Bringing Pets from Mexico to the US
Bringing pets from Mexico into the United States in 2026 involves navigating strict regulations that were significantly updated by the CDC in late 2024. While the process for cats remains relatively simple, the requirements for dogs are now much more rigorous to prevent the reintroduction of rabies.
The following guidelines apply to pets traveling by land, air, or sea
Requirements for Dogs
Mexico is currently considered a low-risk country for dog rabies. However, all dogs entering the U.S. must meet these four universal requirements:
- Minimum Age: Your dog must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
- Microchip: The dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted. Crucially, the microchip must be implanted before any required rabies vaccination is given.
- CDC Dog Import Form: You must complete this online form (available on the CDC website) before arrival.
- It is free to submit.
- The receipt is valid for 6 months and allows for multiple entries (as long as the dog hasn’t visited a high-risk country).
- You can show the receipt on your phone or as a printout to CBP officers.
- Healthy Appearance: The dog must appear healthy. If the dog looks ill, it may be subject to a veterinary exam at your expense.
IMPORTANT!! Screwworm Certification: Mexico is not free of screwworm. Dogs from Mexico are technically required to have a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating the dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days of shipment.
Requirements for Cats
Bringing a cat across the border is significantly easier, as there are no federal CDC vaccination requirements for cats.
- Health Inspection: Cats are subject to inspection at the port of entry. They must appear healthy and free of diseases communicable to humans.
- Rabies Vaccination: While the CDC does not require proof of rabies vaccination for cats, individual U.S. states (like California or Texas) or airlines may have their own requirements. It is highly recommended to have a valid rabies certificate anyway.
- No CDC Form: Unlike dogs, cats do not require a CDC Import Form.
At the Border (Land Crossings)
If you are driving across the border (e.g., at San Ysidro or El Paso):
- Declare the Pet: Always tell the CBP officer you are transporting an animal.
- Have Paperwork Ready: Keep your CDC Dog Import Form receipt and any vaccination records in a dedicated folder.
- Agricultural Inspection: Be aware that pet food must be in its original, unopened packaging or meet specific ingredient restrictions (generally, food containing lamb or goat from certain regions is restricted, but most retail dog food from Mexico is fine for personal use).
Quick Comparison Table
| Requirement | Dogs | Cats |
| Minimum Age | 6 Months | None (but must be healthy) |
| Microchip | Required (ISO-compatible) | Recommended |
| CDC Online Form | Required (Free) | Not Required |
| Rabies Vaccine | Required for most states | Recommended |
| Inspection | Visual check by CBP | Visual check by CBP |