MAKING THE MOVE TO MEXICO

Destination content © Ken Luboff, used from Living Abroad in Mexico, 1st Edition.
Maps © Avalon Publishing Group, Inc.

"In Mexico, it is more difficult to find a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine then one used to caring for domestic animals, though in the larger cities, there probably is at least one vet who specializes in exotics including parrots."

Prime Living Locations

Cats and Dogs • Birds • Horses

Cats and Dogs
  There is no quarantine and absolutely no problem crossing the border in either direction with a cat or a dog. Whether driving into Mexico or the States, cats and dogs are required to have a veterinary health certificate, dated within five days of crossing the border, that shows a current rabies vaccination. These are the rules, but the reality is that when you cross the border, you will most likely be waved through. At most, you will be asked to show a rabies vaccination certificate. Nevertheless, it would be prudent to have the required documents if possible.
In the case of young animals under four months of age, the veterinary certificate should note that the animal is “age exempt” from the rabies requirement. If someone is flying their pet into Mexico, the airlines also will require the veterinary certificate at check-in. The paperwork will be requested when you arrive at the Mexican airport with your pet.
  Good-quality veterinary care for dogs and cats is available in many parts of Mexico, but it is advisable to get recommendations from people who have used a particular vet. In San Miguel de Allende, the Lake Chapala area, and most of the other cities mentioned in this book, there are a large number of veterinarians and clinics with modern facilities and lab equipment. All vaccines, heartworm medication, flea and tick treatments, and medicines are available. Spaying and neutering, as well as other surgeries, are routinely performed.
  Several U.S. pet food brands are available in Mexico depending on location. These include Eukanuba, Diamond, Science Diet, and Nutro. Pedigree, Purina, and other less expensive brands also are available.
  Barbara and I have found that when we are touring around Mexico in our car, it is easier to travel with our dog than without her. Jane, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, is big and expressionless, so when we pass through checkpoints in Mexico, officials usually take one look at her and ask if she bites. We kind of shrug noncommittally, and they wave us on. If our car is loaded down with valuables, which it usually is, especially coming back from the States, we know we don't have to worry about break-ins while Jane is in the car. At the hotels or motels where she isn't welcome, she simply sleeps in the car all night after we take her for a walk. The only time Jane presents a problem is when we want to explore a city on foot. Because we can't take her into cathedrals and markets, we must leave her in the car with the windows open. In this case, we find a parking lot with an attendant who we pay to watch the car. We have never been ripped off.

back to top

---

Birds
  Bringing birds to Mexico is not easy, but it's much easier than entering the United States with a bird or two. The United States requires a good deal of paperwork, plus one-month quarantine in either Los Angeles, Miami, or New York (all at the airports). The fee is about $20 per day, so that makes a minimum of $600 per bird just to get through the quarantine. In addition, the birds must be flown in, another expense. Coming from the United States to Mexico requires a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit (almost all parrots are endangered species) and a U.S. Fish & Wildlife “Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife,” plus a vet health certificate.
  Birds are more stringently controlled than cats and dogs for two reasons. First, they are wild, not domesticated, species that are endangered in their native habitats. Since 1992 or 1993, the United States and many other countries have banned the importation of wild-caught parrots. Only domestically raised parrots may be sold in the States. And secondly, there is the fear of bird diseases that can decimate the poultry industry. Mexico, which also subscribes to CITES regulations, continues to have a thriving black market in wild-caught and illegally bred parrots.
Some people take their chances that the bird might be seized and drive their pet birds across the border into Mexico. People have crossed successfully without papers, but it is risky.
  In Mexico, it is more difficult to find a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine then one used to caring for domestic animals, though in the larger cities, there probably is at least one vet who specializes in exotics including parrots.

back to top

---

Horses
  Horses can be brought from the United States to Mexico and vice versa. Crossing the border with horses requires permits, veterinary health verifications, and brief quarantines. Most horse people advise hiring an import broker who specializes in horses to make the crossing.
  Mexico is home to a thriving horse culture. In the Spanish tradition, since the time of the conquistadores, horses have played major roles in the lives of Mexicans at all levels of society. Horses, burros, and mules are essential to the farming communities in rural Mexico. They are beasts of burden and primary modes of transportation. As in Spain and other parts of Europe, national and international competitions in dressage and stadium jumping are of great importance to horse aficionados of the Mexican upper and middle classes. The art of the rehoneo, referring to the highly trained horses and riders who participate in bullfights, is a greatly valued, albeit esoteric, practice in Mexico.
  The greatest tradition among the common people is the charreada, the Mexican version of the American rodeo. Like the American counterpart, the events of the charreada are based on the skills and tasks performed by vaqueros (cowboys) on the ranchos. Single cattle charge out of a chute at a full run, and the mounted charro's task is to catch him by the tail and make him drop to the ground, a nerve-shattering event for the spectators.
  Elaborate events showcasing advanced horsemanship are embellished with mariachi music and fanciful embroidered costumes and sombreros. The most remote areas of Mexico manage to stage charreadas with relative frequency. The charreada is a team sport, with each town or region having its own team, supported with an enthusiasm equal to that for soccer and other team sports.
  Opportunities abound for those interested in riding in Mexico. There are excellent equestrian facilities for boarding and training at all levels outside most major towns and cities. Rental stables exist in most tourist areas. For Western riders, the purchase or rental of horses for trail riding will get you away from the crowds and afford you glimpses of startlingly beautiful country visible only on foot or on horseback.

back to top

---