Guide to Traveling With a Dog in Mexico in 2026

Are you thinking about traveling with a dog in Mexico? Sometimes you need to take your dog with you. Maybe it’s a service dog.

Or maybe, like me, you travel full-time with your dog and take her with you everywhere you go.

Traveling with a dog can be stressful. You need to find pet-friendly accommodations. Ideally, you’d like your dog to be able to go to outdoor cafes with you. And, most of all, you need your dog to be safe.

The good news is that Mexico is a great country to travel to with your dog. Many cities in Mexico are dog-friendly, so your pup can go with you on many of your adventures.

Whatever your reason for traveling with your dog in Mexico, I’ve got all the info you need for a stress-free trip.

Traveling With a Dog in Mexico

I’ve been living in Mexico with my dog, Shelby, since 2022. I’ve noticed some cities are definitely more dog-friendly than others. But in general, traveling in Mexico with my dog has been a great experience.

Is it Hard to Travel With a Dog in Mexico?

Traveling with a dog in Mexico couldn’t be much easier. There are tons of pet-friendly hotels and Airbnbs.

In most cities, dogs are welcome in restaurants, cafes, and even some stores. So you won’t have to worry about leaving your dog behind when you go explore the area.

There are definitely things you need to know when traveling with your pet in Mexico. Most people in Mexico don’t consider their dogs family like we do. Although I do believe this is changing, it’s something to keep in mind.

Overall, Mexico has realized that many visitors like to bring their pets, so they do their best to be accommodating.

How to Transport a Dog to Mexico

Taking your dog from the United States to Mexico is quite straightforward. Here is what you need, depending on how you enter the country.

Flying to Mexico With Your Dog

I’ve flown into Cancun and Cozumel with my dog. My experience was a little different in each, but here’s what you can expect.

Add Your Dog to Your Reservation

When you buy your ticket to Mexico, you’ll need to add your dog to your reservation.

Some airlines (including United) allow you to add your dog online at the same time you book your flight. For others, you have to call the airline directly.

Be sure to do this right away. Airlines only allow a certain number of pets per flight. Add your pet within 24 hours after booking for the most flexibility, since this is the timeframe for a full refund.

Should Your Dog Fly in the Cabin or Cargo?

If your dog and its carrier weigh less than 20 pounds, he can fly with you in the cabin.

You’ll need a soft-sided carrier. It will need to squish a little to get under the seat. I love this pet carrier. It’s a backpack that turns on its side to fit under the seat. It’s very handy.

Be sure to check the airline’s carrier requirements. Sometimes the maximum size is different on different airlines. Also check the weight limits.

Keep in mind that your dog carrier will count as your personal item. Your dog will have to stay in the carrier throughout the entire flight.

If you have a larger dog, it will have to be placed in cargo. Dogs in cargo have to bbe in a hard-sided carrier.

Be sure to check the airline’s requirements. They often require a certain amount of food and water for your dog.

I haven’t put my dog in cargo, but I’ve heard from people who have had good experiences.

When it’s very hot or very cold, your dog won’t be able to go in cargo. Even though the cargo area is climate-controlled on the plane, your dog may be sitting on the tarmac for an extended period of time.

What Airlines Allow Dogs in the Cabin?

Here is a list of airlines that allow dogs in the cabin from the U.S. to Mexico, along with a link to their pet policy:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Aeromexico
• Volaris
• Viva Aerobus
• Jet Blue

Note: Even though Southwest Airlines has flights to Mexico, they do NOT allow pets on international flights.

Of these, I’ve flown on American and United. I had a great experience on both airlines with my dog.

Driving to Mexico With Your Dog

Driving to Mexico with your dog is a bit easier, although there are still rules you need to follow. Be sure to check the U.S.D.A.’s page for updated requirements.

Dogs have to be in a carrier secured inside your car. If you always drive with your pup on your lap, be sure to pull over before you reach the border to secure him.

The dog has to be where it won’t be a distraction or cause any other hazards.

I use a special seatbelt for my dog. It keeps her safe and in her own seat. I like this one because it can clip into the seatbelt clip or attach around the seat’s headrest.

However, you should still use an enclosed carrier when crossing the border.

Driving to Mexico With Other Pets

The rules for traveling to Mexico with a cat are the same as for a dog. It’s quite easy to take your cat to Mexico, either on a plane or in a car.

For pets other than dogs and cats, this is from the Mexican Consulate’s website:

If you want to enter Mexico with an animal, other than a dog or cat, you must comply with the requirements of the Zoosanitary Import Requirements Consultation Module. Please send an email to reqzoosan.dgsa@senasica.gob.mx

Arriving in Mexico With Your Dog

Once you arrive in Mexico, your dog (or cat) will be inspected to ensure it is healthy.

Pro tip: When flying to Mexico, there are no pet relief areas in the airport before going through customs. (At least this is true in Cancun and Cozumel.)

Take disposable potty pads that your dog can use in the restroom. Bring a ziplock bag with you so you can dispose of the pad without leaving the restroom smelly.

Documentation Required to Take a Dog to Mexico

Whether you arrive via airplane or drive into Mexico, your dog will have to be inspected and documents checked.

Health Certificate

Health certificates are no longer required to enter Mexico. However, some airlines still require them. I always get one before I travel. It makes the inspection process a bit smoother.

Be sure to check your airline’s pet travel requirements. Some require the certificate to be issued within the last 30 days. For others, it must be within the last five days.

Take an extra copy. The inspector at the airport in Mexico always keeps mine.

Proof of Rabies Vaccination

Whether you have a health certificate or not, always have proof of rabies vaccination plus a couple of copies. The rabies vaccination must have been given more than 30 days prior to travel.

Proof of Deworming and Other Parasite Prevention

You’ll be asked if your dog is on a dewormer and flea/tick prevention. I give my dog Simparica Trio, so I always have some with me. I can show them if they insist on proof, however, this has never been necessary.

Pro Tip: Flea and tick medications are so much cheaper in Mexico and don’t require a prescription. Stock up while you’re here.

Microchip

I’ve never been asked for proof, but I’ve read that your dog must be microchipped. It should be anyway.

Make sure your microchip contact information is up to date and includes the country code of your phone number.

Pet Inspection When Arriving in Mexico

In addition to checking your documentation, your dog is supposed to be examined when you arrive at either the airport or by car. They’re looking for parasites, open sores, or any indication that your dog isn’t healthy.

Be sure not to put any blankets or toys in your dog’s carrier. They’ll throw them away. You can only have the pad that came with the carrier.

Shelby almost had her brand-new penguin toy confiscated. Luckily, the inspector was nice and let us keep it. He did, however, throw away a reusable pee pad I had in her carrier.

If you have anything in your dog’s carrier for the trip, be sure to take it out before you go through customs and immigration.

Bringing Dog Food and Treats to Mexico

You’re only allowed to bring enough food for your dog for one day. I’ve had food confiscated.

I found that one quart-sized Ziploc bag is fine. That will feed my small dog for several days. However, if you have more than one bag, it’s likely to be taken.

Don’t bring any products containing beef or pork. I’ve had Shelby’s favorite (expensive) beef chewies confiscated and it broke both our hearts. I also had beef canned food taken. Chicken products seem to be fine.

Traveling Around Mexico With Your Dog

Once you’re in Mexico, it’s easy to travel around the country, but it depends on how you travel.

Taxis

I’ve had no problem taking Shelby in taxis. They’ve always let her ride on my lap, but be prepared to be asked to put your pup in a carrier instead.

Sometimes with large dogs, it will be more difficult to find a taxi. Join Facebook groups for travel in your destination and ask about private drivers who allow dogs. You shouldn’t have any problem, although be prepared to pay a bit more.

Local Buses

Most local buses will be fine with your dog as long as it’s in a carrier.

ADO Buses

ADO is a bus network that goes all over Mexico. The buses are nice, comfortable, air-conditioned, and very inexpensive. They are a great way to get around the country.

Except if you have a dog.

ADO does not allow dogs in the buses, even in carriers. They are allowed in cargo, but the cargo area is not climate-controlled and gets a lot of fumes. (This is what I’ve been told anyway. I’ve never climbed into the cargo area myself to try it out.)

Renting a Car

You can always rent a car to get your dog around in Mexico. Renting a car is easy, but be aware that the fee you see online is not what you’ll pay.

The rental car company will tell you that you are required to buy insurance. It’s not that they’re lying. You do need insurance. But you can get it for far less than they’re quoting.

I always use Discover Cars. They have an insurance program that has saved me hundreds of dollars.

Hiring a Driver

There are a lot of drivers in Mexico who will take you long distances. They often cost less than a taxi or a rental car. Just ask in a Facebook group for the city you’re in for recommendations.

I had a driver take me the five hours from Cancun to Campeche. It worked out great and wasn’t terribly expensive.

As a bonus, you have a local captive, so you can get a lot of great advice about the area!

Returning Home From Mexico With Your Dog

The United States recently changed the procedure for bringing a dog back into the country. It was very complicated, but they simplified it so it’s not too bad.

Currently, the only required documentation for dogs entering or returning to the United States that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months is the CDC Dog Import Form.

Mexico is considered to be a low-risk country for rabies. You can see the list of countries that are considered high risk for rabies on the CDC’s website. Any country not listed is low-risk.

You complete the CDC Dog Import Form online and show the receipt, which will be emailed to you. You can print the receipt out or show it on your phone.

You can find all the information on the CDC’s website. Be sure to check it before your trip to make sure nothing has changed.

Check with your airline to see if you also need a health certificate. The good news is that health certificates from licensed veterinarians in Mexico are very cheap and easy to get.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Mexico

Every city in Mexico has a large selection of dog-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. You can easily search for pet-friendly rooms on sites like Booking.com or VRBO. But read the fine print. Some hotels charge up to $100 extra for a dog.

If you’re living in Mexico long term, you can find pet-friendly accommodations in Facebook groups for less than if you go through a booking site.

What Kind of Dog Food Can I Buy in Mexico?

It gets a little tricky since you can’t take a lot of dog food to Mexico. You’re going to need to buy some more right away.

Large cities have chain pet stores such as Petco and PetSmart. In smaller towns, I’ve had trouble finding high-quality dog food locally.

You can order your dog’s food from Amazon and online pet stores. If you know the address of where you’re staying, you can order in advance.

The pet department of stores like Walmart are not nearly as extensive as in the United States. I’ve had trouble finding Shelby-approved chewies in Mexico.

I recently learned that dog food made in Mexico is not of the same quality as the same brand in the United States. They don’t have the same standards for manufacturing here.

Check with your veterinarian to ensure you’re getting the quality you expect.

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Are Dogs Allowed on the Beach in Mexico?

Whether you can take your dog to the beach in Mexico depends on each city. While I was living in Cancun, I found a couple of dog-friendly beaches. Otherwise, dogs are not allowed on beaches in Cancun.

We lived in Cozumel for nearly two years, and it’s very dog-friendly as far as beaches are concerned. The small beach clubs allow dogs, although the larger ones usually don’t. It’s allowed to take dogs to public beaches.

I’ve also taken Shelby to beaches in Ciudad del Carmen and Chicxulub Puerto. These were small beaches without a lot of people.

Be sure to check the rules for where you are. If you’re going to risk it anyway, go to a secluded beach. And be sure to clean up after your dog.

If your dog is going to be swimming in the ocean, consider a doggie life jacket. Tides can be surprisingly strong.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Mexico

My experience is that if there’s an outdoor patio, dogs will be allowed in the restaurant.

I don’t expect to be able to take my dog into an enclosed restaurant. Actually, I hardly ever go inside restaurants. This is Mexico and the weather is too good to be inside!

Although recently, on a rainy day in Cozumel, Jeanie’s let me have Shelby inside the restaurant. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Shelby's puppy shoes

Keeping Your Dog Safe in Mexico

Keeping your dog safe in Mexico isn’t much different than in cities in the United States.

If you have an expensive breed of dog, you might need to worry about it being stolen. This is also true in the U.S., where French bulldogs are stolen all the time and either sold or held for ransom.

Dog-napping usually falls under the category of crimes of opportunity. I haven’t heard of anyone being held at gunpoint for their dog. So keep your dog close and inside when you’re not there, and you should be fine.

Street Dogs in Mexico

The thing I worry about is all the street dogs. Everywhere in Mexico, there are strays and what I call “free range” dogs – dogs with homes that are allowed to wander freely.

Until I get to know the local dogs, I’m on constant alert. As soon as I see a street dog, I’ll pick Shelby up. Usually, the dog ignores us entirely.

I have had only two scary dog experiences. One dog came bursting out of the closed front door of a house. It was aggressive, but not terribly so. Mostly, it just scared us.

The other time we had three dogs charging toward us, barking. As soon as I picked Shelby up, they stopped and went away.

This is the only negative of Mexico in general. But, of course, the problem varies depending on where you are.

Cancun had a lot of free-range dogs, but they ignored us. We never encountered any aggressive or scary dogs in Cancun.

Campeche had very few street dogs where I lived in Centro. Maybe it’s because Campeche is so clean. The dogs have nothing to scavenge. I’m sure it’s different when you get away from the downtown area.

Chicxulub Puerto had the worst dog problem. That’s where the aggressive dogs were. I was able to get to know the regulars and which ones were friendly. The dogs also have their regular territory, so you can figure out the safest places to walk.

Cozumel has very few loose dogs downtown. We’ve encountered a few, but not too many. This is one of the reasons why Cozumel is my favorite place to live in Mexico.

Is it Safe for Dogs to Drink Tap Water in Mexico?

I’ve been told that it is safe for dogs to drink tap water in Mexico. Dogs’ stomachs can handle a lot more bacteria than we can.

However, I give Shelby bottled water. She does drink water from the shower, puddles in the street, and other water of questionable origin, and she’s been fine.

It’s up to you, but bottled water is cheap, and I figure it’s worth it.

Is it Too Hot in Mexico for a Dog?

It can get very hot in Mexico. In the summer months, you’ll need to walk your dog early in the morning and in the evening.

Bring some dog booties to protect your dog’s feet from the hot sidewalk.

But as long as you’re careful, your dog will be fine in Mexico. I’ve had to pour water on Shelby when we’re out in the hot weather to cool her off.

I have to keep her fur cut pretty short to help her stay cool, but after we were here for a month she got used to it.

Getting a cooling vest will help keep your dog from overheating. Shelby loves hers! Still, if you have a husky or a dog bred for cold weather, Mexico might not be the best place.

Finding a Veterinarian in Mexico

I’ve had to take Shelby to the veterinarian several times in Mexico.

Once was in Chicxulub Puerto for a corneal ulcer. I found the vet through recommendations in my Facebook expat group.

The full exam, two medications, and a nail trim all cost less than $40 USD. That would have been over $200 in the U.S. The vet was great and spoke English.

The other times were in Cozumel. I’ve taken Shelby in for vaccinations and other eye issues. It costs so much less than in the U.S.

The Cozumel veterinarian’s office also does grooming, so I had Shelby completely shaved. Bath, haircut, and nail trim all cost me $12 USD. And that included the tip.

The best thing to do is locate a veterinarian or emergency clinic before you get to your destination. Every expat Facebook group will have recommendations. Just hold onto the address and phone number, so if your dog gets sick, you’ll be prepared.

Traveling to Mexico for Veterinary Care

Mexico has become a popular destination for pet healthcare due to its skilled veterinarians, state-of-the-art facilities, and lower costs compared to some other countries.

One of the primary reasons pet owners choose to travel to Mexico for veterinary care is the cost savings compared to their home country.

Veterinary services in Mexico can be significantly more affordable than in countries like the United States or Canada, without compromising on the quality of care.

Mexico has a thriving veterinary industry, with many well-trained and experienced veterinarians who offer a comprehensive range of services.

Whether it’s routine check-ups, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, dental procedures, or complex surgeries, Mexican veterinarians are often equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide top-notch care for pets.

In addition to skilled professionals, Mexico is home to modern veterinary clinics and hospitals that are equipped with advanced technology and equipment. These facilities often meet or exceed international standards, ensuring that pets receive the highest level of care.

Wrap-Up: Traveling With a Dog In Mexico

I can’t imagine traveling without my dog. So while there are some challenges associated with traveling with a dog in Mexico, it’s 100% worth it for me.

Mexico is a dog-friendly country in general and is becoming even more so. As long as you know what to expect and are prepared, you and your pup can have a wonderful time in Mexico.

Before you head out, download this free travel checklist for the dog.

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