BoenBaja
Senior Nomad
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Screw worm
According to all of the recent news I’ve found, the Mexican government is now requiring a screw worm screening within 5 days of crossing the border,
as well as the US. I called our local veterinarian and they said a simple screening would be $60 per pet, but if an actual Health Certificate is
required it would be $300 per dog. I don’t know what the charge would be in Baja, but I’ve included a link of Senesica approved vets in Mexico.
How have other Nomads handled this? Did the officials at the border require an actual “Health Certificate” or just a letter from an approved
veterinarian? Taking our 2 dogs down and back is getting to be an expensive proposition!
https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/1090723/Direc...
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lencho
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Quote: Originally posted by BoenBaja  | | According to all of the recent news I’ve found, the Mexican government is now requiring a screw worm screening... |
Is there actual scientific justification for that, or is it political posturing in retribution for U.S. rejection of (potentially infected) Mexican
cattle?
How likely is a problem of dogs carrying screw worm into Mexico...? 
"I can normally tell how intelligent a man is, by how stupid he thinks I
am."
"...they were careful of their demeanor that they not be thought to have opinions on what they heard for like most men skilled at their work they
were scornful of any least suggestion of knowing anything not learned at first hand."
Cormac McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses
"Be kind, be patient, help others." -- Isabel Allende
"My gas stove identifies as electric." Anonymous
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SFandH
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| Quote: Originally posted by lencho | | Quote: Originally posted by BoenBaja | | According to all of the recent news I’ve found, the Mexican government is now requiring a screw worm screening... |
Is there actual scientific justification for that, or is it political posturing in retribution for U.S. rejection of (potentially infected) Mexican
cattle?
How likely is a problem of dogs carrying screw worm into Mexico...? |
FWIW:
"With at least 44 cases of New World screwworm (NWS) have been documented in the United States as of July, Mexico has introduced new rules regarding
the import of dogs and pet birds from the U.S. that went into effect on August 3, 2026. "
https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/mexico-ena...
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Not many cases, and who knows how many are dogs, if any.
[Edited on 8-14-2026 by SFandH]
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BoenBaja
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Also what is the status on having dogs microchipped? Our poodle is, our Baja rescue is not yet chipped.
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
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Not too recent, but.....
On my last visit in Jan 2025 my veterinarian confirmed that the health certificate was not required for land crossings. I did have a recent print-out
of an examination, along with shot records, microchip ID number, and a prescription for parasite meds.
The screw worm problem was known at the time, but no one was interested in my dog, or her paperwork going south or north! I am sure that flying into,
or out of Mexico would be a whole different situation to deal with.
The US crossing agent was only concerned about the half full package of FUD sliced ham lunch meat in my ice chest, which she confiscated. She
wouldn't let me feed the meat to my 90 pound co-pilot either, and just wanted me to keep the dog away from her!
Since 2012, every trip to Baja has been with a large dog, and I have only been asked for paperwork one time (crossing northbound) and the agent did
not bother to actually look at the documents I offered.
[Edited on 8-15-2026 by AKgringo]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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BooJumMan
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I crossed at Mexicali East last week with two dogs and as usual not a single question about the dogs or any associated paperwork. Of course the new
rule was rolled out the same week I was leaving and I didn't even have time to get them checked prior to crossing.
In that pre-Google Earth and social media epoch, The Code was adhered to. It was based on a simple verity: if a locale had been transformational for
you, and you had put the hard yards in to get there and to learn it, to know it, why in god�s name would you broadcast the news, thus ruining the
future experience not only for yourself, but for future adventurers?
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BoenBaja
Senior Nomad
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🐶🇲🇽 **UPDATE #2 — ENTERING MEXICO WITH DOGS OR CATS**
**August 14, 2026**
As promised, we asked **Mexican Customs in Mexicali TODAY** about the requirements for bringing pets into Mexico.
We specifically asked what they require when entering Mexico with a **dog or cat**, and their answer was:
👉 **“We don't require anything for a dog or cat.”**
They explained that if someone is traveling with another type of animal, such as a **bird, reptile, etc.**, they would be directed to the government
office in the building next door, where officials would handle the corresponding requirements, registrations, or documentation.
But according to the Mexican Customs officers we spoke with today, **for a personal pet dog or cat, they are not asking travelers for additional
documentation at this crossing.**
🐾 So today we asked BOTH sides personally:
🇺🇸 **Entering the U.S. through Calexico:** The officer told us to have vaccination and microchip information available. Regarding the screwworm
certificate, he told us that if you have it, it's better to bring it, but that enforcement at their crossing is currently at the officer's discretion.
🇲🇽 **Entering Mexico through Mexicali:** Mexican Customs told us they are **not requesting anything additional for dogs or cats.**
⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** We are sharing exactly what the officers told us personally **TODAY, August 14, 2026, at the Calexico/Mexicali border
crossings.** Requirements and enforcement can change, and individual situations may be handled differently.
We wanted to ask directly because we know many of our San Felipe residents, snowbirds and RV travelers cross this border regularly with their furry
family members. ❤️🐶🐱
Hope this helps! Safe travels to everyone heading to San Felipe! 🌴☀️🇲🇽
#SanFelipe #SanFelipeBaja #BajaCalifornia #Mexicali #Calexico #TravelWithPets #TravelWithDogs #DogsInMexico #MexicoTravel #BorderCrossing #BajaTravel
#Snowbirds #CanadianSnowbirds #RVers #RVLife #BajaRVers
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
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I have no problem complying with medical requirements for my best friend traveling with me, but the new restriction I saw in the link posted earlier
sounded a bit far-fetched. Food for the animal entering Mexico is limited to a one-day supply.
Shopping for the right dog food is not a chore I want to add to the sometimes chaotic trip through whatever border town I am using.
[Edited on 8-15-2026 by AKgringo]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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lencho
Junior Nomad
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Pack it ln Tupperware and tell them it's your special high- protein diet!
"I can normally tell how intelligent a man is, by how stupid he thinks I
am."
"...they were careful of their demeanor that they not be thought to have opinions on what they heard for like most men skilled at their work they
were scornful of any least suggestion of knowing anything not learned at first hand."
Cormac McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses
"Be kind, be patient, help others." -- Isabel Allende
"My gas stove identifies as electric." Anonymous
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pacificobob
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A vet in todos Santos charged $60 for a certificate a visiting friend who was flying with a dog needed.
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
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My dog is almost 13, and I am pushing 80, so maybe sharing the same "senior" kibbles would simplify packing for our next road trip!
She is doing well eating Kirkland dog food, so maybe my health would improve as well?
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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