Effective August 3, 2026: Mexico will require USDA-accredited veterinarians to issue New World screwworm inspection documents for pet dogs and pet birds traveling to Mexico. Pet cats will continue to travel to Mexico with no documents needed prior to travel.
Pet Dogs
Pet dogs will be required to travel with a NWS Inspection Certificate for Pet Dogs Moving (Exporting) from the United States to Mexico that is issued and signed by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian within 5 days of arrival in Mexico. This form does NOT require APHIS endorsement.
Pet Birds
Pet birds may travel to Mexico beginning August 3, 2026 and will be required to travel with a NWS Inspection Addendum for Pet Birds Moving (Exporting) from the United States to Mexico that is issued and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 5 days of arrival in Mexico. This addendum does NOT require APHIS endorsement; however, it will be required IN ADDITION TO the “Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Mexico”, which must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian AND endorsed by APHIS prior to travel.
Pet Cats
Pet cats will continue to travel to Mexico with no documents needed prior to travel.
Please refer to the relevant sections of the APHIS Pet Travel to Mexico webpage for more details.
APHIS’ NWS notice regarding NWS restrictions to Mexico has been updated accordingly:
Due to the detection of New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the United States, Mexico continues to prohibit exports of the following species from all U.S. states:
- Cattle (slaughter and reproduction)
- Wild ruminants (non-bovine)
- Equine (slaughter, breeding/work, and sport/exhibition/transit)
- Sheep and goats (slaughter and reproduction)
- Swine (reproduction)
- Ferrets (commercial and pets)
- Songbirds/ornamental birds/raptors (commercial and pets)
- All zoological species as listed under the “Zoological Animals” and “Other Animals” section of the IREGs Mexico page
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
As of November 22, 2024, Mexico is considered to be affected with screwworm. All dogs (including U.S.-origin dogs returning to the United States after traveling to Mexico) must meet APHIS requirements for screwworm freedom certification upon entry (re-entry) into the United States. Additional information can be found on the APHIS Dog Import Website.
ASPCA has developed guidance for Animal Transport here.