Man’s Best Amigo: Bringing your pets to Mexico

“Don’t assume because your pets shots are up to date by Canadian standards that you will be cleared elsewhere.”

Chihuahua Puppy

When considering the purchase of a vacation or retirement property and/or a part or full time move to a new country one question at the top of the list for pet owners is: Will this move work for my pets?  The good news for those considering Mexico as a destination is that it is a comparatively easy country to transport your pet into and a wonderful place to continue to enjoy their companionship.
Ours is a tale of two Chihuahuas who had lived their entire lives in often rainy Vancouver dreading the long stretches of large, head pelting raindrops and embarrassing jackets.  These faithful hounds were master road trippers and had been on as many ski trips as they had days at the beach…but all of that was about to change.  My wife and I had decided that we were going to take a year away from our lives in Canada and do something we had always dreamed of…live a simpler life in the sun and close to the ocean.  We were moving to Mexico!
We had flown with the dogs only once before (for a snowy Saskatoon Christmas) and without the aid of sedatives it was an agonizingly long flight for all involved. This time we were very motivated to look into different options to make the flight more comfortable.  We also wanted to make sure we did everything required for our boys to be welcomed with open arms by Mexican immigration.
My wife, who has a background in nursing and works as a project manager, jumped into action compiling to-do list and gathering information about vaccinations and requirements for transporting animals across borders.  I concentrated on brushing up on their obedience both on and off leash and of course, practicing Spanish on them.To enter Mexico with a cat or dog you will need to make sure that a variety of different shots and vaccines are up to date and that you have the documentation to prove this.  Don’t assume because your pets shots are up to date by Canadian standards that you will be cleared elsewhere.   One example of this is Canada recognizes a 3 year rabies vaccine while Mexico requires an annual shot.
Be prepared to make at least two visits as some shots have to be administered several months prior to leaving while others along with a final check-up must take place closer to departure.  We found the website www.pettravelstore.com a great source of information.  They provided (for a small fee) printable bilingual forms for your vet to fill out and all the information required to make sure our Chihuahuas where ready for a smooth and healthy return to the motherland.
At the risk of stating the obvious both of our Vancouver dogs love their new life in Mexico.  We chose our casa carefully, picking one with a tall wall encircling the yard. Over time the dogs have earned our trust and now spend most days sitting happily on the  front stoop soaking it all in.  We are finding more time to spend with them walking on the beach, exploring the jungle, or sitting on the many dog friendly patios of Sayulita.