Traveling with Pets in Baja
So you want to take your pets to Baja? Here are some pointers.
!!!New laws go into effect 8/1/24!!!
It’s becoming much more difficult to take your dog across the border as of 8/1/24. Please read the article linked above and make the necessary preparations. The article below still contains good information but is no longer 100% up to date.
Traveling with Pets in Baja
by - Betsy Wagner - Dog Aficionado & Rescuer, & Solo Van Traveler
[Disclaimer: This article and FAQ section is intended to outline some, but not all, of the laws when traveling with your pet, and to provide RECOMMENDATIONS surrounding pet travel to and from Mexico. I will do my best to explain the laws (what the country could hold you legally responsible for) and I will also tell you about my experience in regard to which laws are enforced. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to research these on your own, and choose how to travel with your pet. We do not take responsibility should you choose to not follow the laws of both Mexico and the United States regardless of how they are explained below]
Escapar a la Baja is right around the corner! Many of you have your vehicles prepped, tequila mixers ready, taco stomachs primed, and your pets… well, what ARE your plans with your furry, four-legged friends?
Baja is a wonderful and easy place to take your fur babies, so don’t be dismayed… and don’t stress about finding a pet sitter if you want to bring them with you! As someone who has taken many dogs to and from Mexico multiple times, I can say that they are welcomed and loved in Mexico, as much as they are in the US and Canada. With some pointers, you’ll be on the road to smoothly navigating Baja with your favorite, furry animals! Also, to my TRUE animal lovers out there, Baja has many animals in need, below you will find ways you can help them too!
Vaccines:
First, ensure that your pets are fully vaccinated. The primary vaccines recommended in both the US and MX are Distemper/Parvo and Rabies. Dogs must be up to date on their Rabies vaccine for re-entry into the US and must have received their vaccine MORE than 30 days prior to returning into the US. Cats do not require vaccines, however, they are highly recommended. The Distemper/Parvo vaccine is not required for re-entry, however, these diseases are very dangerous and prove deadly to thousands of unvaccinated animals every year. Both Parvo and Distemper are prevalent in both Mexico AND the US, so the vaccines will be helpful no matter where you are!
Additionally, I HIGHLY recommend putting your pet on prescription flea and tick medications (not a flea/tick collar) prior to arrival in Baja. Ticks and tick-borne diseases are extremely prevalent and can be deadly, please do what you can to ensure your pet’s health safety prior to departure!
Crossing into Mexico & Checkpoints:
As of 12/16/2019, a health certificate is no longer needed for your cat or dog friends to travel into Mexico. New laws allow travelers to submit to a pet inspection from SENASICA, part of the Mexico Plant and Animal Health Inspection Office, and be on their way. During this inspection, they will be looking for signs of illness, parasites, open sores, etc. Should your pet present any of these signs, you may be required to have a vet check, quarantine your pet, or return to the US. While this is technically the law, most travelers are never asked to take their pets to the office for a formal inspection but use common sense - If your pet is sick, showing signs of illness, has parasites, or is otherwise not well, please consult a vet immediately and do not enter Mexico. For more information on the SENASICA inspection, please visit the aphis.usda.gov link at the bottom of this article.
Upon crossing into Mexico and at checkpoints along the way, routine vehicle inspections may be performed. Prepare your animal by leashing or crating them in advance, when possible. During the inspection, you may be asked to step out of the vehicle with your pet so they can thoroughly and safely perform their inspection. Pets may be inspected at the border, however it is unlikely. If you have an aggressive dog or one that could bite when nervous, be sure to muzzle it during this time or voluntarily remove yourselves from the vehicle for officer safety.
Important Spanish Words to Know:
Pet/s - Mascota/s
Dog/s - Perro/s
Cat/s - Gato/s
It doesn’t bite - No muerde (you will be asked this numerous times so remember this one!)
He/she might bite - El/Ella podría morder
What to Bring… that you might not have thought about:
Proof of ownership
Vet records - While you only need a rabies certificate to return, in case of emergency, you should bring all or your pet’s records
Extra leash & collar w/ tag
Extra food as pet food in MX is expensive and US brands can be difficult to find
Extra medications
Pet First Aid Kit containing wound care supplies, a muzzle, and if you can, the following medications: antibiotics, Trazodone, Carprofin, Benadryl (good for hives, swelling & inflammation, redness, runny nose and eyes, coughing, sneezing, anaphylactic shock, and anxiety), anti-diarrheal
Muzzle - Even though your pet “doesn’t bite” all animals have the potential to do so when scared or injured
Helping Local Animals While You’re There:
There are many ways you can help the local animals while you are in Baja! Below are just a few ways you can make their lives better:
Adopt a Baja dog or cat from a reliable rescue! Dogs and cats will be vetted, vaxxed, hopefully spayed/neutered and ready to go upon adoption so you won’t have any issues returning to the US with your new bestie!
Transport a dog to the US! Baja rescues desperately need Northerly transportation for their animals to pre-arranged adopters. Rescues will provide you with health certificates and [usually] kennels, food, and supplies in exchange for helping them get one of their animals to a better home up north! Facebook is the best way to find a rescue to work with or post your offering (how many and what kind/size of animal you can take) on the Cabo Pet Escorts Facebook page.
Bring extra food for stray dogs or to give to low-income communities or individuals.
Bring prescription flea and tick medications to provide to pet owners in the small towns you visit along the way! (the medium weight pills are the most versatile as these can be doubled or cut in 1/2 based on pet size/weight)
Bring food and water bowls and leave them full of food and water in rural areas where animals are present (NOT NEAR THE HIGHWAY)
Dassia Ri at Clinica Veterinary Patas Y Pies in Loreto provides free spay and neuter clinics and veterinary care for individuals in need in the area, as well as helps take care of the people who save the animals from the garbage dump in north Loreto. She could use monetary donations as well as supply donations including food, bowls, jackets, tarps, kennels, and any other supplies you can think of.
Donate to or bring goods for other Baja rescues
Here are some awesome rescues in Baja (not an extensive list)
Please note: if you “rescue” a dog off the street, be sure it doesn’t have a home already. Many dogs that appear “homeless” often do have a home so, unless there are severe health concerns and you’re worried for the safety of the dog, my recommendation would be to adopt from a local rescue. If you do find a dog in need, get it vet checked and vaccinated IMMEDIATELY. You will need to wait IN MEXICO for 30 days before you can return to the US with your newfound fur baby, per the US vaccination laws.
Returning to the US:
The most difficult part of returning to the United States with a pet is the line at the border. Once you are in it, you will likely not be able, or want to exit the vehicle in order to let your pet relieve itself - plan your last potty break stop for you and your bet before getting in line! The rest of the process is easy. Be sure to have proof of rabies vaccines for all your animals (at least 30 days old) ready to show the agent. They rarely ask, and usually want to do a simple visual inspection, but it’s good to have on hand just in case.
In Case of Emergency:
There are many great vets in Baja so in case of emergency, your fur buddy is going to be okay! Remember though, the best thing you can do for your pet if it’s sick or injured is to be prepared. Vaccinate your pet. Keep a pet first aid kit in your vehicle. Know where the closest vets are in the areas you’re stopping (read the Google reviews now, not at the time of an emergency!).
Some recommendations I have based on personal experience (all speak English) are as follows:
Loreto - Clinica Veterinaria Patas Y Pies
La Paz - Clinica Veterinaria Ortiz
Cabo - AlphaDog Veterinaria
Other Important Things:
CBD Treats - Many CBD treats/supplements for pets contain small amounts of THC. It is illegal to bring any product that has over 0.3% THC so read the packaging thoroughly.
Identification - Off-leash rules apply in Baja, especially on the beaches. This can be great but unfortunately, pets can go missing and there’s no network of people and resources to help you search for your baby. Be sure to have a collar and ID tags with an active number on your pet at all times!
Microchip - Microchips can be done at your vet’s office, local shelter, or clinic. They are a low-cost way to always be sure your pet can be traced back to you if found and scanned.
Food - Many brands of food cannot be found in Baja. Be sure to bring extra food for your furry buddy, just in case!
Leash Laws - Baja is pretty easygoing when it comes to leash laws. If your pet is off-leash, be sure it has excellent recall and be prepared for other off-leash animals to approach.
Be Aware & Stay Knowledgeable - There are many stray/abandoned animals in Mexico and there will be lots of pets at Escaper. Be sure to remain aware of your surroundings. While MOST stray dogs and pets are friendly, never assume anything, and do not let your dog run up to a leashed pet - they are on a leash for a reason! Should there be a fight, know how to separate animals. If you do not, there’s a great video by South End Dog Training that can be found in the Sources section at the end of this article.
Exotic & Other Animals:
Birds:
Sorry my bird lovers, it’s best to leave these sweethearts on the US side of the border. Mexico has a number of regulations regarding which species of birds can enter, as well as regulations on where the bird originated from AND has traveled through in order to qualify. Even if your feathery pet does quality, a mandatory 2-week quarantine is required. So, unless you’re planning an extended trip and are willing to return to the quarantine office to retrieve your pet, just leave it at home. If you’re a full-timer with a bird, I have heard rumors of bird boarding facilities but am not experienced with them and recommend you do your own research here.
Other Animals:
Many other animals may enter Mexico with the completion of an International Health Certificate but be sure to do your research before attempting to cross the border. The link to the health certificate and more information can be found here.
Sources
https://www.gob.mx/senasica/documentos/si-viajas-con-tu-mascota-194177?state=published
Did we miss anything?
If you have a question that wasn’t answered by this guide, shoot us a message and we’ll look into it.