Yes...You may bring cats, dogs, and other household pets into Mexico.
Those wishing to travel to Mexico with their dogs or cats must obtain the following documents beforehand:
1. A Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and
2. Proof of vaccines against rabies and distemper, administered at least 15 days before the arrival of the pet in Mexico.
3. Proof of ownership. A letter from your veterinarian will suffice or you may have an adoption certificate from your local shelter.
No consular certification is required and it is not necessary that these documents be translated into Spanish.
However, in the numerous times we have driven from Mexico, through the U.S. into Canada and back again, we have never experienced anything more than slight interest in our pets. We even have “Pet Passports” which we thought were real cute, but nobody has ever wanted to see them. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared! And the best thing is there is no quarantine in Mexico!
Beware! Whether you bring pets with you from north of border or not, once you are living in Mexico, be prepared for some big brown eyed dog or cat to decide to adopt you and worm their way into your heart.
In Lake Chapala we have several animal rescue groups that are great places to adopt your new friend.
For those of you that have allergies and can't have a dog or cat in your home but still love them and are okay for short periods, you can volunteer to walk the dogs from the Animal Shelter or hang out and keep the kittens and cats company.