8knots - 3-8-2019 at 07:34 AM
I see lots of posts for flying to MX. How about flying from MX to USA....WA State specifically. It does not appear that there are any special forms to
fill....simply proof of rabies shots.
Am I missing something?
55steve - 3-8-2019 at 07:52 AM
Rabies is all that is checked by our border folks.
Howard - 3-8-2019 at 08:27 AM
I never like when people respond with possible out of date information but I will chime in here with old information. As of around 5 years ago when I
last flew with my dog on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles I vaguely remember that I needed a current Health Certificate from a Veterinarian and
a letter that the animal was free of parasites & ?. The certificate should show the rabies vaccination.
Flying rules and driving rules are different or at least what, if any paperwork, they look for.
I would start by calling Alaska Airlines.
[Edited on 3-8-2019 by Howard]
Maybe I'll read the post a little better this time!
Howard - 3-8-2019 at 09:38 AM
Sorry, you asked for information FROM Mexico to the USA and I gave the opposite information.
I still vaguely remember at the La Paz and Loreto airport the Mexican authorities asking for a health certificate before my dog was allowed to leave
Mexico by plane. The local Vet issued one.
Maybe I'm confused as that seems to be happening on a more regular basis lately! 
pauldavidmena - 3-8-2019 at 10:05 AM
This would be good information to have, as many Mexico-based dog rescue groups ask visitors from the U.S. to escort dogs to the airport so that they
can be flown to adopters waiting at the destination.
greta-inbaja - 3-8-2019 at 10:09 AM
I fly with my dog both directions 2x per yr on Alaska airlines. I fly into California. Alaska airlines requires a health certificate both directions.
It has to be no more than 30 days old. (This used to not be enforced) So i get one when i fly USA to Mex and since I am there for more than 30 days I
go to a local vet in San Jose del Cabo and get another there. When you get your health certificate in either place you will need your dog’s
vaccination records. The price in the USA is not fixed. I have been charged anywhere from 30 usd from my present vet up to 150 for my ex-vet. The
certificate in Mexico usually costs me about 17 usd incl exam. The vet does a quick exam, looks at previous records, gives me the certificate. Make
sure if you fly both directions that you get or make copies. If your paperwork is less than 30 days, it can be used repeateldly. Hence the copies.
Mexico will take one copy. Hopes this helps. I only need the certificate when flying. Driving just vaccination records. I have never been asked going
south. I have been asked going north.
55steve - 3-8-2019 at 10:10 AM
My info was crossing the border by vehicle. We work with a rescue in San Quintin and moved 6 dogs across around 5 months ago. I specifically asked
the border agent in secondary about what was required (we had all shot records) and he said he wasn't interested in anything other than rabies.
AKgringo - 3-8-2019 at 10:43 AM
I fly with my dog a lot, but not to or from Mexico yet. Something to be aware of, the health certificate is good for thirty days, but Alaska Airlines
wants it within ten days! I don't know if that is their policy, or some federal requirement.
Usually they check the certificate, sometimes they just ask me if I have one, and sometimes I just fill out the baggage label for the kennel and we
are on our way!
8knots - 3-8-2019 at 11:07 AM
Lots of help. Thank you. Just for the heck of it we will get a health certificate from our local MX vet.
A tip for flying with dogs!
AKgringo - 3-8-2019 at 12:23 PM
I have posted this before, but it may be useful for those who never read it, or are new to the forum.
My old dog Cleo was almost seven the first time I flew with her, and it caused stress levels that I never anticipated, for both of us! Subsequent
flights (even on canine tranquilizers) were better, but still stressful.
I adopted the dog I have now when she was about six months old, and from day one I have been using an airline kennel as her bed and 'sanctuary' here
in the house.
She does not like flying, but is sooo much better than Cleo was, and no tranquilizers are necessary!
Another tip for flying the pooch
Howard - 3-8-2019 at 12:42 PM
Upon arriving at the destination and the moment he got out of the cage, I rewarded him with a great doggie treat which I usually got from first class
leftovers. The flight attendants were extremely cooperative when I told them what it was for. It was one of the few times I fed human food to my furry
friend.
Alaska Airlines has breed restrictions!
AKgringo - 3-8-2019 at 12:59 PM
AK air has had problems with dogs suffocating from breathing problems (probably stress induced) so any "short nose" breed is prohibited from traveling
in the cargo hold!
The list is extensive, including Boxers, any of the Bully breeds, Pugs etc. The dog I have now is a mixed breed, an American bull dog mother, and
probably some long legged, hound like father. My guess is Ridgeback, so on the health certificate she is listed as "retriever/ridgeback mix".
If I was honest about her mommy, Bailey would not be allowed to fly!
BajaMama - 3-14-2019 at 05:21 PM
https://www.livingthedreamrtw.com/2014/10/bringing-dog-into-...
BajaMama - 3-14-2019 at 05:25 PM
I flew my Aussie one time (from LAX to Loreto, Alaska Airlines). Never again. He had to ride in the cargo hold. I could hear him. It was horrible.
I know not all flights and dogs and everything are as stressful, but it is the reason I drive three days to my Baja destination and three days back.
pauldavidmena - 3-20-2019 at 04:36 PM
Here is a nightmare of a report regarding an Air France flight from Amsterdam to LA. Even if proper protocol was followed - as the airline insists
they did - sincere apologies just don't cut it when you lose your best friend. I did fly with my cats when I moved from Minnesota to Boston over 20
years ago, when Northwest Airlines was considered the best carrier for pets, and had no issues. Flying our dog from Boston to Los Cabos, however,
would require two days in the air each way using Alaska Air - now considered the best choice for travel with pets. Given that I only visit for a week
at a time these days, it just doesn't seem worth the hassle - or the potential risk.