Traveling with pets is allowed and even welcomed in Mexico, as long as you bring the following paperwork:

1. A licensed veterinarian must provide you with an official health certificate (they have the forms) that has been issued by your state or province.  This should be dated and stamped no more than 72 hours before you cross the border into Mexico.  If your pet is less than three months old, you do not need further documentation
2. Bring vaccination certificates for each pet, indicating that rabies, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis vaccines were administered at least 15 days, and not more than one year before you cross the border into Mexico.
3. If you bring your pet to Mexico and are there for more than 30 days from the date of the issuance of your pet’s health certificate, it is considered prudent to have a notice from a Mexican veterinarian stating that the rabies and vaccinations are up to date.  This is your permission to bring your pet(s) back into the U.S. and necessary for U.S. Customs.  Cross back into the U.S. within 30 days of issue of that notice. 

Professional pet transportation companies knew all the ins and outs of getting your pet into foreign country.  Certain airlines have restrictions as to where you can fly into with your pet, as pet travel becomes more popular.  Check with your airline, and your pet transport experts before you head for the airport or load your car!  Fido will be gratetful!

NOTE:  Mexico allows two pets to be brought into the country and if you arrive by air, this limitation will most likely be followed.  If you cross by car, just be sure to have all your documentation for all your pets in order.

When you first arrive in Mexico, do not allow your pet to have tap water.  Bottled water should be fed for at least the first few months, and continuously if you really want to be safe.  Bring packaged pet food from home, and over time, you can wean your pet off the “home” food, and switch to a local product.  Acclimatize your pet very slowly and allow for a few mishaps initially.

You will also need to bring flea and tick medications or they can be purchased for a reasonable fee in Mexico.  Just bring what you will need for the first few months until you can determine where you can purchase the medications later in your stay.  

The good news is that veterinarian care is relatively inexpensive in Mexico.