If you declared a cat while going north, what would happen? Oh yeah it`s just a cat, no papers, nothing from the vet!!Bob and Susan - 6-12-2006 at 05:16 AM
they'd ask what country citizenship the cat had
Not to Worry
Baja Bernie - 6-12-2006 at 06:38 AM
No one sells cat tacos.Bruce R Leech - 6-12-2006 at 07:01 AM
I think you are supposed to have a vet cert. but I don't think they check much on cats.bajabound2005 - 6-12-2006 at 07:52 AM
You don't need to declare the cat, just make sure you carry current vaccinations records with you.HotSchott - 6-12-2006 at 06:57 PM
I know alot of guys that go to TJ for a BJ but I never heard them ask how to get one back...HotSchott - 6-13-2006 at 06:47 AM
Bajabound: I'm sorry my moment of levity was lost on you (are you a liberal?). I don't usually engage in off color humor online, but the urge to
reply to this topic was for some reason overwhelming. Anyway, just for your personal edification, I too am known to travel with my dog - although its
not quite so serious with me as for him. I also own three cats and determined some time ago that travelling with them to Baja was totally
inappropriate - even more so than my earlier comments. It seems that Baja is generally on the warm side most of the time and cats seem to prefer a
more climate-controlled environment than is typically available in a generally hot, desert environment. As Baja has something for everyone, I'm sure
there is a campfire somewhere with an open seat for you and your puss. Some vigilance on the part of the cat may be required to avoid the gnashing
teeth of the coyotes and stray dogs after the fire dies down.
So, although my comments may not always be appreciated (like your little spelling lesson), they are forthcoming and somewhat perpetual (according to
my wife). With all the perfect grammar that is a regular part of this board, I am a little surprised you chose my comment to pick on (a choice I
suspect you will come to regret). But rest assured that I will now follow your every word, waiting for that one day when you in a moment of
passionate repose leave your typo for all to enjoy. BTW (that's BY THE WAY) TJ = Tijuana and BJ = Oh, never mind it doesn't apply I'm quite sure.fdt - 6-13-2006 at 07:34 AM
Debra - 6-13-2006 at 11:52 AM
YIKES! What happened (something deleted again?)
I've never seen "HotShcott" post an angry reply.........let it go, you are one of the good guys!
AS to declaring Cats..........(which I beliveve was the original question) When crossing the border, they ask "what have you bought in Mexico", never
once have I been asked about pets, they ask for papers of anyone in the rig.
Please post here when you find out, I also need the info.(Not really worried about the border, I'm afraid of taking my 22# cat with me (coyotees)
but, I'm told he won't eat while I'm gone and it is obvious that he loses major weight. Also will have a baby bird in tow, I'm wondering what will
happen (I won't lie to border inspectors if asked, I also will not leave my "children" behind.)..........Any advice?White Angel - 6-13-2006 at 12:22 PM
We once smuggled back in a bob-tailed kitten that COCO claimed was a cross between a wild cat and one of his domestics. Assumed it would be a major
hassle to mention the animal at the border; so just sort of stuffed her under the seat. She's 12 yrs old now and still living in PHNX. Looks like a
basketball with long hair! Must weigh in at about 25 lbs! No inherant health problems ever developed.bajabound2005 - 6-13-2006 at 01:12 PM
When we crossed at Otay Mesa a couple of weeks ago with our dogs, the agent asked if we had the dogs' health records with us. We had left them at the
house in Baja. He let us go but warned us to carry them with us as there are "officers that are the letter of law and officers that are the spirit of
the law". We made copies of all their records and now keep them in the car. A Baja neighbor travels back and forth with her pet bird and she keeps
all the birds records (origin of birth, etc) with her and has not had any problems.
If you are considering bringing your pets with you into Mexico, there are a few things to consider before crossing the border. Many people bring their
pets (furry family members) back and forth across the border without incidence, but a little pre-preparation will make sure you don't have any
unforeseen problems.
Rabies Vaccination: A current vaccination certificate is the most important requirement. Vaccination against rabies is essential. You may be asked for
proof of rabies vaccination on the Mexican side, or you may not. You may be asked for it by U.S. border officials, or you may not. Avoid the risk of
creating a problem - BRING PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION.
Health Certificate: A health certificate (Certificate of Good Health) from your local veterinarian is not a bad idea either. Though not really
necessary for travel within 30 miles of the US/Mexico border, it pays to keep one with you in case you run into problems in Mexico, or are questioned
by U.S. Border Agents. (As of February 2005 we are attempting to obtain the official rules for bring in pets within the "Free Zone".)
If you plan to venture further south of Ensenada Baja California, or onto mainland Mexico, a health certificate is required. Special paperwork must be
filed with the Mexican Department of Agriculture for a permit to travel to the mainland with your dogs. Failure to get the needed documentation can
result in a lot of unneccesary problems for your pet.
Pet Food: Be sure to bring along extra pet food, especially if your pet has specific needs or is particular about a certain brand. Larger cities will
have big grocery stores (Gigante, Walmart, Sams Club) that do stock a variety of pet foods, but that may not always be the case in smaller locales.
Also, if you expect to travel to more remote regions like Baja California, it's best to have plenty on hand for the trip.
Pet Identification: Most of all, be sure your pet's I.D. tags are current. Although most RV parks welcome leashed pets, many hotels do not.
Birds and Reptiles: Coming into Mexico might not be a problem, but taking birds and reptiles into the U.S. will be. The animals will be confiscated if
you do not have the proper paperwork, an expensive and time-consuming process. (Contact the Mexican Consulate in San Diego at 619-231-8414 for
details.) Unless you are moving to Mexico permanently, get a bird nanny.
Buying Birds or Reptiles in Mexico: Feeling tempted to buy one of those beautiful little lovebirds or parrots sold on street corners? Don't do it!!
Most of these birds have been trapped illegally, are highly stressed, near death, and will be impounded when you try to re-enter into the U.S. By
purchasing these birds you are helping to support the black market for bird trafficking, in which over half the birds die during transportation.
Dear Abbey's advice for the concerned pet owner
Dave - 6-13-2006 at 06:47 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
I'm afraid of taking my 22# cat with me (coyotees) but, I'm told he won't eat while I'm gone and it is obvious that he loses major weight.
Also will have a baby bird in tow...
Any advice?
Dear Debra,
Leave the cat and bird home. Leave the bird cage open.Debra - 6-13-2006 at 11:27 PM
Bajabound, thanks for your post, great info.
Dave, Thanks for your advice as well......However, baby bird (just turned 1 yr. old has never been caged, and she dosen't know she is a bird, she
thinks she is "all it", and rules.......and she does, even the huge cat cuts a wide berth around her.
Leaving them behind this time is not really an option since I'm not sure when I will come back north..............unless, there is a Nomad willing to
Bird/Cat/Home Sit?oladulce - 6-14-2006 at 08:22 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
... as there are "officers that are the letter of law and officers that are the spirit of the law".
I experienced this one first hand yesterday when crossing the border northbound. We were traveling with a couple of gatitos that we discovered
abandoned in our old bodega last month. They certainly weren't part of the program but are still pretty defenseless and have become velcro cats due to
the hand feeding they required initialy. Anyway, we ended up with them.
Came in thru Tecate and sent to 2ndary. The usual line of questioning ensued:
"Bringing anything back from Mexico"..
We hesistated.
"..fruits, meats etc?'
To which we were able to respond "no, nothing like that".
We would have probably been fine, but when they asked "any dogs in here" before they began inspecting the camper, we had to blab "no but we've got a
couple of kittens that we found ... blah blah blah"
Suddenly the gloved man's finger goes up in the "No , No, No" gesture. "If those cats are from Mexico then they have to be quarantined, and we don't
do that here. You have to re-enter Mexico and cross at Otay Mesa." It appeared that gloved-man was orienting a new guy, and a couple of the other
agents looked at him like" I can't believe you're making them do that" especially when they could all see the 2 palm-sized fluffy things frolicking in
the back seat. But he wouldn't budge.
So back across the border, up to O.T. , got lost in a scary barrio, and waited another 2 hours. Had lots of time to forumulate a story while waiting.
We knew that Tecate had entered us into the computer but weren't sure if the cats were part of our profile, so we had planned the "don't ask, don't
tell" approach this time, and if asked, would say that the Tecate guy must have misunderstood because the gatitos were our pets but were too young
still for shots. Worst that could happen would be they would quarantine them anyway.
We got up to the booth in Otay, and the guy entered our license # and paused to read something. His questioning was different than usual and he never
asked what we're bringing back, only" how long were you in Mexico? Where did you go"? He cupped his hands over his eyes and peered in to the backseat
for what seemed like an eternity.
"Have a nice night" he said eventually, and waved us on and we were out of there. A few miles down the road, we asked each other "do you think he
knew?" and we've decided that we're sure he did, and it was just a little karma coming back to us for rescuing the silly things.
[Edited on 6-14-2006 by oladulce]
Good news!
Dave - 6-14-2006 at 09:53 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
unless, there is a Nomad willing to Bird/Cat/Home Sit?
I had a chat with my dog and she has volunteered to cat sit.Debra - 6-15-2006 at 12:40 AM
awfulart - 7-22-2007 at 05:53 AM
Baja Bound Quote from last year: "If you plan to venture further south of Ensenada Baja California, or onto mainland Mexico, a health certificate is
required. Special paperwork must be filed with the Mexican Department of Agriculture for a permit to travel to the mainland with your dogs. Failure to
get the needed documentation can result in a lot of unneccesary problems for your pet."
We have been to Alamos with our 2 dogs and no one ever paid any attention to the dogs as far a paper work is concerned. When returning to the U S we
were asked for their shot records but nothing else.
How does one get this Dept of Agriculture permit?
Cat - the "other" white meat
The Gull - 7-22-2007 at 08:33 AM
marv sherrill - 7-23-2007 at 06:45 PM
Despite all of the fun, yet non helpful responses, we have brought our cat Zorro across the border 5 times at Tijuana with no questions - usually he
is sitting in Gail's lap when we cross, in full view - we found him in Mexico a year and a half ago, and he loves it down there - chasing lizards and
ghost crabs on the beach. - We do bring his papers and record of vaccinations, but have never been asked. He sees us off when we go fishing and races
down the beach to greet us when the boat comes in. He is definitly a fun addition to our trips - the last one was over 7 weeks. Zorro is a stud- so
don't take a puss cat down....BAJACAT - 7-23-2007 at 07:58 PM
I never have any problem coming back
Get it, My Bajanomad Handle is BAJACATMango - 7-23-2007 at 10:32 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
No one sells cat tacos.
I've only seen it once; but, yes.. they do make cat tacos.
I ate some by accident once. It looks like chicken.
After a long bus ride to Hidalgo del Parral I was very hungry and went to some taco stands just outside the bus station.
They didn't seem to have any meat that I recognized at the taco stands, so I asked, "Que hay?" I got the usual rapid fire cryptic response in return.
As there is a different name for almost every conceivable type and cut of meat in Mexico I was a little confused. I was starving, so I pointed to
what I thought was chicken.
I ate it; and, it tasted somewhat like chicken; but, had a different consistency and texture. The lady watched me closely as I ate it and laughed
after I finished.
I became a little worried and asked her again what it was. She had a special name for it. I asked her to repeat it and she told me some name that
started with "S". She realized I still didn't understand and said, "gato" I
understood that just fine.
At first I was pretty upset about it; but, I paid and left without making a fuss. Now I just look at it as a unique experience. I'm still not sure
if it was "house" cat or "wild" cat. In the end it was meat. A cow is sacred in India; but, it is food for many of us in the rest of the world.
I'm a lot more careful about what I order now; but, still eat street food all the time. It can be some of the best food you will ever have. In the
end it did not make me sick; but, I'd recommend sticking to the chicken if you can help it.
I
understood that just fine.