Travel with your Dog from Mexico to the U.S.

Tips I’ve learned from traveling via airline from Mexico to the U.S. with my dogs.

I have a deep love for dogs. When I first moved to Mexico, my daughter and I, along with our two dogs, embarked on a road trip from Houston to Puerto Vallarta. On day three, just a few hours into Mexico, we rescued our first Mexican street dog outside a gas station in rural Zacatecas.

Fast forward four years, and we now have a pack of four dogs and have successfully rescued and rehomed three others, and I’ve helped rescue organizations in Mexico transport adopted street dogs to the U.S. as able.

Flying to the U.S. from Mexico with a dog comes with its challenges. For instance, when a dog needs to fly cargo, many airlines have a heat embargo from June to October, as tarmac temperatures can pose serious risks. Although aircraft are pressurized, the cargo hold is not typically air-conditioned. It’s crucial to be mindful of these conditions and avoid flying during these months, even if an airline allows it.

Having flown with dogs from Mexico to the U.S. and back several times, I’ve gathered some useful tips that I wish I had known earlier. I hope these tips help you navigate the options available when traveling with your pet.

Consider Flying a Mexican Airline

If you’re struggling to find a U.S. or Canadian airline to fly your dog out of Mexico, consider Mexican airlines. I use Viva Aerobus for this purpose. Since I often travel to Houston, I can take the direct flight from Guadalajara to Houston IAH, which simplifies the process since pets need to be on direct flights.

While I usually avoid flying internationally with Mexican airlines due to reliability issues and long lines, Viva Aerobus has been accommodating when it comes to flying with pets. Note that you can’t do early check-in if you’re flying with a pet, so arrive at least two to three hours before your flight to handle passport stamping and pet documentation. Viva Aerobus allows me to use the Priority line, which is very helpful, since their lines are often times (how should I say this?), ridiculous.

If your city doesn’t have a direct flight from a Mexican airline, consider booking a flight to a major hub like Houston IAH and then continue to your final destination with a U.S. airline.

Have All the Correct Documents

Having the right documents is essential for flying with your dog. Previously, the required documents included:

Vaccine Card (Carnet de Salud): The rabies vaccine is mandatory for all dogs flying internationally.
Veterinarian Letter: A letter stating the dog is in good health and free of parasites and intestinal worms, fit for travel. While only the rabies vaccine is required for U.S. entry, airlines often require this letter.
Airline Liability Waiver: A document acknowledging the risks of flying your dog in cargo.

*Note: Starting August 2, 2024, new U.S. travel requirements include microchipping your pet and obtaining CDC permissions to travel with your pet into and outside of the U.S. You can find more information about these new policies here. Work with a knowledgeable veterinarian to navigate these changes.

Consider Taking a Bus

While I don’t suggest taking a bus from Mexico to the U.S., know that buses within Mexico allow pets in the cargo section if they’re in hard containers. This has been useful for me to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara for the direct Viva Aerobus flight to Houston IAH. The bus trip costs around $45 USD.

If you do decide that you will travel with your pet via bus, you may want to talk to your dog’s veterinarian to see if they recommend motion-sickness medication and what the appropriate dose would be. If your dog isn’t accustomed to long road trips, they can become subject to motion sickness, just like humans.

Arrange Transportation Home from the Airport

Finally, plan your transportation home from the airport. If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up. Some cities have Uber Pets. Contact Uber or Lyft to understand their pet policies. If needed, explore specialized pet transport services or check if rental car companies and public transportation allow pets.

The Takeaway

Traveling with a pet can be as challenging as traveling with an infant, but preparation can make the process smoother. I hope these insights help you plan a safe and comfortable journey with your furry friend.