The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana is reminding travelers that bringing pets into the United States comes with a series of important requirements. All animals, including service animals, must meet these regulations for entry.
In a social media post, the consulate highlighted that the rules are in place to protect public health and ensure animal welfare. Depending on the destination, pets may need to comply with both state and federal regulations, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
For dogs traveling from Mexico to the U.S., APHIS only enforces requirements if the animals come from a country affected by foot-and-mouth disease or screwworm.
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In such cases, owners must present a certificate confirming the absence of screwworm. This document can be issued by a trained veterinarian authorized to sign on behalf of the official government veterinarian.
To help pet owners, the Government of Mexico provides a directory of authorized veterinary clinics and hospitals where these certificates can be obtained. The list is available at: https://www.gob.mx/senasica/documentos/directorio-de-mvra-en-clinicas-y-hospitales-veterinarios?state=published
When it comes to cats, ferrets, amphibians, rabbits, and rodents, APHIS does not impose any special animal health requirements for entry into the United States.
However, other pets such as hedgehogs, reptiles, and birds require specific permits depending on the species.
If an animal is not listed on the APHIS website, it may not qualify as a pet and could be subject to different import regulations.
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Travelers with pet birds or exotic animals may also need to coordinate with additional agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more detailed information, the consulate advises checking the APHIS website.
