Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Whether traveling with a pet for companionship, service or comfort, animal lovers will find that Puerto Vallarta’s welcoming atmosphere, along with its many pet-friendly services, beaches and hotels, make it a great place to bring along four-legged friends.
Bringing your pet to Puerto Vallarta isn’t particularly difficult, however, starting August 1, 2024, new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will affect anyone traveling to the United States with dogs. These rules aim to ensure the health and safety of dogs and people alike.
All dogs entering the U.S. must meet several requirements. Firstly, dogs must be at least six months old and have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip. This microchip must be implanted before any required rabies vaccination, and its number must be included on all necessary forms and veterinary records.
Additionally, dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. If a dog appears unhealthy or is suspected of carrying a contagious disease, it may need to undergo isolation, a veterinary examination, and additional testing at the importer’s expense.
A key requirement is the CDC Dog Import Form. This form should ideally be completed online 2-10 days before arrival, though it can be filled out right before travel if internet access is available. Importers must ensure all information on the form is accurate at the time of arrival, including the port of entry. This form also requires a clear photograph of the dog showing its face and body. For dogs under one year old, the photograph should be taken within 10 days before arrival. There is no fee to submit this form.
Additional documentation may be required depending on where the dog has been in the six months prior to entering the U.S. or if the dog has received a rabies vaccine in the U.S.
Dogs that do not meet these entry requirements or have inaccurate or invalid forms will be denied entry and returned to their country of departure at the importer’s expense. These rules apply to all dogs, including service dogs and those born in the U.S.
For more detailed information, visit cdc.gov.
If your furry friend is of the feline persuasion, you’ll be happy to hear that the CDC’s guidelines for bringing a cat into the United States are more relaxed. Click HERE for more info.