If you’ve ever thought about traveling
to Mexico but were worried about bringing your pets, or worried
about what you were going to do with your pets if you did go- there
is no need to worry! Mexico is an easy place to bring your pets and
it is a friendly atmosphere to travel with from the United States- with
pets in hand! All you need to travel with your pet across the border
is a little bit of paperwork- a vaccination certificate and a health
certificate.
A vaccination certificate states that your animal has been vaccinated
against certain diseases such as rabies, pip and hepatitis. A health
certificate must come from a certified veterinarian and it has to be
issued within 72 hours of leaving for Mexico.
When having pets and traveling to Mexico you can have up to two large
pets, either dogs or cats (if you want any more then you will need to
ask for special permission through the Mexican
consulate). Even if you are only traveling with one or two pets
you should still contact the Mexican consulate so they are aware of
your position and can help you through the process in an individual
way. If you are traveling by air you will have to check out your airline’s
restrictions on your pet’s size and weight.
Airline travel to Mexico is a little more difficult then just driving
across the border with pets. Before you travel make sure you know
your airlines restrictions and planning obligations. The more accepted
form of traveling with pets is by taking them as baggage. Here is the
typical advice that will be given to you from most airlines:
• Don’t tranquilize your pets.
• Make sure the pet crate is well ventilated and doesn’t
have food in it! Airlines are especially watchful on the crates that
they allow on their planes.
• If you are traveling with cats make sure you don’t use
kitty litter but newspaper instead. It isn’t as messy and is easier
to handle for short trips.
• Put something recognizable in the crate so you can determine
which pet crate is yours so you can tell from a distance. Bright colored
yarns and tapes work the best. You don’t really want to get off
the plane and walk away with the wrong pet!
• Make sure you put an address, name and phone number on the pet
crate just in case of emergency.
Here are the things you will need if you have pets traveling to Mexico:
• A good kennel: The kennel should be tall enough for sitting
room for the dog or cat but not too big as to get in the way.
• Two dishes- food and water! While you can’t give it to
them on the plane, you can give it to them when they get off!
• Handles on the crates: It is nearly impossible to travel with
pets to Mexico if you don’t have a kennel with handles!
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