 months age, microchip, CDC Dog Import Form receipt (https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/faqs.html — HTTP 403 to curl, confirmed via official snippet). Dogs from Mexico ALSO need the screwworm certificate above. CDC Dog Import Form receipt must list Mexico as departure country.
6 airport hubs
| Hub | City / state | Pet relief | Verified vet |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEX | Mexico City · Ciudad de México (CDMX) | AICM pets page; relief areas in T1 & T2 reported (grass, water, bags) — confirm on page. | Hospital Veterinario UNAM-Banfield |
| CUN | Cancún · Quintana Roo | No official pet relief page found on ASUR site; plan outdoor relief after exiting. | VetCancún – Urgencias 24h |
| GDL | Guadalajara · Jalisco | No official pet relief page found on GAP site. | Lomont – Urgencias 24h Guadalajara |
| MTY | Monterrey · Nuevo León | No official pet relief page found on OMA site. | Lomont – Urgencias 24h Monterrey |
| SJD | San José del Cabo · Baja California Sur | No official pet relief page found on GAP site. | PetVet SJC |
| PVR | Puerto Vallarta · Jalisco | No official pet relief page found on GAP site. | Pet Friends Veterinary Hospital |
Grooming
Estética canina culture is strong; chains (Petco) require the Mexican 'cartilla de vacunación'. Mobile 'a domicilio' services are common in CDMX and often skip vaccine papers.
Chain salons ask for 'cartilla' — bring the rabies certificate translated or use a mobile groomer.
Also see the Grooming directory and step 5 on the Mexico map.
Not legal or veterinary advice. Rules change; confirm with SENASICA, USDA APHIS, CDC and your airline.