traveling with your dog to Mexico

 

There's nothing like going to the beach with your favorite pet in tow. You think kids like to catch a ball in the sand? try your favorite 4 legged friend.

Have you ever witnessed a dog smiling, (yes dogs do smile) after running fetch on the beach or playing in the waves. If you have, you know what I'm talking about. Like a small child, turning their face to the sun, a dog at the beach rolls around in the sand, surfs the waves and the dog days of summer are here.

No rules, such as no dogs allowed on the beach. Yes, all dog owners still have to be respectful, pick their dogs litter up and keep them on a leash around others,.

Here are a few must know rules about bringing your pup across the border. I know I've been called the rule follower before by my friends, but here are some rules you want to observe with your furry friend.

Top 5 rules you must know about bringing a dog to Mexico
 First and foremost you must bring your dog’s papers (current rabies vaccination certificate) with you across the border. This is going in to Mexico. Electronic will not work; they have to be paper so they can make a copy of it. I know this with my trip into Mexico   She had the papers on Ipad, Camera from the Vet  but she had to need to have paper copies at the border and get it printed out of cpu on paper. The border checked for this even with a green light, so do not enter Mexico without your dog’s rabies vaccination papers, you might have to turn around and go home depending on the time of day. The current rule is no more than 2 dogs but I have known friends who bring 3… (two people in vehicle).
2. You must check with the condo, hotel or private residence you are staying at to see if they allow dogs. Don’t get confused if you see dogs on the property and assume you can bring a dog, some condo HOA’s will only allow owners to have dogs not guests of owner, and they will not allow you stay there if you have a dog even if the owner allows it. Trust me on this one. If you are a condo owner appeal to your HOA to relook at their pet policy on guest of owners having pets, if owners allow it. I have several friends with well-behaved animals who would love them to bring their dog and share my home, but I can’t. In the US there are so many beautiful resorts, hotels etc. with dog friendly rules( Westin, Starwood resorts even Vegas offers several options at exclusive Cosmopolitan resort) and pet owners are looking for nice places that will allow pets. This might set your condo complex above the rest for renters.
3.Keep your dog on a leash and in your sight at all times. Many dogs are lost in Mexico  each year as they are not familiar with their surroundings. Make sure your dog is wearing a metal machined pill keeper with info of your current location inside and contact info. a collar, preferably with a tag that has your phone number and keep a picture of him in case the worst happens.

4.Check out internet for Vets and Services for your pet Visit for pet friendly accommodations and also check out the Pet friendly hotels:
5. Walk your dog on the beach, throw the ball, have fun…. but be respectful of others and make sure your dog is not running lose on the beach, scaring children or licking a sunbathers ear, and of course ALWAYS pick up…
Quick list of what to bring with you, beside your dog: Food, bowls, leash, plastic bags for pick up, rabies papers and a ball if Fido fetches.
Mexico is an easy weekend escape, being able to bring your family pet along on your mini vacation, takes all the worry about pet sitting. If your resort accommodations do not allow a dog.
Remember a local referral can lower the cost.