Dogs traveling from Mexico into the United States must meet current U.S. health and identification requirements, including additional certification in cases involving New World screwworm risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), every dog entering or returning to the United States must have a completed CDC Dog Import Form, a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner, and appear healthy upon arrival.
APHIS also requires extra documentation for dogs coming from countries or areas affected by New World screwworm. In those cases, the dog must be examined by an authorized or official veterinarian before travel and have a certificate confirming that the inspection took place within five days before entry into the United States.
The certificate must state that the dog is free of screwworm or, if previously affected, that it was treated and quarantined until cleared.
These rules apply to pets, puppies, service animals, and dogs returning to the United States after travel abroad, regardless of the owner’s nationality or immigration status.
Because enforcement experiences at ports of entry may vary, travelers are encouraged to check the latest official requirements before crossing and carry all required documentation to avoid delays or denial of entry.
Source: El Diario MX
