Camping in Mexico

JMcCraw · 03-12-2023, 04:51 PM

We are planning to camp in an RV park in San Carlos, Mexico later this year. My question concerns traveling there with our dog. Does anyone have experience crossing the border into Mexico and back again with a dog? She will be microchipped and our vet will complete a health certificate but I specifically want to know how the process goes for us to get into and out of Mexico. Do we have to take her out of the car at the border (either side) and if so, is this a lengthy process? I mostly just want to understand what we will be experiencing getting there and back and know about any issues we might face before we agree to do this. Any information is appreciated!

NMWildcat · 03-12-2023, 05:39 PM

It would be better to get official requirements from the appropriate agencies instead of advice from a forum
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet...enter%20Mexico.

https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/montrea...pets-to-mexico

GoneSouth10 · 03-12-2023, 05:43 PM

Baja California is beautiful - just don't stop in the border/town cities. And the highway is now complete down the Sea of Cortez side - so many incredible options, particularly between Santa Rosalia and Loretto!!
Not for everyone, but beautiful country and incredible people (not to mention the food!!)

Haven't done the dog thing (was preparing for one with all the vax forms and such, but then Covid hit and never actually went through the process with the dogs

)

Reverse_snowbird · 03-12-2023, 05:43 PM

You might be able to get the dog into Mexico, but there may be problems getting it home. I'd use the Contact information at the bottom of this page to check. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet...l-dogs-into-us

Webefine · 03-12-2023, 05:47 PM

We just spent December and January in Puerto Penasco with our two dogs.
We crossed at Lukeville, which is a small crossing, they were more interested it what we had in our refrigerator then the fact that we had 2 dogs. We did have all of the dog’s current health records just in case they asked for them but they didn’t ask for anything on the dogs and they didn’t even ask us to take the dogs outside while they looked inside the Rv.
I’m sure each crossing will be a little different but ours was uneventful.

JMcCraw · 03-12-2023, 05:57 PM

Thanks for all the info. I have read extensively the information on the Dept of Agriculture pages and have communicated with someone at USDA in AZ which is where I will be crossing. I just wanted to hear from people who have actually gone through the process. Like, have people had to get out of the car and have the dog physically inspected or did they just get waved through or maybe had paperwork examined. That sort of thing. Actual experiences in addition to the information I am learning about from official sources. Thanks again.

NMWildcat · 03-12-2023, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMcCraw

Thanks for all the info. I have read extensively the information on the Dept of Agriculture pages and have communicated with someone at USDA in AZ which is where I will be crossing. I just wanted to hear from people who have actually gone through the process. Like, have people had to get out of the car and have the dog physically inspected or did they just get waved through or maybe had paperwork examined. That sort of thing. Actual experiences in addition to the information I am learning about from official sources. Thanks again.

Unfortunately, it will depend on the agents on duty that day, the threat level, and other factors for that shift.
Sometimes crossings are completely uneventful, and sometimes you will be rung through the ringer. Just be prepared with current requirements and have everything in order. That is all you can do.

JMcCraw · 03-12-2023, 06:28 PM

Well said. We have made a few crossings and that has been our experience as well. Just adding the dog into the mix makes me a little more apprehensive. Don’t want her in a fight with the “K-nine on duty”! Hopefully things will be a little better in the fall with respect to threat level, etc. Hearing experiences others have had helps! We have enjoyed times in Mexico and know the regular people are wonderful and friendly.

PhilFromMaine · 03-12-2023, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Unfortunately, it will depend on the agents on duty that day, the threat level, and other factors for that shift.
Sometimes crossings are completely uneventful, and sometimes you will be rung through the ringer. Just be prepared with current requirements and have everything in order. That is all you can do.

X2
There are new regulations in effect relating to pets both in MX and the US. The OP probably knows this and has done their homework. For the rest of us:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet...ttravel-mexico

You can't be careful enough when it comes to your best friends.

Brother Les · 03-12-2023, 09:12 PM

I have been to Mexico 7-8 times. I have never taken a 'best friend'. And I would never do it. Never take something there that you are not willing to loose.

dieselguy · 03-12-2023, 09:22 PM

Don't get too far off the beaten path down there or there'll be no one to get your dogs back across. A whole different world ... whole different mentality ...

nvs4602 · 03-13-2023, 03:16 AM

Would you stay at a hotel full of drug dealers, murderers and kidnappers? Going to Mexico right now you will be doing just that. The state department is also not recommending travel to Mexico. QUOTE from link below

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...-advisory.html

You do what you want. As for me there are a lot of places in the USA I would rather go see. And you won't have to worry about taking your dog.

moose074 · 03-13-2023, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Unfortunately, it will depend on the agents on duty that day, the threat level, and other factors for that shift.
Sometimes crossings are completely uneventful, and sometimes you will be rung through the ringer. Just be prepared with current requirements and have everything in order. That is all you can do.

X2 when I crossed into Canada headed to AK Canadian border guard asked if I had any pistols I stated no, he joked about how all Americans did then wished me luck on journeys. Returning from AK I was asked same question I answered same way they did full search of my truck anyway. That said they were still pleasant and put everything ( everything I owned at time) back where it came from or real close. About a 20 minute ordeal.

PhilFromMaine · 03-13-2023, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moose074

X2 when I crossed into Canada headed to AK Canadian border guard asked if I had any pistols I stated no, he joked about how all Americans did then wished me luck on journeys. Returning from AK I was asked same question I answered same way they did full search of my truck anyway. That said they were still pleasant and put everything ( everything I owned at time) backhere it came from or real close. About a 20 minute ordeal.

(MAJOR RANT ON US BORDER PATROL AND MEXICO DELETED)

(MAJOR RANT ON MEXICO DELETED)

Good "bullet proof" international medical insurance with life flight is a must in Mexico. I would look into insurance for my "best friends" too. In Mexico, payment for services rendered is due immediately-NO EXCEPTIONS.

**wmtire** · 03-13-2023, 09:26 AM

Thread being closed pending full site team review:

Please post responsibly.

After review, off topic and/or other postings not in adherence with the site guidelines have been removed. Please help Jennie in her original question.

Thread reopened.

GoneSouth10 · 03-13-2023, 10:46 AM

WMTire,
I know that the inclination is to close the thread to avoid the politically charged rhetoric, but it also forecloses the opportunity for people to provide real world experiences about travelling in Mexico. If you're aware, prepared and know where you're going, it is a breathtakingly beautiful country to travel in. I've travelled the length of Baja California 7 times via motorcycle and have witnessed nothing but the best of the RV community up and down the peninsula.
Obviously, people will have to sort through some irrelevant fearmongering posts, but I think those are pretty self evident and real travelers can simply scroll past them to get to the info they want (and really need).
Just my two pesos - Thanks!

billcrews81 · 03-13-2023, 11:43 AM

Baja is Not any worse than LA, Portland, Atlanta or Chicago crime wise And i wouldn't overnight in any of those cities...Have an Aunt that has lived there for years with no issues. Also helps to speak Spanish even if Broken, my wife is fluent. Tons of American Youtubers down there right now, they have reported very few issues other than the roads being very narrow, Stop signs are hard to see, and the locals pay no attention to road signs, sort of like Fort worth.

nvs4602 · 03-13-2023, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billcrews81

Baja is Not any worse than LA, Portland, Atlanta or Chicago crime wise And i wouldn't overnight in any of those cities...Have an Aunt that has lived there for years with no issues. Also helps to speak Spanish even if Broken, my wife is fluent. Tons of American Youtubers down there right now, they have reported very few issues other than the roads being very narrow, Stop signs are hard to see, and the locals pay no attention to road signs, sort of like Fort worth.

You are right. That's why I don't vacation in any of those places either.

billcrews81 · 03-13-2023, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvs4602

You are right. That's why I don't vacation in any of those places either.

I would suggest you watch " wild RV life" "Less Junk More Journey" they and several other RV youtubers that I watch are there right now as We speak. may change your mind. there is some A$$pain for documents and driving issues, especially if your rig is huge. But it's absolutely gorgeous. KYD was there last year and it inspired me to go. And I should have said, BAJA is not even close to the crime in our country.

NMWildcat · 03-13-2023, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvs4602

You are right. That's why I don't vacation in any of those places either.

Lol! You beat me to it

Growing up on the border, we used to spend a lot of time in Mexico and loved it. It is not the same country as it was 25 years ago. Everything is fine there, until it is not, and then you realize it is indeed a very flawed foreign country.

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