Bringing a Dog into the U.S.

If you are planning to drive across the border into Mexico in the near future, you need to be aware of a recent new rule concerning bringing your dog back into the U.S. at the end of your trip. This new rule goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2024.

This new CDC regulation supersedes any past regulations concerning bringing a dog into the U.S. from Mexico. Whether your dog is a puppy or a service dog, this rule applies to all canines that left the U.S. and are crossing back into the states.

Keep in mind if you do not abide by these new rules, your pet may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. with you. These rules apply to all persons entering the U.S., including citizens, legal U.S. residents and foreign nationals.

Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance is keeping an eye on these new rules for you, as well as providing affordable Mexican auto insurance before you cross the border. Stay legal and enjoy your trip by purchasing the correct Mexican car insurance to drive in Mexico and understanding the new rules around dogs.

What Does My Dog Need to Cross Into the U.S. from Mexico?

Between now and July 31, 2024, dogs must appear healthy when arriving at the border. If your dog has been in a country with a low risk of rabies, such as Mexico, you will not need a rabies vaccination document. You will be required to state either verbally or in writing that your dog has not been in a country with a high risk for rabies in the past 6 months or since birth if less than 6 months of age.

Bringing a Dog into the States Starting Aug. 1

The new rules are an attempt to control the spread of rabies in the U.S. and there are several new items to check off your list before you can take your pet on vacation with you to Mexico and bring it back smoothly. These requirements include:

·       Dogs must be more than 6 months of age – no puppies younger than that will be allowed to cross.

·       Dogs must seem to be in good health. It is helpful to ask your veterinarian for a written statement.

·       Dogs must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, which will be available beginning July 15, 2024.

·       Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination certificate and the animal needs to have originated in a country with a low risk of rabies, which includes Mexico.

·       Dogs must be microchipped with an ISO certified chip. This has been standard practice in American for 10 years, however, if your pet is older and was chipped a long time ago, you may need to get a new chip.

If you are an American citizen planning to take your dog on a driving trip to Mexico, your pet needs to have a USDA-approved veterinarian administered rabies vaccine. If your pet’s rabies vaccine was administered in another country, you should get it re-vaccinated. If you get a dog while you are in Mexico, the animal will not be allowed to enter the U.S. until 28 days have passed since it was rabies vaccinated.

Consider reading this CDC document for further clarification on when you may need to re-vaccinate your pet.

I Have Homes in Mexico and the U.S. What do I Need to do to Bring My Dog Back and Forth?

If your pet is vaccinated by an approved vet in the states and is chipped, you should be fine. However, if your dog does not have these requirements, plan a trip to the U.S. before Aug. 1 to make sure you will be in compliance when the new laws go into effect.

What is a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian?

A USDA-accredited veterinarian is one who has received an additional license issued by an agency affiliated with the USDA. This is not a requirement. However, an accredited vet can issue health certificates that will be acceptable when bringing a dog into the U.S.

Traveling to Mexico with Your Dog and the New Regulations

These new regulations are designed to curb the spread of rabies in the U.S. Although Mexico is a low-risk country, all people coming into the U.S. from a foreign country will be required to abide by these new rules beginning Aug. 1.

Keep in mind that a certification of U.S.-issued rabies vaccine or a USDA-endorsed export health certificate will ease your burden considerably.  If for some reason you cannot attain these documents, there are some additional options, although they are considerably more complex and may require quarantine at your expense. Please read about all your options in these cases here.

Heading to Mexico Soon with Your Dog? Make Sure You Have Legal Car Insurance and Legal Dog Documents!

If your trip down south includes your furry family member, be aware that beginning Aug. 1, there are new rules in place for coming back into the U.S. with your pooch. Having knowledge means your trip will go down as the fun in the sun vacation you’ve hoped for during the dreary cold winter months.

Crossing your Mexican Auto Insurance off the list early is wise and gives you one less thing to think about before you leave. The professionals at Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance have been helping travelers like you for more than 75 years. It’s easy to get a quote online, or you can give them a call at 800-222-0158 or simply stop by one of their offices on your way to the border (they are located in 3 bordering states).