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Sheila_Meraz

May 24, 2011, 5:52 PM

Post #1 of 18 (3739 views)

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Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Please help! I'm going to be moving soon to Texcoco outside of Mexico City to be with my fiance until he is able to come back to the United States legally. I will be moving down with my 2 children and was hoping to take our pets with us. We have 3 dogs and 1 cat. I have been getting a lot of conflicting information about how many pets we can take with us.
Here is what I've been told....

by a woman at the Mexican Embassy in Washington D.C., yes we can take all 4, the first 2 would be free, but after that I would have to pay any where from $100-$150 extra for each additional animal.

I was told by a woman at one of the airlines up here in the United States that I would have to pay a "broker" when I got to the airport in Mexico City $500 to check out my animals and that only 2 would go and she suggested that I call the broker to see about more than 2 so I called to Mexico city and was told yes I would have to use a broker (to the tune of $500), but the broker told me that I can only take 2 animals and if I were to take more than 2 pets, the other ones would be confiscated!

When I called Aeromexico to check out ticket prices and restrictions for flying with pets I wasn't told anything about a limit of animals I could take with me (except only 1 per person), nor did they mention anything about a broker, but then neither did the embassy in D.C. either.

Has anyone has any recent experience flying into Mexico City with pets? I'm really hoping that I get to take at least my dogs with me, if I have to re-home my cat, I can do so with my mom until I come back in a year or.

Would it maybe be easier to just drive? I would really prefer to fly a 30 hour road trip with 2 children, 3 dogs, and 1 cat doesn't sound like a fun road trip!
Soon to be in Texcoco

chinagringo

May 24, 2011, 6:08 PM

Post #2 of 18 (3731 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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You might want to take a good look at:

http://gringodog.com/

This woman has put together a real effort to provide info on pets in Mexico and tries to keep her information as up to date as possible. If you should develop questions, I would recommend using the contact button with any direct questions.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

chicois8

May 24, 2011, 6:35 PM

Post #3 of 18 (3718 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Here is an offical Mexican Government web site letting you know what can be brought in to Mexico: Line 18 states:

Up to two dogs or cats, maybe introduced as well as their accesories, provided that the corresponding zoosanitary import certificate issued by (SAGARPA) is presented to the customs officials.

http://portal.sre.gob.mx/conreinounido/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=211&op=page&SubMenu=

chinagringo

May 24, 2011, 7:02 PM

Post #4 of 18 (3704 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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A recent thread on another forum indicated that it was 2 animals/pets per person migrating to Mexico. And it seems to me that there was mention that the per person limit included minors.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Sheila_Meraz

May 24, 2011, 7:51 PM

Post #5 of 18 (3692 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Has anyone heard of this broker fee?
Soon to be in Texcoco

morgaine7

May 24, 2011, 8:51 PM

Post #6 of 18 (3677 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Here's an official government website:
English: http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?Idioma=2&id=623
Spanish: http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=623

I moved here from Egypt in 2007 and arrived at the Mexico City airport with two cats who had all the required papers. I took them to the inspection area, which at the time was located between the international gates and the baggage claim. The agent reviewed their papers, gave them a once-over without removing them from their carriers, and issued their entry certificates. It was quick and painless, and the process went exactly as I was told by the consulate in Cairo. Nothing was mentioned about a broker or broker's fee, but again I only had two pets. If I were you, I would double-check with the consulate about that.

Best of luck!

Kate

Sheila_Meraz

May 24, 2011, 11:15 PM

Post #7 of 18 (3665 views)

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Re: [morgaine7] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Thank you for your information everyone, I've once again contacted Aeromexico and been told that I can take all 4 of my animals with me on the same flight and even spoke with a supervisor and neither the agent or the supervisor had ever heard of a broker that charges $500. I think I will be sneaky though and call a 3rd airline just to see what they say ;).
Soon to be in Texcoco

Vichil

May 25, 2011, 7:04 AM

Post #8 of 18 (3637 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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I believe a person can fly with 2 pets and do not need a broker but you doneed a broker if you have more than 2 or if you fly the pets in without having them as part of "the luggage".
So if each person as 2 pets you should not need a broker. It may be why someone is mentioning a 500 dollars broker.

Sheila_Meraz

May 25, 2011, 7:49 AM

Post #9 of 18 (3621 views)

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Re: [Vichil] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Now that makes sense, with the airline that told me about the broker pets fly only as cargo, not as luggage. I think I finally understand! Thanks, I just don't want to get to Mexico City and not be able to take my babies to my new home with me.

Thank you everyone for your help.
Soon to be in Texcoco

Vichil

May 25, 2011, 7:53 AM

Post #10 of 18 (3619 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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when I say luggage I mean on the same plane if not you need a broker.

chicois8

May 25, 2011, 9:08 AM

Post #11 of 18 (3604 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Did you ask the airline if the cargo hold was pressuerized and heated for your pets comfort???

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jkgourmet

May 25, 2011, 12:03 PM

Post #12 of 18 (3559 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Thanks, Neil, for suggesting she contact me. I have answered her as well as I could.

A couple of points for others who read this thread in the future.

What the rules were in 2007 has no bearing on what the rules are today. In fact, what the rules are has little bearing on what REALLY happens when you hit the airport.
It is always easier to drive over the border with pets than bring them by airplane.
The 2 per per person including minors has been verified to me, via email, from a SENASICA officer. That said, it isn't clearly stated in their website.
What the OP is dealing with is actually two separate issues. One is the "rules" that Mexico has established for importation of pets. The other is what the policy of the airline is - and these will change with each airline, season of year, airport stops along the way even if you and the pets don't get off the plane, and who the gate agent it and their mood on that particular day.
I have heard of brokers getting involved and demanding payment for someone who was bringing in only one pet. She did not have all the necessary information on the health certificate, which is why they brought the broker in. The cat was held overnight and examined by a vet, at her expense. And they didn't take credit cards - cash only.
Brachycephalic breeds, or so-called flat nose breeds, have been banned from many airlines in the cargo hold. This includes breeds like pugs, Boston terriers, Persian cats, bulldogs, shih tzu, and boxers.

Sad to say, but if you must bring your pets in to Mexico by plane, be prepared to pay. Arm yourself with the documentation and use it. Unfortunately, the airlines do charge rather excessively for pets in cargo.

On further note: Vets in the AZ area are now charging between $30-$80 per pet to complete and sign the health certificate. The cost of tests for parasites, vaccinations and health exams (which are required prior to completing the health certificate) are in addition to those fees.

Jeanette
Gringo Dog - Pet Friendly Travel in Mexico and the US
http://www.GringoDog.com - Pet Friendly Travel in Mexico and the USA

(This post was edited by jkgourmet on May 25, 2011, 12:06 PM)

Sheila_Meraz

May 25, 2011, 9:49 PM

Post #13 of 18 (3500 views)

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Re: [jkgourmet] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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According to some information I've found the area where my animals will be if I fly down on Aeromexico the baggage area is pressurized and climate controlled. I will ask about this further when I get through to their customer service department again.
The Gringodog website has been EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you for recommending it and thank you to Gringodog for the help. I'm going to my local Mexican Consulate tomorrow and will attempt to get more information.
Now back to sitting on never ending hold with Aeromexico.
Soon to be in Texcoco

tashby

May 26, 2011, 8:19 AM

Post #14 of 18 (3470 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Oftentimes it's a good idea not to rely on the information you receive from a Mexican Consulate. The staff there deal with tons of different issues, and may not know the specifics about "how a foreigner can bring xx pets into Mexico".

Best to rely on the airline for information within their purview (transporting the pet). And best to rely on the official Mexican Government agency responsible for the importation of animals. They are the ultimate authority, and it's their requirements that you'll have to satisfy at the airport.

Part of the trick to successfully navigating Mexico is asking the right questions, and asking the right authority. Even then you can sometimes get conflicting information.

Good luck.

Rolly

May 26, 2011, 8:44 AM

Post #15 of 18 (3465 views)

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Re: [tashby] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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"Oftentimes it's a good idea not to rely on the information you receive from a Mexican Consulate."
I think that is too mild a statement. Consulates are notorious for giving erroneous advice.
They seems to be pretty good on immigration issues, but not reliable on other things such as customs (aduana) questions.

I agree that the airline is a better source of information about pets.

Rolly Pirate

judithnpups

May 27, 2011, 6:01 PM

Post #16 of 18 (3379 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Sheila,
If you are going to be flying down during the hot months and need to change planes en route you may want to reconsider driving. My partner and I moved to Mexico with three dogs and the cat-from-hell. After hearing horror stories about pets on airplanes we decided to drive. It turned out to be much easier than expected.

Although we had an international health certificate, no one ever asked to see the pets or their paperwork. (We crossed at McAllen.) I had undated letters from our vet saying they were healthy. I added the date the day we left Florida. No one asked for them (but the airlines are stricter.)

In the US we stayed in La Quinta Hotels where pets are welcome at no charge. We drove about six hours each day. The animals in their crates were so quiet on the trip that I would periodically check to see if they were breathing. The cat usually wailed loudly in the car. We found that if we put her crate on top of something so she could see out the window, she settled right down.

In Mexico, we stayed at no-tell motels on the outskirts of cities where you drive your car right into your private garage connected to your room -- $25 per night and a king-sized bed big enough for the three of you and the cat.

You don´t say how old your children are, but I hope you will give another thought to driving. Or, maybe the kids can fly and you can drive down with a friend to share the driving. It really was a fun trip.
Suerte.
Judith in the DF (formerly in Morelia)

Sheila_Meraz

May 27, 2011, 7:44 PM

Post #17 of 18 (3364 views)

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Re: [judithnpups] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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Thanks guys yeah I'm catching on about getting 10 different answers from 10 different people about 1 subject.
If I leave the day I am hoping to we will be leaving Chicago at 1am and getting into Mexico City at 5am, so it won't be too hot.
I have thought about driving down, but I'm afraid of driving alone with 2 kids and breaking down in the middle of no where. I do speak Spanish, but with as dangerous as things have gotten, driving isn't an option, which is why I'm going with such an early flight.
Thanks for info on the hotels. If worse comes to worse and we do end up driving, the tips will come in handy.
Oh my kids are 14 and 8.
Soon to be in Texcoco

judithnpups

May 27, 2011, 10:01 PM

Post #18 of 18 (3351 views)

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Re: [Sheila_Meraz] Help with moving to Mexico with 4 pets

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A non-stop flight sounds like a good idea. Buen viaje.
Judith in the DF (formerly in Morelia)