The Canada to Mexico route is one many expats and returning families complete each year with their pets.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step: must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
3
Apply for import permit from Mexico
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
4
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
5
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
6
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Mexico
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel. Must be at least 30 days before import.
Rabies titre test
Not required.
Quarantine
No quarantine for vaccinated pets.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: SAGARPA (Federal or State office). Zoosanitary permit required.
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 30 days from issue. Certificate must list vaccination date.
Export permit (Canada)
No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Import permit application fee (Mexico)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
AMERICAN
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply
Cabin and Cargo
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
DELTA AIR
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Why this route needs early planning
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Canada to Mexico is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
SAGARPA (Ministry of Agriculture) regulates pet imports.
Things to sort before you book
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
FAQ
Common questions about Canada to Mexico pet transport
Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Mexico for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
No, Mexico does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Canada. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, an import permit is required from Mexico’s authority (SAGARPA (Federal or State office)). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Canada. The certificate must be issued within 30 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Mexico’s authority for the exact format required.