Adopt a Dog from Mexico: US Entry Rules and Stray Dog Tips

A dog or cat from Mexico can come home to the United States. Mexico is not on the CDC's list of high-risk countries for dog rabies, so a dog that has been only in Mexico needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, good health on arrival, and an age of at least 6 months.

Animal lovers who have traveled to Mexico (and other places in Latin America) on vacation have noticed the many homeless dogs and cats living on the roads of cities and towns of all sizes. It's a huge problem that shouldn't be ignored, with 70% of their total dog population being stray dogs.

If you've ever thought about how you can rescue one (or more) of these stray animals and bring them home to the US, the steps start with the CDC rules below.

US Entry Rules for a Dog from Mexico

The USDA's pet travel page says, “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary authority for dog imports.” The CDC says its requirements “depend on where the dog was vaccinated and what countries the dog has been in during the 6 months before entry into the U.S.” It also says the rules “apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning.”

The CDC lists only high-risk countries, and says, “If a country or political unit is not listed below, it is not considered high risk for importing dog rabies into the United States.” Mexico is not on that list. Of a country that is not listed, the CDC says “it is considered a dog rabies-free or low-risk country.”

For a dog that has been only in such countries in the past 6 months, the CDC says, “Starting on August 1, 2024, the only required documentation for dogs entering or returning to the United States that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months is the CDC Dog Import Form.” In addition to a receipt for the form, the CDC lists three requirements:

• “Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.”
• “Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.”
• “Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.”

The form is filled out online, it is free, and the CDC emails a receipt. The CDC says, “Each dog must have its own form.” The receipt “is valid for 6 months from when it’s issued unless the dog visits a high-risk country or a different dog rabies-free or low-risk country during that time,” and “The country of departure listed on your receipt should match the country your dog is departing from to come into the U.S.”

For dogs that have not been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months, the CDC says it “strongly recommends vaccination against rabies.” Check the website of the CDC before you travel, because a dog that has been in a country on the high-risk list changes the rules: “Dogs that have been in any of these countries within the past 6 months are required to be vaccinated against rabies in order to enter the U.S. They must also meet additional requirements such as age, microchip, rabies serology titer, health, and documentation requirements.”

A dog that has been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months “can enter the U.S. at any airport, seaport, or land border crossing.” At a land border, the CDC says, “All dogs entering the United States at a land border must meet CDC entry requirements even if the dog will be in the vehicle most of the time and will not be spending the night or staying in the United States.”

The CDC also says, “In addition, you must comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and your U.S. destination’s regulations. Please be aware that dogs imported for commercial (resale) purposes have additional requirements from USDA.” On health certificates, it says, “health certificates may be required for entry into some states or may be required by airlines. Check with officials in the state of final destination and with the airline before your travel date.” For questions, the CDC gives a phone number: CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

Challenges of Helping Stray Dogs in Mexico

A 2021 review in Veterinary World covers stray dogs and adoption across Latin America, including Mexico.

Adoption Is Uncommon

The review says, “In countries, such as Mexico, the topic of adoption is uncommon because of a culture that dictates that when you want something, you buy it.” Its authors also say “adoption alone is not an effective solution” and call for education and awareness programs and sterilization campaigns. In the body of the review they write, “simply fomenting adoption does not solve the problem.”

Health Risks on the Street

The review says “a large part of stray dogs do not reach reproductive ages due to all the risks they experience every day,” and it lists “poor nutrition, exposure to disease, lack of shelter, and uncontrolled reproduction” among the causes, along with being run over. FOUR PAWS says stray dogs are prone to health problems: “Due to a lack of preventive medical care, many dogs will have fleas, ticks or other parasites.”

How You Can Help

FOUR PAWS says, “It is more helpful to contact local animal welfare organisations that already support stray animals in the community and, if possible, support them with volunteering or donations.” It says these organisations “can also help sterilise stray animals, set up feeding stations and generally support animals more effectively in the long term.” A traveler who wants to spend part of a trip volunteering with animals can read about animal rescue vacations.

Adopting A Stray Dog: The Rewards and Responsibilities

Welcoming a stray dog from Mexico to your home can be one of the most enriching experiences of your life. You'll be saving a life and gaining a faithful companion. However, it also comes with serious responsibilities. Are you up for the challenge?

A Lifetime Commitment

Once you adopt a Mexican stray dog, you are committing to caring for them for the rest of their life. If that is not possible, sponsoring a dog or donating to a shelter may be better.

What Adopters Agree To

The Veterinary World review says promoting adoption “could be a viable solution but only if” adopters sign an adoption contract in which they “agree to sterilize the pet, provide identification, and give all the required vaccines.”

Patience and Training

Be patient through challenges like house training, separation anxiety, and learning basic commands. A study by Wells and Hepper, cited in the review, determined that “the main behavioral problems during the 1st month after adoption were hyperactivity and difficulties in socializing, followed by destructiveness, inadequate defecation, roaming, and coprophagy.” Enrolling in training classes or working with a trainer can help.

A Rewarding Bond

While opening your home to a stray dog is a big responsibility, it can be incredibly fulfilling. A playful dog's enthusiasm for life can fill your days with laughter and joy. And by opening your home to a dog in need, you'll feel good knowing you made a real difference in their life.

The challenges may seem daunting, but for the right pet parent, having a Mexican stray dog can lead to a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment for you and your new furry friend.

Adopting From Animal Rescue Groups

How do potential adopters learn about available pets and how to bring them to the US? Here are some facts and resources to help you get started.

According to the Humane Society International, “The costs associated with international adoption and bringing a dog or cat out of a country are often cost prohibitive and logistically challenging.” The same page says, “To learn about quarantine policies, paperwork, vaccinations and other requirements, check with the appropriate agency (typically the Department of Agriculture) in your country.”

On shelters, the Veterinary World review says “the number of shelters for abandoned animals that encourage sterilization and opt for adoption over euthanasia must be increased,” and that “good shelter medicine programs are needed to maintain good overall health in animals as well as to prepare them for adoption.”

If bringing a street cat or dog home from your next vacation sounds a little too spur of the moment for you, many organizations facilitate the adoption of homeless Mexican animals into the US.

Here are just a few to check out if you're considering adoption:

Animal Rescuers Without Borders (ARWOB):

This organization operates out of San Diego, California, and works primarily with stray dogs and cats from Baja, Mexico. They make frequent trips there and conduct organized rescue missions to bring adoptable dogs and cats to the US.

Barb's Dog Rescue:

Operating out of Arizona and Mexico, this organization focuses on rescuing dogs from the roads of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, not far from the Arizona border, and finding them new forever homes with US adopters.

Dog Rescue Without Borders:

Compassion Without Borders:

CWOB, out of Santa Rosa, California, rescues dogs from Mexico and California's Central Valley. They rescue Mexican dogs and bring them back to California and provide much-needed spay/neuter, veterinary care, and even humane euthanasia services to dogs remaining in Mexico.

Opening your home to animals from shelters is one of the best things we could do as animal lovers. There are many different reasons why you should adopt a shelter pet. After all, the best breeds are the ones in need.

Your Animal Hearted purchase saves lives! 25% of all proceeds are donated to no-kill animal shelters!

FAQ

Why are there so many stray dogs roaming the streets of Mexico?

The Veterinary World review of Latin America calls abandonment “without doubt, the main cause of the huge number of dogs that roam the streets or live in canine shelters.” It says some dogs that have homes are allowed to roam alone in the streets, and these dogs “are free to reproduce, so they contribute to the increasing population of stray dogs.” In many Latin American countries “sterilizing pets is not as popular as in other nations,” so a lack of spaying or neutering is common.

What does a cat from Mexico need to enter the US?

The CDC says, “CDC requires that cats appear healthy upon arrival to the United States.” It also says, “Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, CDC recommends that all cats be vaccinated against rabies, and your U.S. destination may have additional requirements.” For a cat that looks ill, the CDC says a further examination by a licensed veterinarian might be required before the cat is allowed to enter.

Is it safe to interact with street dogs?

FOUR PAWS says many stray dogs are “very friendly, especially in tourist areas,” but “you may still encounter some that are less welcoming,” so you should still exercise caution. Some tips from FOUR PAWS:

• “The most important point to remember is that you should never run away from a stray dog (or any dog).”

• “Send calming signals such as yawning or licking your own lips, avoiding eye contact and standing sideways to the dog.”

• “It is important that the dog comes to you voluntarily and that you do not actively approach it.”

• “Stay calm and move away slowly. Don’t make any sudden movements, shout or run.”

• “If you are bitten by a dog, it is vital that you seek medical attention immediately.”

FOUR PAWS also says some stray dogs “carry very serious diseases such as rabies and rabies can be passed on to humans, mainly through bites.”

Sources

• CDC, Bringing a Dog into the U.S.
• CDC, Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries
• CDC, High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies
• CDC, Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Importations
• CDC, Bringing an Animal into the U.S.
• USDA APHIS, Travel With a Pet
• Mota-Rojas and others, Abandonment of dogs in Latin America: Strategies and ideas, Veterinary World, 2021
• Humane Society International, Adopting and transporting pets internationally (archived copy)
• FOUR PAWS, Staying safe around street dogs