US → MX · Car
United States to Mexico — driving across the border
Last reviewed 2026-09-01
Driving a pet into Mexico is one of the simplest North American corridors, but SENASICA inspects animals at the crossing and clean crates matter more than travelers expect.
What matters on this route
- Carry a health certificate issued by a licensed vet, ideally within 10 days of crossing.
- Rabies vaccination proof with dates and product details is required for dogs and cats over 3 months.
- Crates must be clean, with no bedding, food, or litter inside at inspection.
- SENASICA inspection at the crossing is free; you may receive a zoosanitary import certificate.
Frequent questions
- Do I need an import permit?
- Personal pets travelling with their owner generally do not need a separate permit — the inspection at the border issues the documentation.
- How many pets can I bring?
- Up to three pets typically qualify as personal accompaniment; more may be treated as a commercial shipment.
Build the checklist for this route
Guidance only. PawPass helps you organize requirements and deadlines. We do not issue health certificates, endorse documents, diagnose animals, or provide travel insurance. Always verify with the official sources linked here.