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Immigration requirements/pets entering Mexico (I am so confused)


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It appears what we believed to be simple, is now complex. I'd appreciate a clarification of

the regulations re crossing the border with pets.

What paperwork is required and what time frame is involved (Days prior to crossing border),

for we will be crossing the Mexico border with our three dogs.

I do not want any surprises.

Is an APHIS form that is dated 2012 really the requirement? If you look in the right hand corner of that form( It states: No dog, cat, nonhuman primate, or additional kinds of classes of animals designated by USDA regulation shall be delivered to any intermediate handler or carrier for transportation in commerce, unless accompanied by a health certificat executed and issued by a licensed veternarian), it doesn't seem to apply to owners, as it does not state owner, but intermediate handlers (see definition below) etc etc.

Prior to stumbling on this form recommended on a post on this very message board, We believed that simply having our information on the Vets letterhead to be enough. We believed that if we had the vet type that letter, ten days prior to our arriving at the Mexican border... all would be good.

I am so very confused now.

So, Please let's go over what information should be included on that letterhead for each dog.

I'd appreciate a complete list (tests etc) that each dog requires and the details of time line of such tests

required prior to attempting to cross border. Whew.

Thanks so much fellow pet lovers!

PS This is the bizarre wording of that form:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf

And this is "a" definition of intermediate handler:

According to 9 CFR 1.1 [Title 9 -- Animals and Animal Products; Chapter I -- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture], intermediate handler means “any person, including a department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. or of any State or local government (other than a dealer, research facility, exhibitor, any person excluded from the definition of a dealer, research facility, or exhibitor, an operator of an auction sale, or a carrier), who is engaged in any business in which he receives custody of animals in connection with their transportation in commerce.”

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This is what I'd advise, and what I did before I moved down here. Go to your vet at home a couple of weeks ahead of time and let them know when you plan to cross the border. If they're a reputable vet, they'll be able to look up the newest, newest in requirements and advise you. They'll then do the required shots and paperwork at the required time. Same going the other way, go to a reputable vet down here and have them do what's required. I wouldn't stress myself trying to decipher all of the requirements by myself. That's what the vets get paid for. By the way, if the border officials actually check your pets' paperwork, it would be the first time I've ever heard of that happening!

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Sorry, didn't see where you mentioned by what means you would be crossing. Air or Car?

I have done it a few times by car and had with me the US Vet Certification that the animal was healthy and up to date on all shots. The rabies vac needed to be more than 30 days old and less than a year. Or, if under 3 months, the vet certificate stating the animal was too young to vaccinate.

Flying, a whole different animal. The shipping airline wanted a letter of ambient temperature the dog could withstand plus a myriad of other regulations but ALL available through the respective airline. Plus the airline has wanted a USDA certificate if shipping out of the country. This had nothing to do with Mexico wanting that information it was only for the airline to cover themselves should something go wrong.

I would reach out to the breeder of your dogs and see what info they could dig up on their pipeline. They could prove to be your best resource if they are active in exhibitions.

My theory is simple. Have what I said you need and any other paperwork anyone wants to give you but I have never had anyone ask at a border crossing by car.

You might also touch base with a Vet here Lakeside and ask him what you need. For example, I would use Dr. Ladrone if I was flying into Guadalajara. Any problems I'd have his number and be on the phone to him in a jiff. I have also found that American Veterinarians of little use unless they have a large niche of show people making the trips.

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I went to the vet and the receptionist said.. Show your receipts, all the dates of shots and when they are due are on there.

I said... oh nooooo, this has to be a letter blah blah blah...

I was nice, but have to call and speak direct to one of the Vets. It's a busy congested vets office... Most likely nothing like Lakeside vets! I just wanted to have the info on hand with specifics, in case the vet appears unaware as well.

Good recommendation.. and yes I hear that others haven't had the paperwork checked, but still want to be prepared!

Thanks

This is what I'd advise, and what I did before I moved down here. Go to your vet at home a couple of weeks ahead of time and let them know when you plan to cross the border. If they're a reputable vet, they'll be able to look up the newest, newest in requirements and advise you. They'll then do the required shots and paperwork at the required time. Same going the other way, go to a reputable vet down here and have them do what's required. I wouldn't stress myself trying to decipher all of the requirements by myself. That's what the vets get paid for. By the way, if the border officials actually check your pets' paperwork, it would be the first time I've ever heard of that happening!

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Thanks for the added insight, and taking the time...

We are traveling in by car and crossing into Nuevo Laredo Border.

That's a good idea you have to go to the breeder. She has actually arranged for

transportation (flight) to other countries for her pups.

Thanks!

Sorry, didn't see where you mentioned by what means you would be crossing. Air or Car?

I have done it a few times by car and had with me the US Vet Certification that the animal was healthy and up to date on all shots. The rabies vac needed to be more than 30 days old and less than a year. Or, if under 3 months, the vet certificate stating the animal was too young to vaccinate.

Flying, a whole different animal. The shipping airline wanted a letter of ambient temperature the dog could withstand plus a myriad of other regulations but ALL available through the respective airline. Plus the airline has wanted a USDA certificate if shipping out of the country. This had nothing to do with Mexico wanting that information it was only for the airline to cover themselves should something go wrong.

I would reach out to the breeder of your dogs and see what info they could dig up on their pipeline. They could prove to be your best resource if they are active in exhibitions.

My theory is simple. Have what I said you need and any other paperwork anyone wants to give you but I have never had anyone ask at a border crossing by car.

You might also touch base with a Vet here Lakeside and ask him what you need. For example, I would use Dr. Ladrone if I was flying into Guadalajara. Any problems I'd have his number and be on the phone to him in a jiff. I have also found that American Veterinarians of little use unless they have a large niche of show people making the trips.

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I was told by someone the link to those forms are not the ones needed...

Kinda happy about that for they were a bit strange.

Working on finding right info! Thanks to all that take the time to post.. much appreciated!

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The requirements to bring pets into Mexico are much more stringent than are those to return pets from Mexico to the US. And, as noted above, pets traveling by air to certain airports receive more scrutiny than do those arriving by car along US/Mexico border points.

We've recently traveled with our dogs (3 times in the last several months) by car thru Laredo/Nuevo Laredo. We have the APHIS form completed (and it no longer can be filled out by hand) and an attached document on letterhead stating the date and lot number of their latest round of the required vaccines, their microchip number, their age, DOB, breed, neutered. This is provided on the letterhead in both English and Spanish. The APHIS form is signed and stamped by an authorized vet (and not all are...we are lucky to have ONE in the Dallas area). We also carry--on letterhead--the dogs' full medical/veterinary histories, which includes their shots etc. As per SAGARPA requests, I have an original and a copy.

As with all things and events in Mexico, what is required documentation and what is checked/verified differ depending on the phase of the moon. We've had border agents (one on each side, separate trips) ask about the breed of the smaller dog but have never been asked for any written documentation. Knowing myself, if I missed even one paper, I'd be the one with a problem. I figure it is merely paperwork. After the first time, it is merely updating as your pets' health/medical histories change and becomes no big deal. I have everything in a folder and just update by getting the latest printout from their vets, and grab it before we go.

Better safe (completely documented) than sorry...people have had horror stories with either incomplete documentation or they failed to read the fine print of air arrivals: NO bedding or toys (they can carry critters, so the agents then have to toss the items and spray contaminants which may sicken pets already stressed from the trip); food for journey only, etc.

Personally, I don't think the requirements are difficult, just nitpicky...unless a pet really is ill and threatens the health of all our animals.

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I think that your vet will have lots of information for you. My Vets here and my Vet in Canada knew exactly what was required, took care of the appropriate shots (rabies did have to be older then thirty days and less then a year as someone has already stated) filled out doggie passports and that was all there was to it. Every time I have crossed the border coming and going (by car), I have had the animal passports as well as the people passports in hand; customs never wanted to look at the dog's papers and only gave the people passports a cursory look. Having said that I would still never take a chance on attempting to cross without having everything in order.

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Was that doggie passport and letter ever read by border officials?

If so did they just wave you on?

Thanks!

I think that your vet will have lots of information for you. My Vets here and my Vet in Canada knew exactly what was required, took care of the appropriate shots (rabies did have to be older then thirty days and less then a year as someone has already stated) filled out doggie passports and that was all there was to it. Every time I have crossed the border coming and going (by car), I have had the animal passports as well as the people passports in hand; customs never wanted to look at the dog's papers and only gave the people passports a cursory look. Having said that I would still never take a chance on attempting to cross without having everything in order.

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Since few are stopped and have their paperwork/doggie passports/letters actually read...

Who among us have been stopped had the paperwork read,

and then were found to be in accordance? What paperwork did you have that met borders standards?

Has anyone reading this been detained after their paperwork was read... or had their paperwork questioned

in the slightest? If so what paperwork was that? Was it the SENASICA OR APHIS approach, or yet another?

I've included the two links below for readers to view!

So here we have two different recommendations.

The first, for SENASICA, I thank kbleltch for:

Check this official link from SENASICA:

http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?Idioma=2&id=623

Thanks JRod... who supplied the APHIS recommendation. That link is http://www.aphis.usd...f/APHIS7001.pdf

We've recently traveled with our dogs (3 times in the last several months) by car thru Laredo/Nuevo Laredo. We have the APHIS form completed (and it no longer can be filled out by hand) and an attached document on letterhead stating the date and lot number of their latest round of the required vaccines, their microchip number, their age, DOB, breed, neutered. This is provided on the letterhead in both English and Spanish. The APHIS form is signed and stamped by an authorized vet (and not all are...we are lucky to have ONE in the Dallas area). We also carry--on letterhead--the dogs' full medical/veterinary histories, which includes their shots etc. As per SAGARPA requests, I have an original and a copy.

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When we drove down for our move in 2012, we had the APHIS form, provided by our vet in Indiana. We crossed at Pharr, TX. I had all paperwork handy when we crossed. No one wanted to see it.

But the time that one tries to get by without having the paperwork will be the one time someone wants to see it!

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Of course.. which is why I am chasing my tail...

Round and round I go... ja ja ja (ha ha ha)

I hear ya on that one!

When we drove down for our move in 2012, we had the APHIS form, provided by our vet in Indiana. We crossed at Pharr, TX. I had all paperwork handy when we crossed. No one wanted to see it.

But the time that one tries to get by without having the paperwork will be the one time someone wants to see it!

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So I must ask this again... Has anyone had their paperwork really looked at????

and if so what was the response? (And, of course, what did that paperwork consist of?)

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Portimom Once, about our second crossing into Mexico in our motor home, a young customs agent took both people passports and doggie passports. After looking at the dog passports for half a minute, and the dogs who were all lined up on the couch with their seatbelts on, he asked: "which one is Ayelish". We kind of laughed because it seemed like a crazy and unexpected question; all of the dogs were the same breed, same inoculations and only the ages varied. I think he got flustered and without further question, he handed me back all the passports and said we could leave.

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Doggie seat belts.. (laughing here).. my goodness.. what breed are your dogs?

Are restraints (seatbelts or crates) recommended?

And most importantly... what information did those doggie passports contain?

Portimom Once, about our second crossing into Mexico in our motor home, a young customs agent took both people passports and doggie passports. After looking at the dog passports for half a minute, and the dogs who were all lined up on the couch with their seatbelts on, he asked: "which one is Ayelish". We kind of laughed because it seemed like a crazy and unexpected question; all of the dogs were the same breed, same inoculations and only the ages varied. I think he got flustered and without further question, he handed me back all the passports and said we could leave.

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Portimom: At the time I am referring to we had four Soft Coated Wheaten terriers; about thirty pound on average. I definitely like restraints because if you had to break suddenly it would keep them in place. Also, when we had our motor home it was too tempting for the dogs to get up and wander around and again, I was concerned for their safety jumping off and on furniture beds etc. while we were moving. One other thing I didn't have to worry about was the dogs flying out the door at border crossings or campsites etc.. I still use them (dog seatbelts) especially on long trips though they should be used all the time I suppose.

The information in the Doggie Passports was generally about their inoculations. The dogs used to be shown and bred so that information was handy to send off with handlers for dog shows as it was all contained in a booklet instead of a handful of papers that I would have to keep track of. I guess I could crate them when travelling but I think that if they had a vote they would rather be seat belted!

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Thanks again... much appreciated.

Portimom: At the time I am referring to we had four Soft Coated Wheaten terriers; about thirty pound on average. I definitely like restraints because if you had to break suddenly it would keep them in place. Also, when we had our motor home it was too tempting for the dogs to get up and wander around and again, I was concerned for their safety jumping off and on furniture beds etc. while we were moving. One other thing I didn't have to worry about was the dogs flying out the door at border crossings or campsites etc.. I still use them (dog seatbelts) especially on long trips though they should be used all the time I suppose.

The information in the Doggie Passports was generally about their inoculations. The dogs used to be shown and bred so that information was handy to send off with handlers for dog shows as it was all contained in a booklet instead of a handful of papers that I would have to keep track of. I guess I could crate them when travelling but I think that if they had a vote they would rather be seat belted!

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Good to know... Thanks

I go to my vet in Texas several days before leaving for Mexico & they do Health Certificates.......that shows they have had all shots needed. In the 15 years going back & forth, never had anyone on either side ask to see dog papers......we travel with 5-6 dogs each time.

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Thank you, and am trying not to worry... appreciate your words.

We have crossed both at Nogales and Laredo a few time in the past few years and no one wanted to see their paperwork. We actually asked if they wanted to see it. Try not to worry...it will all be okay.

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  • 7 months later...

Am I correct that you only have to fill out one form 7001. There was a choice of two ways to do it one including the vets letterhead with information typed on it. I really wonder if my vet has printer I am in Ecuador. I think it says this one does not have a fee and it does not have to be endorsed by USDA. Does that mean I don't have to bring it into them. I am hoping that the office is in Quito which I can get to. I think someplace it says has to be done in English and in Spanish. My vet definitely knows Spanish but don't know how his English is. It seems like so much paperwork to get your pet in. You book your flight in advance then you have to wait until 5 days ahead of flight to book your pet in cabin and if pet going as cargo that is 5 days also. What happens then if someone books all the spots on the cabin and cargo. One person or one family can take all the spots there are. Should I be getting a pet transport also.

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Just have all updated shot records along. Forget about forms. No one has ever asked to see anything in 11 times crossing with two dogs. The first few,trips I had letters from MX vet. Now I don't bother. USA vet wanted $69 per form on each pet. I said no way.

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This person is FLYING!!! Yes you must have the forms. The Guadalajara airport personnel can be real pains if you don't have the correct documents. They only need to be in Spanish. Be sure to include a note from the Vet saying your pets are current on flea & tick medicine. Your airline should be able to provide you with the most current information and forms.

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