Planning a trip to Mexico and want to bring your furry friend along? Good news for pet owners in the United States: traveling to Mexico with your dog or cat has become simpler. As of December 16, 2019, the Mexican government has removed the requirement for a health certificate for dogs and cats entering the country from the U.S. However, this doesn’t mean you can just breeze through the border. Your pet will still undergo an inspection by SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria), the Mexican animal health authority, upon arrival. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth border crossing for you and your pet.
Key Changes for Pet Travel to Mexico: No More Health Certificates Needed
The most significant change is the elimination of the mandatory health certificate. Previously, pet owners needed to obtain a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian within a specific timeframe before travel. Now, this is no longer necessary for pets coming from the United States. This simplifies the pre-travel preparation significantly. However, it’s crucial to understand that this change shifts the focus to the inspection process conducted by SENASICA officials at the point of entry in Mexico. Instead of paperwork, the emphasis is now on the physical examination of your pet to ensure they are healthy and free from diseases that could pose a risk to Mexico’s animal population.
What to Expect at the Mexican Border Inspection (SENASICA)
Upon arrival in Mexico with your dog or cat, you will need to proceed to the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection Office (OISA). Here, SENASICA personnel will conduct a visual inspection of your pet. This inspection is relatively straightforward and typically focuses on the following key areas:
- Signs of Infectious and Contagious Diseases: The officials will check your pet for any visible symptoms of illness that could be contagious to other animals. This is a standard procedure to protect animal health.
- Freedom from Ectoparasites: Your pet will be examined to ensure they are free from external parasites like ticks and fleas. If any ectoparasites are detected during the inspection, don’t panic. You will be required to have your pet treated by a veterinarian. In the case of ticks, SENASICA might take samples for laboratory analysis to ensure they are not exotic to Mexico or related to any ongoing animal health programs. Your pet may be held at the OISA until the parasites are confirmed to be non-threatening. Any costs associated with treatment or holding will be the responsibility of the pet owner.
- Absence of Fresh or Healing Wounds: Inspectors will check for any fresh wounds or wounds that are still in the healing process. This is to prevent the introduction of infections.
It is also important to note that if your pet is currently undergoing treatment for skin conditions such as mange, fungal infections (dermatomycosis, dermatophylosis), or similar skin lesions, you should present documentation from your veterinarian to the SENASICA officials. This documentation should be on official letterhead and include the veterinarian’s professional registration number. A copy of the registration number can also be provided. This helps clarify the condition and ongoing treatment, facilitating the inspection process.
Furthermore, ensure your pet is transported in a clean cage or carrier. If the carrier is deemed dirty or contains prohibited items like bedding, toys, or excessive amounts of food, it will be disinfected, and the contents may be removed and destroyed. Only a small portion of food, enough for the day of arrival, is permitted.
Important Notes for Pet Owners Traveling to Mexico
- Applicable Pets: These regulations specifically apply to domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and domestic cats (Felis catus).
- Frequent Traveler Program: If you frequently travel between the U.S. and Mexico with your dog, you may be eligible to register for the “Pet Program – Frequent Traveler.” This program could potentially streamline your border crossings. For more information, you can contact SENASICA at the phone numbers provided: 59051000 ext. 53611, 54326 and 51020, (0155) 43130154; 43130155 and 43130152.
In conclusion, bringing your pets to Mexico from the U.S. is now more straightforward thanks to the removal of the health certificate requirement. However, be prepared for a SENASICA inspection upon arrival. Ensuring your pet is healthy, free of parasites, and transported in a clean carrier will contribute to a hassle-free experience. Always remember that compliance with SENASICA regulations does not exempt you from adhering to any other requirements from different authorities. For the most up-to-date information and any specific concerns, it is always recommended to check the official SENASICA website before your travel date.
