Bringing Pets to Los Cabos? Here’s How

Los Cabos is a great place to bring a pet. Assuming your pet is a cat or a small to medium-sized dog. Finding a hotel that accepts your pets can be more difficult if they are larger. If they are exotic, they may not be allowed in Mexico at all. But cats and dogs are welcome in many hotels and resorts, from budget to ultra-luxury.

For example, the most famous pet-friendly accommodation in Los Cabos, Las Ventanas in Paraisois known for its luxurious dog-friendly touches that Luna, Max or the ironically named Fido are sure to appreciate. These include dog butlers for daily walks, private dog houses, dog massages, yoga classes — called “doga” after a combination of the words dog and yoga — and specialty chef-prepared meals served in bejeweled vessels. Pet-friendly amenities are also notable in all-inclusive options Hard Rock Los Cabosthanks to such attractions of the “Unleashed” programme as welcome treats and pet beds made of memory foam.

Not to mention the many beaches where you can run and chase tennis balls. But first, you have to get your pets here. Then there’s the matter of getting them back to the U.S. This is especially interesting because of recent changes in regulations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC Announces New Rules for Traveling with Pets

The CDC’s new pet regulations went into effect on August 1, 2024, and the good news for pet owners is that they don’t make it harder to return from designated “low-risk” countries for dog rabies, like Mexico. However, there is now a long list of more than 100 countries — from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe — are considered “high risk” and if your pet has been to any of them in the last six months, they will need to additional documentationincluding proof of rabies vaccination to obtain entry permission.

But if you only traveled through Mexico, simply answer “no” to the high-risk question on the new CDC Dog Import Form. It’s mandatory, but free and easy to fill out — as you can see Here — and must be presented before boarding the return flight and at customs. If you are traveling with more than one dog, each will need its own own formprinted or saved on your mobile phone.

You also need to make sure your dog is at least six months old, healthy, and has a universal microchip for identification purposes if it hasn’t already been implanted. The term universal means that the chip can be read by scanners worldwide using the International Organization for Standardization frequency of 134.2 kHz. According to American Veterinary Medical AssociationYour local vet should be able to implant the chip. It involves an injection under your dog’s skin—the microchip is about the size of a grain of rice—and no, it won’t cause your dog any undue pain or suffering. At least no more pain than a typical vaccination. Ask your vet about the cost of the chip and subsequent registration.

When it comes to cats, rabies vaccinations are a recommendation, not a requirement. The same goes for microchips. Import forms are also not necessary. The only real requirement for cats is that they be healthy when they re-enter the U.S. If they are found to be unhealthy during inspection, you will have to pay for a veterinary examination.

Special Airline Requirements for Pets

CDC regulations apply to re-entry. To even fly to Los Cabos, you need to check the rules and requirements of your chosen airline. They vary, as do the prices for transporting pets. American Airlines does not accept certain breeds of cats and snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs due to possible breathing problems during transport. These include Persians and popular dog breeds such as Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Pit Bulls and Shih Tzus. Restrictions may also apply depending on destination. Southwest Airlinesfor example, it does not allow animals to be carried on international flights.

Many airlines allow pets on board, assuming their carrier meets size requirements and can fit under the seats. If you have two pets of the same breed that fit in the same carrier, that may also be allowed. However, the seats you can reserve may change. If you are flying Deltayou will not be able to sit behind bulkheads or in emergency rows.

What you need to know when traveling to Mexico with your pets

Visitors with pets from USA and Canada They do not need to present a vaccination card or a certificate of good health. However, animals will be checked upon arrival.

Exotic animals, and some that may not be so exotic, are expressly frowned upon. You probably suspected that crocodiles are not allowed to be brought into Mexico as pets — nor chupacabras and snakes — and that is true. But you may not know that birds of all kinds, from parrots and cockatiels to canaries and parakeets, are also not welcome at Los Cabos International Airport.

However, there is no quarantine period and no cause for concern for cats and dogs, provided they are in good health – and if they weren’t, you probably wouldn’t be travelling with them.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Los Cabos

Numerous hotels and resorts in Los Cabos are pet-friendly, and several boast pet-friendly programs and amenities. But there are almost always restrictions. For example, Las Ventanas al Paraíso and Hard Rock Los Cabos, two exemplary local pet-friendly lodging options, have posted weight limits. That’s 40 pounds for the former and 50 for the latter. There may also be leash requirements and designated areas of the resort where pets are allowed. Check the property’s pet policy before booking to make sure your pet is welcome.

Expect additional costs, which will vary depending on where you’re staying. Pets are charged lodging fees just like humans. The difference is that humans almost always pay per night, while pet rates can be charged per night, per week, or per stay. You may also be asked to sign a pet policy agreement when you check in.

Many local bars and restaurants also accept pets as long as they are well behaved. When it comes to running and playing on local beaches, there is one factor to consider: Los Cabos has more blue flag beaches than any other municipality in Mexico, and these beaches only allow service animals, not pets. However, there remain dozens of popular beaches and areas where pets can fully enjoy their vacation just like their owners.

Chris Sands is a local Cabo San Lucas expert for the USA Today 10 Best website, author of the Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guide, and contributor to numerous websites and publications, including Tasting Table, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Porthole Cruise, Cabo Living, and Mexico News Daily. His specialties include travel and lifestyle content with a focus on food, wine, and golf.