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applecart

Aug 23, 2009, 6:12 AM

Post #1 of 7 (5361 views)

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Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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We will be moving permanently to Mexico on an FM3 and want to bring our 5 small to medium size dogs with us. According to the Mexican customs form, each person can bring 2 dogs. So, between my wife and I, we can bring 4. We have also been told by customs that we need to use a customs broker and fill in a form and pay a fee to bring in the 5th dog. But nobody, including a customs broker in Laredo with a Mexican office, seems to know what the form is and what the fee is. We don't want to run into problems at the border and possibly even be refused entry or have to leave a dog in the US, which could be a problem as we are from Canada. Does anyone have any information or suggestions as to how we can be sure that we will be allowed to bring them all with us?

We are aware of the other requirements - e.g. vet certificate etc.

Peter

Aug 23, 2009, 6:24 AM

Post #2 of 7 (5354 views)

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Re: [applecart] Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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Perhaps a friend would like to ride along with you when you come. Perhaps even them having a visitor's visa no one would complain about the extra dog. I don't think you need an FM-3 to bring a dog into Mexico.

(This post was edited by Peter on Aug 23, 2009, 6:28 AM)

robt65

Aug 23, 2009, 6:53 AM

Post #3 of 7 (5346 views)

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Re: [applecart] Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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Hello Applecart,

I am also in this same situation. I have one cat and two dogs. The dogs look that same (one chocolate lab and one Chesapeake bay retriever, only the plumbing is different. I am alone when I cross the border as my wife is a Mexican national and does not have a US or Canadian Visa.

I have thought of different ways to bring in the cat and one dog and then put the other dog in the local "doggy hotel" for a week. Then the next week drive back to the US and bring the (importetd) dogs collar back with me, as well as the papers for the "Imported dog". then collect my "vacationing dog" and put the collar on that one and bring it through Mexican customs. Maybe just hoping that the customns inspector does not wish to lift the (new) dogs leg to check the plumbing! Anyone have any remarks on this? Both dogs are listed with my (US) vet as choccolate labs (his computer doesn't have a listing for "Chessey's") and they both look similar in weight and color. Only the plumbing is different. They are both large dogs and I am thinking the inspector will not lift the dogs leg! What do you think?

Do they really keep a record in the computer of the dogs that you bring into Mexico?

Rob

applecart

Aug 23, 2009, 8:24 AM

Post #4 of 7 (5321 views)

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Re: [robt65] Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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I would also like to know if the Mexican customs keep a record of what pets an individual has brought in. One alternative would be for us to leave the 5th dog with a relative in Canada and then pick her up in the Spring when we go back to get our other vehicle. All the dogs are female and have very similar markings and, most people can't tell one from another. Another would be to get a friend to drive one or even two across - I don't think they need an FM3, just a tourist visa. Ideally the "friend" would be near the Mexican border.

rockydog85251

Aug 23, 2009, 2:16 PM

Post #5 of 7 (5283 views)

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Re: [applecart] Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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We have friends that used to travel between Scottsdale, Az. and Mazatlan, Sinaloa on a regular basis for over a year before making the "move" with 5 large dogs - 4 standard poodles & 1 wolf hybrid. They were never hasselled by customs or anyone.
Though with new agents at the border, who knows what might happen now. Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about it but then I'm pretty adventurous.......
A lot might depend on where you cross...we always used Nogales - just pull up, don't say anything and act like you know what you are doing!
Suerte!

Willie
Willie

belgique

Aug 24, 2009, 5:27 AM

Post #6 of 7 (5232 views)

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Re: [rockydog85251] Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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We've crossed 2 times in an RV with 3 dogs and 2 cats. The agents played with the dogs both times.

IslaZina

Aug 26, 2009, 10:28 AM

Post #7 of 7 (5159 views)

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Re: [belgique] Bringing dogs to Mexico on FM3

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To avoid any problems, bing "Doggie Passports" which are essentially a certificate of current vaccines.
http://islazina@blogspot.com