Taking a Dog to Mexico from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Taking a dog from the UK to Mexico is very achievable, but it does require careful planning, the correct vaccinations, parasite treatments, and a UK Government Export Health Certificate (EHC 3915) issued within a strict timeframe.

Your travel route, airline rules, and whether you plan to return to the UK soon can all affect what documentation is required, so it’s important to plan early.

At PassPets, we regularly assist owners travelling to Mexico and can arrange the required Export Health Certificate through one of our Official Veterinarians. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically required when taking a dog to Mexico.

Step 1: Microchip

Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).

The microchip number must match all documentation exactly.

If your dog has a non-ISO microchip, you will need to check directly with the Mexican importing authorities whether this will be accepted.

Step 2: Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination is a core requirement for dogs travelling to Mexico.

Key rules:

• The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 15 days but less than 12 months before the export date

• Dogs must be at least 3 months old at the time of rabies vaccination

• A rabies vaccination certificate is required and must be attached to the Export Health Certificate

We generally advise allowing at least 21 days between the rabies vaccination and the EHC appointment, particularly if an EU Animal Health Certificate may be required for transit.

Dogs under 3 months old

In limited circumstances, dogs under 3 months of age may be able to travel without a rabies vaccination if flying directly and if the airline has confirmed they will accept a young pet without rabies vaccination.

This must be confirmed by the owner with both the airline and the Mexican authorities, and we would not routinely advise travelling with unvaccinated young pets.

Step 3: Other vaccinations

Vaccinations for canine distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus are not essential for us to certify the Export Health Certificate.

However, it's a good idea to ensure these are up to date anyway, and some non-official sources suggest these may be expected at the border. We therefore advise owners to:

• check with the Mexican importing authorities, and

• ensure these vaccinations are up to date if required.

Step 4: Planning your travel date and route

Before booking your certification appointment, you should confirm:

• your intended export date, and

• your full travel route, including any transit countries.

Additional documentation may be required depending on your route, even if you do not leave the airport during transit.

Step 5: Export Health Certificate (EHC 3915)

Mexico requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 3915) issued by an Official Veterinarian.

Timing rules are strict:

• the clinical examination must take place within 48 hours (2 days) of export

• there is no timestamp on the certificate, so the appointment can be any time within this 2-day window

• your dog must arrive in Mexico within 7 days of the EHC being issued

At the EHC appointment, our Official Vet will:

• perform a full clinical examination

• scan and check the microchip

• review the rabies vaccination certificate and clinical history

• confirm parasite treatment status

• issue the completed Export Health Certificate (assuming all requirements are met)

Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol, and London branches.

Once booked in, you will need to apply for the Mexican Export Health Certificate via the UK Government website and confirm once this has been submitted so we can ensure it has been processed to us ahead of your appointment.

Step 6: Internal and external parasite treatment

Dogs travelling to Mexico must have received internal and external parasite treatment within the last 6 months.

We will need either:

• written, dated proof from your vet confirming what was given (including product name, manufacturer, date, and administering vet details), or

• we can administer the treatment at your EHC appointment and issue a separate parasite treatment certificate

Step 7: Airline requirements and Fit to Fly certificates

You must check directly with your airline whether they require a Fit to Fly certificate in addition to the Export Health Certificate.

Airlines may also have additional rules regarding:

• brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds

• crate specifications

• the number of pets travelling per passenger

If a Fit to Fly certificate is required, we can usually issue this alongside the EHC.

Step 8: Transit countries

If your journey involves transiting through another country, additional documentation may be required. This can include:

• an EU Animal Health Certificate

• another Export Health Certificate

• other country-specific documents

You should check with:

• your airline

• the importing authorities of any transit country

• the Mexican importing authorities

and let us know if additional certification is required.

Step 9: Returning to the UK (if applicable)

If you plan to return to the UK from Mexico, further steps are required.

This typically includes:

• a rabies blood test (rabies serology) taken more than 30 days after rabies vaccination

• testing at a government-approved laboratory

You must also confirm with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies if the blood sample was taken in the UK prior to travel.

UK re-entry rules are strict, so this should be considered early in your planning.

Other important considerations

• Import permits are not usually required unless travelling unaccompanied or for commercial reasons, but this must be checked with the Mexican authorities

• There are no banned dog breeds at a national level in Mexico, but local municipal restrictions may apply

• Mexico limits imports to 2 pets per person

  • a couple may import up to 4 pets

  • importing more than 3 pets can incur additional charges

How PassPets can help

Travel to Mexico requires:

• correctly timed rabies vaccination

• parasite treatment evidence

• an Export Health Certificate issued within 48 hours of departure

• careful checking of airline and transit requirements

At PassPets, we:

• review vaccination records and timing

• advise on travel routes and transit considerations

• prepare and check all documentation in advance

• arrange the final Official Vet appointment to issue the Export Health Certificate

If you’d like help taking your dog to Mexico or would like us to review your plans before booking, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Get Help With Taking My Dog to Mexico