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Taking your dog to Mexico? A screwworm travel reminder

Arizona wildlife officials say leave pets home when possible. If your dog travels, Mexico and the United States require separate screwworm inspections and paperwork.

Dan BustardOct 19, 2026

Founder & Publisher

Updated October 22, 2026

Illustrated screwworm alert showing larvae, an Arizona-Sonora border map, veterinary paperwork and a traveler with a dog at a border crossing. — New World screwworm detections in northern Mexico have prompted increased attention to animal health and cross-border pet travel. This composite illustration represents the regional threat and veterinary documentation requirements; its map markers are illustrative, not verified case locations. Credit: Yuma Informed / SI-generated editorial illustration

Published: October 19, 2026

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Before taking a dog on a Mexico trip, check the paperwork twice and ask whether the dog needs to come at all. On October 7, Arizona wildlife veterinarian Ann Fann told Arizona’s Family that families should leave pets at home when traveling to Mexico. She cited the additional veterinary inspections and treatments. That is official advice, not a ban.

If your dog goes, Mexico requires a New World screwworm inspection certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian no more than five days before entry. APHIS endorsement is not required. Mexican officials inspect dogs on arrival for signs of illness, external parasites, and fresh or healing wounds.

The trip home requires a separate check. APHIS says a dog coming from Mexico needs certification after an inspection within five days before travel to the United States. A government veterinarian can sign it, as can a Mexico-based clinical veterinarian trained and authorized to sign for the government veterinarian. The certificate must establish that the dog is free of screwworm or was quarantined and treated until free.

Do not assume the Mexico-entry certificate covers the return trip. Confirm both sets of requirements with your veterinarian and review the current federal guidance before leaving. We have not verified local appointment availability or fees in Yuma or San Luis.

Read the full Yuma Informed guide to screwworm and pet travel: https://yumainformed.com/articles/screwworm-sonora-yuma-pet-border-travel

USDA APHIS Mexico travel requirements: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-mexico

USDA APHIS dog return requirements: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs

Arizona’s Family report on the leave-pets-at-home advice: https://www.azfamily.com/2026/10/08/why-arizona-officials-now-urge-leaving-pets-home-mexico-trips/

Sources 3

Secondary source / research lead · News reportArizona’s Family: Officials urge leaving pets home on Mexico trips
Karina Bazarte’s October 7, 2026 reporting includes Arizona Game and Fish veterinarian Ann Fann’s advice to leave pets home on Mexico trips. Secondary reporting credited for the interview; travel requirements checked against government guidance.
Primary source · Government recordUSDA APHIS: Dogs entering the United States
Official dog import guidance reviewed October 11, 2026. Dogs from screwworm-affected Mexico, including returning U.S. dogs, need inspection within five days before shipment and certification by a government veterinarian or a Mexican clinical veterinarian authorized to sign on the government veterinarian’s behalf.
Primary source · Government recordUSDA APHIS: Pet travel from the U.S. to Mexico
Current Mexico-entry rules reviewed October 11, 2026. Dogs require the specific screwworm inspection document issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within five days before entry, without APHIS endorsement. Cats have different requirements; arrival inspection still applies.