BajaNomad

dog from Canada

kimberleygd - 7-11-2015 at 01:36 PM

I have a bit of a quandary and maybe a fellow Canadian can help. I know Mexico requires shots 10 days before border crossing, so I've been holding off until a few days until departure. I am flying into San Diego from Toronto and crossing the border, so I will have to abide by US customs which says at least 30 days. I have to leave around the 8th, am I screwed?

STARBAJA - 7-11-2015 at 01:59 PM

Entering Mexico with a dog requires that they have their rabies/parvo shot within a year of entry. They require a health certificate issued within 10 days of entry. By air they check all the paperwork. When driving across we have never had any inspection or questions regarding our dog at Tecate. Haven't crosses at TJ so can't advise on that.
Good luck and have a great trip.

kimberleygd - 7-11-2015 at 02:11 PM

Thanks, its more the US entry I'm worried about as I'm flying into San Diego and driving to ensenada

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by kimberleygd]

AKgringo - 7-11-2015 at 02:43 PM

Your airline should have the right information for entering the US by air.

As far as re-entering the US from mexico, the rules are the same as for flying, but over the last three years I have crossed over with my dog in the front with me four times without any questions. That was twice at Tecate, once at Mexicali, and once at Algodones.

I have never been asked for paperwork at any Mexican inspections either, But I have always had a health certificate and shot records just in case.

Bob and Susan - 7-11-2015 at 02:44 PM

just call your airline...they will know ALL the up-to-date rules
don't trust "hear-say" from here

just remember a health certificate is only good for 30 days
you may need to get a Mexican certificate to fly back to canada

AKgringo - 7-11-2015 at 03:18 PM

Kimberlygd, You didn't say how long you would be in Mexico, but the health certificate is good for thirty days. As long as the required shots were already current, you should be able to get the certificate and go right away. Again, your veterinarian and the airline are the ones to ask.

As far a getting a Mexican health certificate for the return flight, it might work out, but the form required for checking in at San Diego is a USDA form (APHIS FORM 7001) that requires a signature by an accredited veterinarian.

If it is different flying into Canada, a real Canadian that flys with a dog should speak up now......which is what you asked for in the first place!

kimberleygd - 7-11-2015 at 03:43 PM

Thanks everyone! I am in ensenada for a year to teach, so I'm just going to worry about one way for now. I am getting a one way ticket to San Diego, and taking my letter and employment and work documents to show I'm just travelling through.

Ensenada Vet

bajaguy - 7-11-2015 at 04:30 PM

Kimberly - When in Ensenada and you need a vet, or to get your exam/certificate to get back to Canada I recommend Dr Antonio Pena.

Outstanding Vet, great guy, speaks English

http://www.hospitalvet.net/english/about.html

redmesa - 7-11-2015 at 06:09 PM

I have never flown with a dog but I have crossed the Canada/U.S.. border and the U.S./Mexico border many time in the last 10 years. They use to ask for papers at the Ca/U.S. border but they have not for years. sometimes I get a print out from my vet of past vaccines just in case. They have never ever asked for any papers at the U.S./Mexico border either direction. Just have whatever the airlines wants and you should be totally fine.

SFandH - 7-11-2015 at 06:14 PM

They're probably profiling. Mangy mutts get sent to secondary. Us well groomed handsome dawgs with new collars and tags get in, no questions asked.

arf arf

[Edited on 7-12-2015 by SFandH]

redmesa - 7-11-2015 at 06:38 PM

Dang, I knew my new collar had sparkle that counted.

kimberleygd - 7-12-2015 at 08:10 AM

http://imgur.com/8HBjnjf

Here he is for all the pooch lovers.
That sounds great! I've decided not to worry, just have him checked out a week before departure, plus rabies shot for good measure and have her fill out both the US and Mexican forms, but get him a little bling to wear.



Leo - 7-13-2015 at 03:56 PM

I have to agree with all the remarks before. Crossing at TJ, we have done many a time with our dog and never did they ask for papers. When we fly in to Cabo, yes they do ask and look at them.

Juls - 7-13-2015 at 08:33 PM

Last December, crossing at Tecate, we were ask for the rabies certificate, done just before we left Canada. It was the first time in 8 years. Just be prepared.

AKgringo - 7-13-2015 at 08:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Juls  
Last December, crossing at Tecate, we were ask for the rabies certificate, done just before we left Canada. It was the first time in 8 years. Just be prepared.


Who asked for the papers, Mexico on the way south, or the Us on the way north?

Juls - 7-13-2015 at 08:56 PM

We were going south. There was an inspector there, did not speak English, and I don't think he could read the certificate either, but I pointed out the date and he just nodded.

motoged - 7-14-2015 at 10:24 AM

kimberleygd - 8-23-2015 at 01:17 PM

Just wanted to update on what happened from Nova Scotia to Ensenada.
Nothing, zilch, the only person to even ask about papers was the airlines leaving Halifax, no check at US customs at Calgary or going over the border. (We got a green light). I feel good I was prepared though. Max made it through with flying colors. I was so proud of him.

David K - 8-23-2015 at 01:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by kimberleygd  
Just wanted to update on what happened from Nova Scotia to Ensenada.
Nothing, zilch, the only person to even ask about papers was the airlines leaving Halifax, no check at US customs at Calgary or going over the border. (We got a green light). I feel good I was prepared though. Max made it through with flying colors. I was so proud of him.


Awesome, thanks for the follow up!

Whale-ista - 8-24-2015 at 08:36 AM

thanks for the report Kimberley, and welcome both of you to Baja! You just missed the annual Wine Festival, but now you have a year to prepare for the next one.

Please stay active on Nomad- we welcome questions and also replies as you gain direct experience in Ensenada.

What subject(s) are you teaching, and for what school(s)? I have several friends/family members who work in education in Ensenada, from primaria to advanced degrees. It's definitely a community that values learning.

mojo_norte - 8-24-2015 at 07:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Juls  
Last December, crossing at Tecate, we were ask for the rabies certificate, done just before we left Canada. It was the first time in 8 years. Just be prepared.


2X - Was asked for dog's papers @ Tecate crossing south early December last year .