Flying with your dog or cat in Mexico
Mexican airlines take dogs and cats in the cabin or the hold, with rules that differ between airlines and change over time. This is what they almost always ask for; confirm the details with yours before buying the ticket.
Cabin or hold
Small pets travel in the cabin inside a carrier that fits under the seat. Each airline sets a maximum weight, usually between 8 and 12 kg including the carrier, and maximum dimensions.
Larger pets travel as checked baggage or cargo, in a rigid crate. Some airlines don't accept snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in the hold.
What they almost always ask for
- Booking your pet's spot in advance: there are few spots per flight.
- A minimum age, usually around 4 months.
- Its vaccination card up to date.
- A health certificate from your vet, issued a few days before.
- A carrier with the airline's dimensions, ventilated and big enough to turn around in.
- Paying a fee per pet.
How to prepare
- 1. Check your airline's current policy. Weight, dimensions, age, documents and price differ between airlines and over time.
- 2. Add your pet when you book. Don't wait for the airport: spots run out.
- 3. Talk to your vet beforehand. For the health certificate and to know whether your pet is fit to fly.
- 4. Get it used to its carrier. Let it know the carrier days before the trip.
Assistance dogs
Guide and assistance dogs have their own rules and usually fly in the cabin at no cost. Airlines ask for documents proving it: ask when you book.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can my dog weigh to fly in the cabin?
- It depends on the airline: usually between 8 and 12 kg including the carrier. Confirm with yours before booking.
- What documents does my pet need to fly within Mexico?
- Almost always its vaccination card up to date and a recent health certificate from your vet. Each airline sets the details.
- Can I fly with my cat?
- Yes, in the cabin or the hold, with the weight and carrier rules your airline sets.
Related guides
- Bringing a dog from Mexico to the United StatesNewCDC form, microchip, minimum age and screwworm certificate to bring your dog from Mexico to the US.
- Getting around Mexico City with your petNewMetro, Metrobús, Uber Pet and DiDi: how to get around Mexico City with your pet.
- Dog and cat vaccines in Mexico: schedule and vaccine recordWhich vaccines dogs and cats need in Mexico, the rabies rule and how the vaccine record (cartilla) works.
Wagori: everything for your pet, in one app
Keep its vaccine record, find vets and trusted services, and see events near you. It's free. The app is in Spanish for now.
Works in the browser on your phone or computer. The app is in Spanish for now.
Sources
Requirements checked in November 2026. Each airline sets its own: confirm on its site before booking.