Flying private to Mexico with your dog or cat
A private jet makes the journey easier for a pet, but it does not change the import rules. SENASICA, Mexico's agricultural health agency, inspects every dog and cat and issues an import certificate at the port of entry.
- Agency
- SENASICA
- From the US or Canada
- Inspection only
- Health certificate
- Valid 15 days (other countries)
- Dogs from the US
- Screwworm certificate, 5 days
How pet import works
Yes. At the airport you apply for SENASICA's import certificate (Certificado Zoosanitario para Importación) and the dog is inspected for health, external parasites and wounds. Pets from the US or Canada need no health certificate or vaccination record; from other countries you need a vet's health certificate issued within 15 days, a current rabies vaccination and deworming in the last six months. Since 3 August 2026, dogs from the US also need a screwworm inspection certificate.
Mexico sets two sets of rules for dogs and cats: one for pets arriving from the United States or Canada, and one for pets from everywhere else. The summary below comes from SENASICA's requirements as published by the Government of Mexico, updated on 3 March 2026.
Tell us about your pet when you ask for a quote. Operators set their own rules on pets in the cabin, and we confirm with the operator and the handler at your arrival airport how the pet will be cleared.
Sources:Government of Mexico (Embassy of Mexico in Austria), updated 3 March 2026: SENASICA requirements for bringing dogs and cats into MexicoLa Crónica de Hoy, 11 August 2026: Mexico requires a screwworm inspection certificate for dogs and birds from the United States
Mexico import rules for dogs and cats
| Requirement | From the US or Canada | From other countries |
|---|---|---|
| Import certificate (CZI) | Apply at the port of entry | Apply at the port of entry |
| Health certificate | Not required | From an official or licensed vet, valid for up to 15 days from issue |
| Rabies vaccination | No record required | Current, with the date given (not needed under 3 months of age) |
| Internal and external parasites | Must be free of external parasites at inspection | Treated within the 6 months before travel, recorded by the vet |
| Physical inspection | Healthy, free of external parasites, no fresh or healing wounds | Healthy, free of external parasites, no fresh or healing wounds |
| Carrier | No rule stated | Must be clean; SENASICA staff disinfect it |
Pets with fresh or healing wounds are not allowed in. Beds, nappies, newspaper, toys or treats of ruminant origin may not be brought in. If proof of rabies vaccination or deworming is missing, the owner pays a private vet in Mexico.
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Dogs from the United States: the screwworm certificate
Since 3 August 2026, dogs and birds arriving from the United States need an inspection certificate showing they are free of New World screwworm (gusano barrenador del ganado). It must be signed by a vet accredited by the health authority of the country of origin, state that the animal shows no sign of infestation, and is valid for five calendar days.
The certificate is in addition to the other requirements, and separate from the frequent traveller pet programme. This rule rests on a press report of the Agriculture ministry's announcement, so check it with SENASICA before you fly.
Countries without an export protocol
SENASICA advises against flying pets directly to Mexico from these countries, or checking the requirements with each country's authority well in advance. The guidance does not mention a microchip or a limit on the number of pets.
- Dogs and cats: Senegal, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Iraq, Kosovo, New Caledonia and New Zealand
- Cats: Ghana, Iran and Suriname
- Dogs: Jamaica
How a pet arrives on a private flight
On a private flight, the pet is cleared with the passengers at the first airport of arrival. A Universal Weather trade guide says missing documents can add one to two hours while a local vet is found, and that customs dogs may be brought on board during inspection.
Carry original documents. The same guide lists older timings for the health and deworming certificates; we follow the newer government guidance above.
Sources:Universal Weather and Aviation, 10 February 2025: Mexico business aviation destination guideGovernment of Mexico (Embassy of Mexico in Austria), updated 3 March 2026: SENASICA requirements for bringing dogs and cats into Mexico
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistDoes my dog need a health certificate to enter Mexico from the US?+
No health certificate or vaccination record is required for pets from the US or Canada, but the pet is inspected on arrival. Since 3 August 2026, dogs from the US also need a screwworm inspection certificate valid for five days.
How long is the health certificate valid for pets from Europe?+
Up to 15 days from issue. It must be issued by an official or licensed vet and record a current rabies vaccination and deworming in the last six months.
Can a pet with a wound enter Mexico?+
No. SENASICA does not allow pets with fresh or healing wounds to enter.
Who issues the import certificate?+
SENASICA, at the port of entry, after a physical inspection.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
- 1.Government of Mexico (Embassy of Mexico in Austria), updated 3 March 2026: SENASICA requirements for bringing dogs and cats into Mexico
- 2.La Crónica de Hoy, 11 August 2026: Mexico requires a screwworm inspection certificate for dogs and birds from the United States
- 3.Universal Weather and Aviation, 10 February 2025: Mexico business aviation destination guide
Room for every member of the family.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.