5 Things You Need To Take Your Dog to Rocky Point

Visiting Puerto Peñasco is so much fun. There is no reason our fur babies can’t enjoy the Sea of Cortez along with us. In Rocky Point, there are no rules restricting you from letting your dog run along the beach and splash in the water alongside you. But because you are taking your pup over international borders, there are some things you need to do before making the trip with your four legged furry ones. I’ve narrowed them down to the five most important.

Mexican Approved Health Certificate is No Longer Required
Up to Date Vaccinations for Dogs traveling to Mexico
A Healthy Looking Dog
Protection Against Your Dog Getting Lost
Permission From Your Vacation Rental Owner

If you’ve driven to Rocky Point before, you probably know that the Mexico state of mind can be a little on the relaxed side. So it’s entirely possible you could spend your whole vacation there with your furry friend and never have to show your puppy papers to Mexican officials. They may even pat your pooch on the head, ask his or her name and tell you to enjoy your stay when you get the red light inspection at the border.

That said, if you’re “Type A” like me, rules are Rules are Rules.

When we first started taking our 10 pound furball Sadie with us, there was NO WAY I was going to risk being that one person that gets asked for papers going in to or coming out of Mexico . If the CBP officer denied my puppers from crossing back into the U.S., my husband would have had to hitch a ride or find an Uber back to Tucson. Sadie and me would be headed straight back to Sandy Beach until it was all worked out. (All I ever need is an excuse to have stay anyways. LoL)

What you need to do is super simple. I’ve done some research and narrowed it down to the only 5 things you need when taking your dog to Rocky Point, Mexico.

Mexican Approved Health Certificate – No Longer Needed

Effective December 16, 2019, a Mexican approved health certificate is no longer required for pet dogs or cats traveling by car to Mexico from the U.S. or Canada. Instead, your pet will need to be inspected by the Anima and Plant Health Inspection Office, OISA or SENASICA upon arrival. …EXCEPT… there or no agents at the Lukeville-Sonoyta border to inspect your pet.

Even in the absence of the certificate requirement, the USDA does a really good job explaining the requirements for Americans traveling with dogs to Mexico.

However, while no certificate is required and an agent may not be present to inspect your pet, there are still some guidelines that might be a good idea to follow based on the USDA’s explanation of what to expect upon inspection. In addition, you also have to get your furry friend back into the U.S. at the end of your vacation.

To keep it simple, bring a vaccination certificate from your veterinarian. This will show the vaccinations your pet has had AND it will show that your pet is YOUR PET and originated from the U.S.

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Returning From Mexico to the US with Your Dog

When returning to the U.S. with your dog, the rules for entering are governed by the CDC, the USDA and CBP. If you carry your veterinarian’s certificate and follow the rest of the steps below, your shouldn’t have any issues returning to the U.S. with your dog.

Here is a brief account of what each of these U.S. organizations specifically state as a requirement.

As of November 30, 2019

US Government Authority: CDC Requirements for Entering the U.S. with a Dog

Healthy appearance
Mexico is NOT on the list for required rabies vaccination, HOWEVER, “you must provide written or oral statements that the dogs lived in a country with low or no risk for at least 6 months or since birth.”

US Government Authority: USDA Requirements for Entering the U.S. with a Dog

Healthy appearance
Dogs entering from Mexico must be declared free of Foot and Mouth Disease.
Individual U.S. state Agriculture Departments may have additional requirements. Check with your local state.
Must comply with U.S. CDC requirements
Additional requirements for dogs entering for the purpose of resale or adoption

US Government Authority: CBP Requirements for Entering the U.S. with a Dog (Border Agents)

Healthy appearance
CBP makes every effort to determine if your dog meets the requirements of the CDC and USDA.

Up to Date Vaccinations for Dogs traveling to Mexico

While searching the WWW for taking your dog to Mexico, so many sites conflicted on whether or not you need proof of certain vaccinations when crossing the border INTO the U.S. with your dog. As explained in the above, rabies vaccinations ARE NOT required when entering with the U.S. from Mexico with your dog. And if you review these regulatory sites yourself, you will see that there is NO mention of other vaccinations for dogs, including distemper.

Mexican authorities now no longer require proof of vaccinations, however, it is ALWAYS a good idea to carry this documentation with you if you have it. As mentioned above, and very worth repeating, a vaccination certificate from your veterinarian will show the vaccinations your pet has had AND more importantly, it will show that your pet is YOUR PET.

Rabies Vaccination

The need for regular rabies vaccinations has become a new topic for discussion. Some U.S. states mandate it, others do not. Some states require it for dogs but not for cats. Considering my cat eats mice, packrats and ground squirrels, and my dog spends only 5 minutes a day outside to pee, not sure on the reasoning of this rule. But it doesn’t matter when preparing to take your dog to Mexico.

Whether you vaccinate your pet or not, keep in mind that there are many strays in Rocky Point. Even with your pup on a leash, you can’t always be prepared for the possibility of an infected stray becoming aggressive with your dog.

Interesting Fact: It takes 28 days for the rabies vaccination to fully immunize and protect your dog.

As explained above, the U.S. regulatory agencies don’t necessarily require proof of rabies vaccination when entering from Mexico, but you do have to prove where your dog has been for the past 6 months.

A Healthy Looking Dog

All of the U.S. regulatory agencies specifically call out “Healthy Appearance.” There really isn’t a more plain way to say it. All dogs must appear healthy.

Whether you are entering Mexico or the U.S., your dog can be subject to “brief physical inspection and verify that your pet is in compliance with the above requirements.”

When Fido looks good and healthy any border agent having a general look at your dog is not going to see any red flags to prompt further inspection.

Do your furbaby and your own peace of mind a favor. If your dog has been romping in the sand and is covered in mud, give her a bath. Make sure she makes a clean and healthy impression on the border agents so she is welcomed back to the U.S. after enjoying vacation with her family

Protection Against your Dog Getting Lost

The only thing better than a found pet is one that has never been lost. It doesn’t need to be said that you should do everything you can to protect your pet from getting separated from you, especially when you are away from home and in another country that you will need to leave in just a few days.

Here are some things you can do to help protect your family pet from getting lost and some things you can do if it does happen while you are in Puerto Penasco.

Recall Training

Training is the #1 thing you can do to protect against getting separated from your dog. If your dog can get a little nervous or overly excited, some form of solid recall, whether it be a leash or a verbal command that gives permission to exit the car or stops Spot dead in his tracks and commands him to return to you is ideal. If your dog is good on verbal command, but you are not sure when she’s in a different environment, like on the beach chasing seagulls, consider a leash until you know she is mindful of your limits.

Pet Identification

Make sure your dog has an identification collar. Rocky Point has so many strays, that a roaming collared dog with a “Healthy Appearance” will stand out. And when a good Samaritan comes across your roaming Spot, your number will be clearly marked on his collar and you will receive a call to go pick up your dog.

I can’t be sure that Puerto Penasco’s rescue facilities or animal control have the capability to utilize micro-chip technology so use ID collars as an alternative option.

Nervous pup? Consider Leaving Him at Home

If your pet can get worked up to a nervous wreck, maybe he is not ready for a trip to Mexico. If you have a family member or friend who is willing to sit with your dog or welcome her for a weekend slumber party, this could be a safer option for your dog. If you are lucky enough to have access to a well-run pet resort, an unpredictable dog may be safer staying behind on this trip. Then work with your pet and gradually get them comfortable with traveling and being okay in new environments.

What to do if your pet gets lost in Puerto Penasco.

Even when you try every, sometimes it can happen. New smells, other dogs, super loud fireworks, or the revving engines of off road racing trucks or motorcycles during bike week, a number of things can happen that could cause your dog to get separated from you. If that happens, here are a few things you can do to help locate your lost dog.

Inform your rental company and the resort people of our missing dog

The resorts have a number of staff all over the grounds and they usually have radios to communicate with the main office. By reporting your lost dog to them, they can quickly spread the word and someone may have seen your pet.

Social Media and Local Forums To Find Lost Dog

Find local social media groups and active forums in Rocky Point. If these groups are active, you can post about your lost dog and they can help you to find your pet quickly or refer you to people that can help.

A couple of these groups include :

You can also contact Rocky Point Animal Adoption Center. http://www.rpaac.org/ This organization has long been a resource for reconnecting families with their lost pets in Rocky Point.

Permission from Your Vacation Rental Owner

If you are staying in a vacation rental condo, villa or house, be sure to check with the owner or leasing company to make sure your location permits dogs. Be aware of the rules for having a dog at the facility and follow them.

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals:

Most resort rental companies do not allow pets and many resorts that allow condo owners to rent condos and villas are transitioning to “owner only” pets. But there are still options available. You can find pet friendly rentals here:

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals By Owners

Pet Friendly Resorts

Find pet friendly resorts that allow pets when renting through the resort rental company.

Pet Friendly Hotels