Bringing Pets Across Borders: What Every Dog Owner in Jalisco Should Know

Bringing Pets Across Borders: What Every Dog Owner in Jalisco Should Know

A Cautionary Tale—From Personal Experience

When we decided to return from Puerto Vallarta to the U.S. with our dog, everything seemed in order: rabies shots, health certificate carry crate, airline reservations. But at check-in, we were told our dog could not board because we lacked a screwworm test / certificate. We had to delay our flight a full day while scrambling to get the test done. The airline staff admitted that they see this scenario daily—people surprised at the new requirement.

I never want another pet owner to go through what we did, so let me walk you through how it works (especially in Jalisco) with factual regulatory backing, and how you can avoid the same nightmare.

Understanding Screwworm Certification: Why It Matters

• As of November 22, 2024, Mexico is designated a screwworm-affected country by APHIS/USDA, meaning dogs traveling to the U.S. from Mexico must carry a screwworm freedom certification.

• The certificate must state that the dog was inspected within 5 days before shipment/border crossing and is free from screwworm, or if infested, that it was treated until free.

• The certification must be issued by either an official government veterinarian or a clinical vet authorized (trained/licensed) to sign on behalf of the government authority.

• It’s not optional. Without that certificate, U.S. authorities can bar your pet from entry—even if other paperwork is perfect.

This requirement is relatively new and not well publicized by airlines.

What the U.S. (CDC / APHIS) Requires for Dogs Re-Entering from Mexico

To give you clarity, here’s what the U.S. expects when you bring a dog from Mexico back into the States:

Requirement

Key Details

Screwworm Freedom Certificate

Must be done within 5 days of travel. Must show dog is clear or treated.

Rabies Vaccination

If over 3 months old, a valid rabies vaccine certificate is required.

CDC Dog Import Form / Other paperwork

You’ll need a CDC dog import form (or equivalent) listing Mexico as the country of departure.

Health at Time of Travel

Dog must show no signs of disease or infestation.

Airport / Port Requirements

Dogs from high-risk countries must arrive via U.S. airports with CDC-registered facilities. Land crossings may have restrictions.

One important nuance: even though Mexico often doesn’t require a formal health certificate for entry from U.S./Canada (depending on the route), the U.S. will absolutely demand the screwworm certificate on reentry.

What You Should Do in Jalisco to Prepare

Here’s a step-by-step checklist (with local considerations) to make sure you and your dog have a smooth exit:

1. Find a qualified vet in Jalisco authorized for screwworm certification

   
   

   • Not all vets are authorized; some must take training or be government-approved.

   • In some parts of Mexico, people report only a few vets are able to issue such a certificate (Acapulco, Uruapan, Patzcuaro—though those are distant).

   • In Jalisco (e.g. Puerto Vallarta or coastal areas), contact your local SENASICA / state agricultural veterinary office to get a directory of authorized veterinarians.

2. 
   

   Schedule the test within the proper time window

   
   

   • The screwworm inspection must be done within 5 days before your departure (or border crossing).

   • Keep in mind available hours, weekends, vet scheduling delays, etc. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

   
   

3. Get your dog’s standard health clearance & vaccinations

   
   

   • Ensure your dog is current on rabies (if over 3 months) and that the certificate is valid.

   • Have a general health exam showing no signs of infection or ectoparasites.

   • Internally and externally dewormed as needed.

   • If your dog has had any treatment for skin issues or parasites, carry documentation from your vet.

   • Get the vet’s full credentials on any certificate (license number, etc.).

   
   

4. Make sure paperwork is flawless

   
   

   • The screwworm certificate can be standalone or included in the export health certificate.

   • All certificates should be clear, typed (not handwritten), include dates, pet details (breed, microchip, name), vet license number, and signature.

   • Keep extra copies (digital + hard copy).

   
   

5. Check airline and border requirements in advance

   
   

   • Airlines may have additional pet transport requirements (crate specs, extra vet forms, fees).

   • Confirm with your departure airport gate / check-in staff that they will accept your dog with the screwworm certificate.

   • If crossing by land, check the border crossing rules (some pet import inspections happen at border offices).

   
   

6. Have backup time and contingency plans

   
   

   • Build in extra time for delays or repeat tests.

   • Identify alternate vets in nearby cities just in case your first pick cannot perform the certification.

   • Be ready to show digital records in case printed ones are questioned.

   
   

Why This New Requirement Exists

You may wonder: Why screwworm?

• Screwworm (New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into living animal tissue, causing serious injury or death if untreated.

• The U.S. used to be free of screwworm, but any incursion could be devastating to livestock, pets, and wildlife.

• To protect its biosecurity, the U.S. requires proof that pets entering from high-risk areas (like Mexico) are free of screwworm.

• Recently, there have been reported screwworm cases in northern Mexico prompting extra vigilance.

So this isn’t a bureaucratic extra—it’s a real protective measure (though frustratingly underpublicized). (Although my vet said he’s never seen a case in 40 years)

What This Means for Dog Owners in Jalisco

• If you’re planning to travel from Jalisco to the U.S. with your dog, you must be proactive: find an authorized vet before your flight date.

• Do not assume your local vet can issue the certificate—ask in advance and require proof of authorization.

• Don’t delay the test until the day of travel; even a simple logistical hiccup (vet hours, signature issues) could derail your flight.

• Keep all records, certificates, vet credentials, and back them up electronically.

Sample Story (Hypothetical from Jalisco)

Imagine you’re in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. You plan to fly from Puerto Vallarta to LAX.

• Two weeks in advance, you call the state SENASICA office to get a list of vets authorized to sign screwworm certificates in Jalisco.

• You choose a vet in Puerto Vallarta, confirm they’ve done the test before, and schedule the inspection 4 days before your flight.

• On inspection day, dog is cleared, certificate is issued. You keep that and all other records.

• At airport check-in, airline accepts the certificate.

• Upon arrival in U.S., CBP inspects the certificate, sees everything is in order, and your dog is admitted without issue.

Contrast that with arriving at check-in without that certificate: you could be denied boarding, forced to reschedule, or even stranded.

Final Thoughts

This story is a crucial warning to the pet-traveling community. These rules are evolving, and airlines may not always communicate them clearly.

If you ever travel with your dog in or out of Jalisco (or anywhere in Mexico), get the screwworm inspection ahead of time. Don’t wait till check-in. Don’t assume your vet knows. And always carry all documentation.

1 Hospital Veterinario Del Sol (on Calle Ignacio L Vallarta, Zona Romantica)

Address: Ignacio L Vallarta 316, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Phone: +52 322 222 5540

Hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Sat 9:00 to 14:00. Sun closed

Will Hutt

Coldwell Banker La Costa

@BeachPleasePVR Instagram

Will.Hutt@cblacosta.com