Pet Vaccinations

Vaccinations for Dogs Traveling In Mexico

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis

You must carry proof that your dog has been vaccinated for these diseases within the last calendar year.

Vaccinations for Cats Traveling in Mexico

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Panleukopenia
• Rhinotracheitis
• Calicivirus

You will need to carry an International Certificate of Good Health plus proof of these vaccinations (and proof of ownership) for entrance into Mexico and re-entry to the US with a cat.

Why are all of these vaccinations necessary? My pets are perfectly healthy!

You are actually doing your pets a huge favor by vaccinating them and making sure that they are in good health before you leave for your vacation.

Depending on where you will be traveling in Mexico, your animals are likely to come into contact with elements which could sicken - or even kill them - without the proper precautions.

Don't let this scare you away from bringing your pets along for the ride! As long as your pet has its vaccinations and is in good health to start with, you and your pets should enjoy a great vacation together.

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!

Is it possible to get an International Certificate of Health and proof of vaccinations for my pets while I am in Mexico?

Yes, it is. For a small fee, you can get a Certificado Zoosanitario from a licensed Mexican veterinarian proving recent vaccination for rabies, triple canina and parovirus. Remember that at least 30 days must pass after your pet is vaccinated before you may enter the US with it, or else you will have to place it in quarantine. The Mexican certificate of good health must indicate that your pet has been thoroughly checked out by a vet within the month (30 days) prior to your re-entry and clearly state that your pet is in good health. Any health certificate older issued more than 30 days before your re-entry will not be accepted.