Bringing a dog from Mexico to the United States
To enter the US from Mexico, your dog needs the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, to be at least 6 months old and, since Mexico has screwworm, an inspection certificate. This guide is not legal advice: check the official pages before you travel.
What the CDC asks for
- A receipt for the CDC Dog Import Form, filled out online, free and valid for 6 months.
- Your dog must be at least 6 months old at entry.
- A microchip readable by a universal scanner.
- Your dog must look healthy on arrival.
Mexico isn't on the CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies, so these are the requirements that apply. Dogs can enter by airport, seaport or land border.
The screwworm certificate
Since November 2024 the US considers Mexico affected by New World screwworm. So every dog entering from Mexico, even a US dog coming back from a trip, needs a certificate signed by an official veterinarian or a veterinarian authorized by Senasica, Mexico's animal health agency.
The certificate states your dog was inspected and is free of screwworm, with the inspection done within 5 days before travel. At the border they review the documents and inspect the dog.
How to prepare
- 1. Check that it has a microchip. If not, ask your vet to implant one and note the number.
- 2. Fill out the CDC form. Online, before you travel. Keep the receipt printed or on your phone.
- 3. Find an authorized vet. For the screwworm certificate, within 5 days before crossing.
- 4. Confirm the rules on travel day. Screwworm rules have changed several times: check the CDC and USDA pages.
What about cats?
This guide is for dogs. The CDC and screwworm requirements on this page apply to dogs; if you travel with a cat, check the rules of the state you're going to and of your airline.
Frequently asked questions
- What does my dog need to enter the US from Mexico?
- The CDC form receipt, a microchip, at least 6 months of age, looking healthy, and a screwworm-free certificate from an official or Senasica-authorized vet, inspected at most 5 days before.
- Does my dog need a rabies vaccine to enter the US from Mexico?
- The CDC doesn't require it for dogs coming from Mexico, but recommends all dogs be vaccinated. In Mexico, the rabies vaccine is mandatory anyway.
- How much does the CDC form cost?
- It's free and filled out online.
Related guides
- Bringing a dog to Mexico: requirements in 2026Requirements to bring a dog or cat to Mexico from the US or Canada in 2026, and to take it back to the US.
- Flying with your dog or cat in MexicoNewCabin or hold, carrier, weight and documents to fly with your dog or cat in Mexico.
- Screwworm in dogs and cats in MexicoSigns of screwworm in dogs and cats, what to do with a wound, where to report it and how it affects travel.
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Sources
Official requirements checked in November 2026. This guide is not legal advice.