Driving Across the Border with Your Dog: Special Permits

We've traveled with our dogs before, but never into Mexico. Do we need any special permits?

The short answer is - yes.

According to the Mexican Consulate, in order to cross over the border into Mexico with pet dogs (and to make sure they return home safely with you!) you will need to carry two main documents throughout your journey:

• An International Certificate of Good Health (Form 77-043) issued by a licensed veterinarian who has examined your pet within 10 days of transport, and...
• Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper, administered at least 15 days (but not more than 12 months) before your pet enters Mexico.

...However, to be on the safe side, we at Baja Bound recommend getting the rabies vaccination at least 30 days (but not more than one year) before entering Mexico, and waiting to get your International Certificate of Health until you are within 72 hours of your journey south.

Since inspection and enforcement procedures can vary depending on the time of day when you cross into Mexico, which port of entry you are using, and traffic ~ it's probably better to err on the side of caution. If you go by our guidelines, you will be sure to avoid getting turned away at the last moment. Better safe than sorry!

You should also bring proof of pet ownership, and evidence that your dog has been vaccinated for Hepatitis, PIP and Leptospirosis within the last calendar year.