Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - We all love our pets and can experience separation anxiety when it is time to take our holidays. But if you are thinking about bringing your pets to Mexico with you, there are a few things to consider before crossing the border.

Many people bring their furry family members back and forth across the border without incidence, but a little preparation will ensure that you don't have any unforeseen problems when traveling with pets.

Rabies Vaccination: A current vaccination certificate is the most important requirement. Vaccination against rabies is essential. You may be asked for proof of rabies vaccination on the Mexican side, or you may not. You may be asked for it by U.S. border officials, or not. Avoid the risk of creating a problem - BRING PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION.

Health Certificate: A health certificate (Certificate of Good Health) from your local veterinarian is not a bad idea either. Though not really necessary for travel within 30 miles of the US/Mexico border, it pays to keep one with you in case you run into problems in Mexico, or are questioned by U.S. Border Agents.

If you plan to travel into mainland Mexico, a health certificate is required. Special paperwork must be filed with the Mexican Department of Agriculture for a permit to travel to the mainland with your dogs. Failure to get the needed documentation can result in a lot of unnecessary problems for you and your pet.

Pet Food: Be sure to bring along extra pet food, especially if your pet has specific needs or is particular about a certain brand. Larger cities will have big grocery stores (Comercial Mexicana, Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club) that do stock a variety of pet foods, but that may not always be the case in smaller locales. Also, if you expect to travel to more remote regions like Baja California, it's best to have plenty on hand for the trip.

Pet Identification: Most of all, be sure your pet's I.D. tags are current. Although most RV parks welcome leashed pets, many hotels do not.

Birds and Reptiles: Coming into Mexico might not be a problem, but taking birds and reptiles into the U.S. will be. The animals will be confiscated if you do not have the proper paperwork, an expensive and time-consuming process. Unless you are moving to Mexico permanently, get a bird nanny.

If you're flying into Mexico, make sure to check with the airlines and plan ahead. Often airlines have restrictions on size, weight, type of carrier, and the number of animals allowed on each flight, but some airlines, such as Aeromexico Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offer special packages for dogs and cats.

Grace Ramirez is a Real Estate agent at Tropicasa Realty. If, after learning that you CAN bring your pets to Mexico, you decide it is time to make a permanent move to Puerto Vallarta, contact her at 322-294-1816 or grace(at)tropicasa.com.

Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is the region's representative for "The Leading Agents of the World" and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office - Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas or in their San Marino Office - San Marino Hotel at Rodolfo Gomez 111-4. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.

Click HERE to learn more about Tropicasa Realty, or visit tropicasa.com.