Pet travel alert

Dog Travel Between the U.S. and Mexico: Screwworm Certificate Checklist

Dog travel between the United States and Mexico now has an added New World screwworm documentation layer. The two directions are related, but they are not the same rule.

Last reviewed: September 14, 2026 · Primary sources: Mexico SENASICA, USDA APHIS, and CDC.

The short version: before crossing with your dog, confirm the current country rule and the timing of any certificate. A document that works in one direction may not work for the return trip.

United States to Mexico

Current rule: Mexico requires dogs moving from the United States to Mexico to have a New World screwworm inspection certificate issued no more than five days before entry.

What to verify: planned Mexico entry date, certificate issue date, veterinarian authority, dog identity details, and whether your airline has separate carriage requirements.

SENASICA describes the requirement as a disease-control measure that began August 3, 2026. See the SENASICA article and SENASICA press release.

Mexico to United States

Current rule: dogs entering the United States from Mexico still need the applicable screwworm-freedom certification in addition to the CDC dog-import requirements.

What to verify: CDC Dog Import Form, the dog’s countries during the prior six months, rabies vaccination history, screwworm certification, U.S. arrival airport, and final U.S. state or territory.

USDA APHIS maintains the screwworm-related dog-import guidance for dogs entering the United States. CDC controls dog-rabies import requirements. See USDA APHIS dog import guidance and the CDC dog import page.

What has not changed

This is not a general statement that every pet document is accepted. Country rules, airline rules, and certificate timing still matter.
Airlines can add their own cabin, cargo, aircraft, service-animal, carrier-size, and route requirements, but an airline page is not the authority for Mexico’s entry rule.
Cats are not covered by the dog-specific checklist above. Always check the current species-specific rule before travel.

How YourPetPass helps

YourPetPass keeps your pet’s records organized and helps turn official-source travel rules into a practical checklist for your route. Your pet’s health history belongs with you.

Free to start at YourPetPass.com · View the pet travel rules change ledger