How to move to Mérida, Mexico with cats or dogs in 2026: health certificate requirements, airline policies, what happens at Mexican customs, finding a vet in Mérida, and what expat pet owners should know.

Moving to Mérida with Pets: What You Actually Need to Know

Many expats moving to Mérida have dogs or cats, and the good news is that bringing pets to Mexico is significantly simpler than many people expect. Mexico’s pet import requirements are straightforward and don’t involve quarantine. This guide covers exactly what you need to prepare.

The Short Version

Mexico does not require quarantine for pets entering from the United States, Canada, or most other countries. You need:

A health certificate from your vet (within 10 days of travel)
Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination
The pet flies with you (most easily in-cabin for small pets, or as checked/cargo for large dogs)

That’s the core of it. Details follow.

What Mexico Requires at Entry

For dogs and cats from the US, Canada, and most countries:

Required documentation:

Health Certificate (Certificado de Salud) issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state the pet is healthy, vaccinated, and free of external parasites.
Rabies vaccination proof — the vaccine must be current (not expired) and administered at least 15 days before travel (so the immune response has developed)
Distemper/combination vaccine for dogs (many airlines require this separately)

At Mexican customs (SENASICA):

You’ll declare your pet on the customs form
An animal health inspector may briefly examine your pet and review documentation
If everything is in order, you pass through without issues

Important: The health certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian — in the US, this means a USDA-accredited vet, and the certificate should ideally be endorsed by your state’s USDA APHIS office. Procedures vary by country of origin.

Airline Policies

Airlines have their own requirements that may be stricter than Mexico’s government requirements. Check your specific airline’s current pet policy.

In-cabin pets (typical for cats and small dogs):

Weight limit: usually pet + carrier must be under 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs)
Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
Most airlines charge $100–$200 USD each way
Not all flights or aircraft types allow in-cabin pets — verify when booking

Checked baggage or cargo (larger dogs):

Dogs too large for cabin must travel as checked baggage or air cargo
Temperature restrictions apply — many airlines suspend checked pet travel in summer (May–September) due to heat
IATA-approved hard carrier required with size requirements
More stressful for pets; some breeds (brachycephalic/flat-faced dogs: bulldogs, pugs, etc.) are banned as cargo by most airlines due to breathing risks

Aeromexico specifics:

Accepts in-cabin and cargo pets on most routes
Specific weight and carrier size requirements on their website

American, United, Delta from US:

Policies changed significantly post-2020; verify current status directly with airline before booking

What to Expect on Arrival in Mérida

The Manuel Crecencio Rejón Airport in Mérida processes international arrivals through a standard customs hall. Pet owners should:

Declare the pet on the customs declaration form
Proceed to the SENASICA (animal health) inspection area if directed
Have all documents ready: health certificate, vaccination records, passport
In most cases, the inspection takes 5–15 minutes; pets are briefly visually examined

Mexico is generally not hostile to incoming pets — the process is routine for the thousands of expats who move with animals every year.

Life with Pets in Mérida

Veterinary care

Mérida has good veterinary care, including:

General practice vets: widely available, affordable (consultation $200–$500 MXN, significantly less than US prices)
Specialist vets: available for surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology — quality has improved significantly
Emergency vet clinics: exist, though 24-hour emergency coverage is not as comprehensive as in major US cities

Annual costs (approximate):

Annual wellness visit: $300–$600 MXN
Rabies vaccination: $100–$200 MXN
Anti-rabies annual update: $100–$200 MXN
Monthly heartworm/flea/tick prevention: $200–$600 MXN depending on product and pet size

Heartworm and tick prevention are important — Yucatán’s climate supports year-round parasite activity. Put your pet on monthly prevention before and immediately after arrival.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods and housing

Not all rentals allow pets in Mérida — this is an important constraint. If you’re renting, be explicit about having a pet from the start. Many landlords who don’t advertise as pet-friendly will accept well-behaved pets with a larger deposit.

Best neighborhoods for dogs:

Centro histórico has many dog owners; parks like Parque Santa Lucía and Parque de Santa Ana are social dog spots
García Ginerés is residential and relatively quiet with good walking
Norte fraccionamientos often have larger lot sizes and are good for dogs but require a car for walks (no public parks nearby)

Leash laws: Technically exist in Mérida but enforcement is inconsistent. You’ll see both on-leash and off-leash dogs in many areas.

Heat

Yucatán’s heat is the main challenge for pets, especially dogs from cooler climates. Practical adjustments:

Walk dogs in early morning (before 8 AM) and after 5 PM — pavement can be 60°C+ (140°F) in the afternoon, dangerous for paws
Ensure pets always have access to water and shade
Never leave pets in a closed vehicle
Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, French bulldogs) struggle significantly with heat — consult your vet about managing this

Mexican Pets and Stray Animals

Mérida has a significant stray dog and cat population. Many expats end up adopting local animals through organizations like:

Various local rescue groups (search social media for Mérida pet rescue groups)
CANEM (municipal animal shelter)
Many expat Facebook groups list animals needing adoption

Taking Your Pet Home (if You Leave Mexico)

If you’re moving back to the US or Canada with your Mexican-acquired pet:

The process is the same in reverse — Mexican vet issues a health certificate, which must be endorsed by SENASICA (Mexico’s USDA equivalent)
US requires a valid rabies vaccination for dogs
Canada has similar requirements

Moving to Mérida checklist → Cost of living in Mérida → Weather and climate in Mérida → Best neighborhoods for families → Talk to an advisor →

Pet import requirements are set by SENASICA (Mexico’s animal health authority) and airline policies. Both change; verify with the consulate or SENASICA and your specific airline before travel. This guide reflects conditions as of 2026.