Fira finally made it to Mexico! As a Californian, I’ve been to Mexico plenty of times, but this was the first time bringing Fira along. When we started planning this trip to Mexico City, I knew it would be the perfect spot for her: it’s less than a three-hour flight, the city is super metropolitan with everything you might need, and it’s incredibly dog-friendly.
I was actually quite surprised at just how dog-friendly Mexico City is! You’ll see dogs trotting next to their humans without even a leash or see a dog walker easily leading six dogs at once. The cutest sight to see! There are so many beautiful parks too, including off-leash dog parks.
But first, let me share my experience flying with Fira. As long as you are super prepared, it’s a breeze!
Before flying, I always check the USDA Pet Travel site. It has the most updated info on traveling with your dog internationally. There’s now a new requirement for travelers flying back from Mexico: a screwworm certificate issued within 5 days of entering the US.
From the USDA, “As of November 22, 2024, Mexico is considered to be affected with screwworm. All dogs (including U.S. origin dogs returning to the U.S. after traveling to Mexico) must meet APHIS requirements for screwworm freedom certification upon entry (re-entry).”
I’d never heard of this before, so I made sure to plan ahead and get everything in order.
I keep all of Fira’s travel documents in a plastic sleeve or folder and store in the pocket of her carrier.
Read this post: The Best Airline Dog Carriers
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
The USDA Pet Travel website states that a health certificate is no longer required for Mexico*, but I always get one from my vet just incase. At the airport, they always ask for paperwork, so I like to be over prepared and bring everything they might need to avoid any issues.
*A health certificate is required to get the screwworm certificate, which is now mandatory in Mexico as of Nov 2024. More below…
VACCINATION/RABIES CERTIFICATE
Bring physical copies of your dog’s rabies certificate and vaccination records. Depending on your airline, they will need to see these. This was a requirement with Delta.
BOOK YOUR AIRLINE’S PET TRAVEL
Be sure to call your airline and book your pet as early as possible, as there are limited spots per flight. It costs around $125–$200 each way and allows your dog to fly with you in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
When you’re at the airport, an airline agent will add a special pet tag on the carrier.
CDC DOG IMPORT FORM
Fill out this dog import form and submit online. Print out a copy to bring with you. When I flew back to US from Mexico, the check-in agent did ask me if I submitted the CDC form, so I whipped out my copy right away!
SENASICA INSPECTION UPON ARRIVAL AT MEX AIRPORT
Once you arrive at baggage claim in the Mexico City airport, look for a small office window—that’s the SENASICA office. They’ll scan your paperwork, inspect your dog (literally just patting around their body), and have you fill out a short form. It takes five minutes and it’s right next to the baggage carousels.
There is absolutely no grass or dirt right outside the airport btw, so we asked our nice driver to pull over when we saw a patch for Fira to pee!
SCREW WORM CERTIFICATE
Now, for this pesky screwworm… this is just a simple document from a vet in Mexico stating that your dog is free of screwworm. It must be signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official (official government veterinarian) and issued within 5 days of your flight back to the US.
When I started calling around, I realized not every vet provides this. So, here’s a website with the official list of veterinarians in Mexico who can issue the certificate.
Costs can vary, but expect to pay somewhere between $50–115. The vet will also need to examine your dog in-person and check their rabies/vaccination records, and health certificate. Plan ahead because a couple vets told me they needed 3-5 business days to complete the form. The vet I went to did it same-day.
TRAVELING AROUND MEXICO CITY
I had no issues getting Ubers with Fira or bringing her to restaurants. There are so many restaurants with outdoor patios and they’ll happily bring a water bowl for your pup!
I would recommend staying in areas like Polanco, La Condesa and Roma Norte. You’ll find beautiful tree-lined streets, nice cafes, parks and lots of dog lovers. Some of my favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Mexico City are:
- Rosetta
- Lardo
- Tacos Del Valle
- Bellopuerto
- Taverna
- Madre Cafe
Ready to book? Find flights on Booking.com!
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