Moving your pet from Germany to Mexico?

Q: "How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Germany to Mexico?"

"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."

Q: "Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Mexico?"

"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."

Q: "Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Mexico?"

"No, Mexico does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Germany. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel."

Q: "Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into Mexico?"

"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."

Q: "What health certificate does my pet need for this route?"

"Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Germany. 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."

Moving a pet from Germany to Mexico involves more paperwork than most owners expect.

This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.

Use this guide to map out your preparation timeline and avoid the most common mistakes.

Low complexity 4-10 weeks typical

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What does moving a pet on this route actually involve?

The Germany–Mexico route requires quarantine on arrival, so planning well ahead matters. In plain terms, this is a low route, meaning the requirements are relatively straightforward compared to many international moves.

Most owners start the process around 4-10 weeks before the flight date. That window is not arbitrary — it accounts for vaccination waiting periods, titre test processing, and document endorsement.

How long does the whole process take?

Here is how the preparation unfolds from start to travel day:

Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard) First step: must be done before any vaccinations. Your veterinarian

Rabies vaccination After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps. Your veterinarian

Apply for import permit from Mexico Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks You (or your pet transport agent)

Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space 2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly. You (or your pet transport agent)

Obtain official veterinary health certificate Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement) Official veterinarian

Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin You + airline check-in/cargo desk

What should I expect to pay?

Costs vary considerably depending on your pet's size, the airline, and whether you use a pet relocation agent. The main factors to price up are:

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)

What paperwork does Mexico require for my pet?

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.

Titre test: Not required.

Health certificate: Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of origin. Valid for 30 days from issue. Certificate must list vaccination date.

Import permit: Required. Issued by: SAGARPA (Federal or State office). Zoosanitary permit required.

Quarantine: No quarantine for vaccinated pets.

What do I need to arrange before leaving Germany?

Export permit: No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.

Which airlines can my pet travel on?

Several airlines serve routes between Germany and Mexico, each with different policies on pets in cabin versus cargo hold:

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

American Airlines _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply

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)

Singapore Airlines _

Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons

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.

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

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

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

Delta Air Lines _

Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo

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

What are the most common mistakes on this route?

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.

What to know about the Germany to Mexico route

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Germany 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.

Step-by-step: what to do first

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.

Which similar routes might be relevant?

Shipping from Germany Importing to Mexico Lufthansa pet policy American Airlines pet policy

What should I do next?

The best first step is a free consultation. You'll get a clear picture of the timeline, the costs, and exactly which documents apply to your pet's breed, age, and vaccination history.

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