If you are traveling with a pet from the UK to Mexico, it’s important to plan ahead and follow Mexican pet travel regulations. At James Cargo Service, our expert pet transporters help you meet all the necessary requirements for taking pets to Mexico from the UK, making the process easy and stress-free for you and your furry friend.
Let’s dive into the details of moving pets to Mexico from the United Kingdom.
Taking Pets to Mexico from the UK: Essential Requirements
Taking pets to Mexico is fairly straightforward. To successfully transport your dog or cat to Mexico, you must complete specific health and documentation requirements. However, the process becomes more complicated if you're trying to bring other animals like birds or reptiles, as Mexico doesn't classify them as pets.
If you're moving your dog or cat to Mexico, there's a limit of two pets per person. A couple can bring up to four pets, but if you exceed three, there will be an extra charge.
Below is a step-by-step guide for pet travel to Mexico.
Step # 1: Veterinary Travel Certificate (3915EHC)
Before traveling, you must obtain an Export Health Certificate (EHC), also known as the Veterinary Travel Certificate (3915EHC).
- This certificate is issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK.
- It must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian (OV), a vet specifically authorized to issue export documents.
- The certificate confirms that your pet meets Mexico’s entry requirements and is fit to travel.
Step # 2: Valid Rabies Vaccination
When moving to Mexico with your pet, a rabies vaccination is required. The vaccine must be administered at least 15 days before your pet’s arrival in Mexico, but no more than 12 months prior. You’ll need to provide proof of this vaccination, which should include the vaccine’s date, expiry date, product name, and lot number. Your veterinarian will be able to supply this information.
Additionally, dogs must have their full regular vaccinations, administered at least 15 days before travel and not more than 12 months before arrival. This proof must be included in the Export Health Certificate.
Other vaccinations
Dogs must be vaccinated for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella. Cats need to be vaccinated for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
Our pet shipping service can help you navigate all the necessary paperwork and regulations to take your pet to Mexico.
Step # 3: Proof of Residency in the UK
Mexican authorities need a signed statement confirming that your pet has lived in the UK for at least six months or since birth. This helps show that your pet hasn’t been exposed to rabies or other restricted diseases from another country before traveling.
Step # 4: Disease-Free Certification (EHC)
The Export Health Certificate must confirm that no rabies cases, except for those caused by the European Bat Lyssavirus (EBL1 or EBL2), have been reported in the UK in the last 3 years.
Step # 5: Pre-Travel Veterinary Examination
A clinical health check is required within 48 hours before departure to confirm that your pet is:
- Healthy and fit to travel.
- Free from infectious diseases.
- Not carrying external parasites such as fleas or ticks.
During this examination, the vet will:
- Conduct a full-body check-up to confirm your pet is in good condition.
- Confirm that all vaccinations are up to date.
- Issue a final health declaration confirming that your pet is travel-ready.
Tip: Schedule your vet appointment well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
Step # 6: Pet Arrival in Mexico
Upon arrival, your pet will need a health check and must clear customs. As long as your pet is healthy, there’s no quarantine. It's strongly recommended, almost required, to use a pet transport service to help with the process when you land.
If you are traveling to Mexico via another country, additional certificates or quarantine measures may apply. Example: If your flight has a layover in the USA or Canada, you may need to meet their specific entry and transit requirements for pets.
Pet Travel to Mexico with James Cargo
At James Cargo Service, we understand how important your pet is to you, and we’re here to move your pet to Mexico as smoothly as possible. Our dedicated team specialises in international pet relocation, offering a full range of services to ensure your pet’s safe and comfortable travel.
We manage all the paperwork, vaccinations, and regulatory requirements for you, guiding you through each step. From booking flights to coordinating customs and veterinary inspections, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your pet’s well-being. Trust James Cargo for a stress-free pet travel to Mexico.
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