Traveling In USA With Mexican Pets

We are US citizens living in Mexico who want to visit family in the US for a few months. Do we need to fill out additional paperwork for our Mexican dog? Are there any special rules we need to know about?

As with all other domestic cats and dogs entering the US, you will have to bring proof of your pet's vaccinations and a recent certificate of health with you. The good news is that when your dog is originally from Mexico, and you have a health certificate issued in Mexico from the Mexican Consul, you can bring your dog back to Mexico by using those same documents as long as you do so within 6 months. You will not be required to get a new certification or proof of vaccination while you are in the US - as long as you don't stay for more than half a year.

My family is planning to stay in Mexico for a long time. What happens if my pet's vaccinations run out while we're there?

You must have proof that your pet has been vaccinated at some time between 12 months and 1 month prior to your re-entry. If your pet does not have proof of a valid rabies vaccination when re-entering the US, or if the vaccination took place within the thirty days prior to your re-entry, US Customs will quarantine your pet at the place of your choosing until a full 30 days have passed since the actual vaccination took place.

If your pet has not been vaccinated at all for rabies and distemper within the past calendar year, it can only be re-admitted to the US if it is quarantined immediately upon re-entry at the place of your choosing. You must get it vaccinated within four days of its arrival at your final destination, but no more than 10 days after its arrival at the port of entry (border). It will then need to stay in quarantine for a full 30 days.

Importation of dogs and cats into the US is regulated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

According to the CDC, all domestic cats and dogs must show no evidence of disease that can be communicable to humans at the port of entry.

Even if all of your paperwork is in order, if your dog or cat does not look like it is in good health, further examination by a licensed vet (at your expense!) will be necessary before your dog or cat is allowed to re-enter the US!