U.S. to Mexico dog travel: a new screwworm inspection certificate is required

A route-specific document change

USDA APHIS reports new Mexican requirements from August 3, 2026 for dogs originating in and proceeding from the United States. These dogs need a New World screwworm inspection certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within the five-day window specified by APHIS. Its instructions give this example: for entry on the 6th, the examination and form must be dated no earlier than the 2nd.

Carry the original certificate with the veterinarian’s handwritten signature in non-black ink, as the form instructions require. APHIS endorsement is not required. Mexico’s SENASICA inspection on arrival still applies.

Keep the species and route clear

The notice is not a new screwworm-certificate requirement for cats. APHIS specifically says not to add cats to the dog certificate. Pet birds have their own documentation and endorsement instructions on the same official page.

Use the current APHIS Mexico page to obtain the correct document. A dog with a different country of origin or a different itinerary needs its applicable requirements checked separately.

Our planning recommendation

Work backward from the intended entry date when arranging the veterinary appointment. Share every flight segment and any planned overnight stop, so a delay or connection does not quietly change the preparation schedule.

For a round trip, build a separate checklist for the return direction. Keep the outward certificate and return-entry documents clearly labeled in the travel file. Ask us to review the full route before finalizing it.

Read the official sources

• USDA APHIS: pet travel from the United States to Mexico
• USDA APHIS: screwworm certificate and timing instructions (PDF)

Sources checked October 9, 2026. Requirements can change. Confirm the instructions for your departure country and travel date with the relevant authority.

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