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FACT BRIEF

Do you need to fill out a form to bring dogs into the US from Mexico?

By Brandy Ruiz
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YES

One or more forms are required to bring dogs into the U.S., depending on whether the dog has recently been in a high-risk or low-risk country.

Dogs that have resided in rabies-free or low-risk countries for the past six months are only required to show a dog import form.

The Centers for Disease Control considers Mexico low-risk. The dog import form requires the animal’s name, age, breed and importation purpose.

Dogs with recent stays in high-risk countries must also have a rabies vaccination certificate and a microchip inserted prior to receiving the vaccine.

All dogs entering the U.S. must be at least six months old, appear healthy, and have a detectable microchip.

A rule change in December 2019 allowed dogs and cats to enter Mexico without a health certificate, although pets must be brought to the Mexican Animal and Plant Health Inspection afterward.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
US Department of Agriculture Pet Travel From the United States to Mexico
Centers for Disease Control Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries
Centers for Disease Control Entry Requirements for U.S.-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries
Center for Disease Control Entry Form
gob.mx Requisitos y procedimientos para viajar a México con tu mascota
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El Paso Matters
El Paso Matters is a member-supported nonpartisan media organization that uses journalism to expand civic capacity in our region. We inform and engage with people in El Paso, Ciudad Juárez and neighboring communities to create solutions-driven conversations about complex issues shaping our region.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.