Flying to Cancun with your dog or cat? Here is how to get through inspection smoothly.
Travelling with a pet through Cancun International Airport (CUN) means planning around three sets of rules: Mexico's animal health inspection by SENASICA, your airline's pet policy and, when you leave, your home country's import rules.
Your pet's journey
SENASICA and OISA: Mexico's Pet Entry Rules
Who inspects your pet and what they check
Animal health controls for travellers entering Mexico are enforced by SENASICA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria) through its inspection office at the airport, known as OISA (Oficina de Inspección de Sanidad Agropecuaria).
Mexico has simplified paperwork for dogs and cats arriving from countries such as the United States and Canada, but every pet is still physically inspected on arrival at Cancun Airport. Requirements can differ by country of origin, so check SENASICA's current rules for your departure country before you travel.
Key entry requirements
Physical inspection at OISA
An inspector checks your pet for signs of disease, wounds or sores and for external parasites such as fleas and ticks.
Clean carrier, nothing inside
The carrier must be clean. Remove bedding, blankets, towels, pads, toys and treats before inspection; items found inside may be confiscated.
Food for the day only
Bring only enough food for the day of arrival, in its original sealed packaging. Extra or opened food may be confiscated.
Microchip recommended
Mexico does not generally require a microchip for entry, but an ISO 11784/11785 chip is strongly recommended and is required by many countries when you fly home.
Vaccination and parasite records
Carry proof of rabies vaccination and recent internal and external parasite treatment. They may be requested, and some origin countries need a health certificate.
What Happens at the Inspection
Tap to see each possible outcome
Healthy pet, compliant carrier
When it happens
Your pet is healthy, the carrier is clean and empty, and you have the right food and records.
What it means
SENASICA issues an import certificate on the spot. Keep it safe for your whole stay in Mexico.
Fleas or ticks detected
When it happens
Inspectors find fleas, ticks or other external parasites during the visual check.
What it means
Your pet must be treated before release, at your expense, and samples may be sent to a laboratory. Expect a delay.
Wounds or high-risk origin
When it happens
Your pet has open or healing wounds or lesions, or there are concerns about New World screwworm.
What it means
Your pet may need a veterinary evaluation, testing, treatment or other measures decided by SENASICA, at your expense.
Arriving at Cancun Airport with a Pet
Four steps from landing to the exit
- 01
Clear immigration
Pass through immigration in your arrival terminal. If your pet flew in the hold, collect it at baggage claim or from the airline as instructed; cabin pets stay in their carrier.
- 02
Go to the OISA desk
Follow the signs to the SENASICA / OISA inspection point before you leave the arrivals area, and ask staff if you cannot find it.
- 03
Inspection and documents
The inspector checks your pet's skin, ears, coat and carrier, and reviews your vaccination and parasite treatment records and any health certificate.
- 04
Receive your certificate
Once cleared, you receive an import certificate. Keep it with you for your whole stay.
Airline Pet Policies at Cancun Airport
Rules differ by airline, route and season
Airlines flying to and from Cancun set their own rules on cabin and hold travel, carrier sizes, weight limits, breed restrictions and fees. The overview below is a general guide only; confirm the details with your airline when you book, as policies and fees change often.
| Airline | In the cabin | In the hold | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroméxico | Small dogs and cats | On eligible routes | Seasonal restrictions on pets in the hold can apply in hot weather. |
| Volaris | Small pets within its weight limit | On eligible routes | Strict carrier size rules; some breeds are restricted in the hold. |
| Viva Aerobus | Small dogs and cats | On eligible routes | Book your pet in advance; fees vary by route. |
| Delta Air Lines | Small pets in an under-seat carrier | Generally not, except limited exceptions | Check Delta's current pet policy and fees. |
| American Airlines | Small pets on eligible routes | Limited; cargo options vary | Hot weather can restrict pet travel. |
| United Airlines | Small dogs and cats | No regular checked pet service | Check United's in-cabin pet fees and rules. |
Ask your airline
- Is my pet allowed in the cabin, the hold or only as cargo?
- What are the weight and carrier size limits?
- Are there breed restrictions, for example for snub-nosed breeds?
- What is the fee, and do I need to book in advance?
- Are there seasonal heat restrictions for Cancun?
Pet Relief Areas and Terminal Rules at CUN
Where your pet can take a break
Cancun Airport's pet relief options are mainly outdoors, outside the terminal buildings, rather than in indoor rooms after security. Ask airport staff for the nearest pet relief area in your terminal, and allow time to use it before you check in.
Outdoor relief areas
Use the outdoor areas outside the terminals before check-in or after you arrive, and keep your pet on a lead.
Carrier inside the terminal
Inside the terminal, and especially after security, pets generally need to stay in their approved carrier.
Water and comfort
Offer water before and after the flight, and pack absorbent pads for the carrier for the flight itself, removing them before inspection.
Flying Home from Cancun with Your Pet
Pick your destination
When you leave Mexico, you must meet your airline's rules and your destination country's import requirements. Start preparing several weeks ahead, as some certificates must be issued within a few days of travel.
- Complete the CDC Dog Import Form online before travel and keep the receipt.
- Your dog needs an ISO-compatible microchip and must be at least 6 months old.
- Because of New World screwworm in Mexico, the USDA may require a certificate from a veterinarian confirming your dog was inspected and found free of screwworm shortly before travel.
- Check the CDC and USDA APHIS websites for the latest rules before you fly.
- Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) rules for dogs and cats from Mexico.
- Carry a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
- Ask a veterinarian in Mexico whether you need a health certificate, and check your airline's requirements.
- Your pet needs an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
- You need an EU animal health certificate completed by an authorised veterinarian and endorsed by the official authority.
- A rabies antibody titre test is generally not needed from Mexico, but rules depend on your route and any transit countries; check before booking.
Pet Travel Checklist for Cancun
Pack these before you fly
Approved carrier
Clean, well ventilated and the right size for your airline.
Records in a folder
Rabies, parasite treatment and any health certificates.
Sealed food
Enough for the day of arrival only.
Lead and collar
With an ID tag and your phone number.
Medication
Any prescribed medicine, with a vet's note.
Water bowl
A collapsible bowl for before and after the flight.
