RVIVA

If you’re traveling with your furry friend, plan ahead. Know the rules around bringing your pets to Mexico, importing food and treats, and where to find dog parks along your journey.

Thirty-six percent of Mexicans live in poverty. Mexico has a culture of street dogs and unleashed pets. Across the northern one-third of the country, population centers are few and far between. Remember, you’re traveling through desolate and different territory, and not parachuting into an all-inclusive luxury beach resort with pup-in-purse for the weekend.

As of December 16, 2019, dogs and cats from the US and Canada no longer need a health certificate signed by a veterinarian to enter Mexico, but your pets must be vaccinated and you must have paperwork proving it. Also, if you’re in Mexico for an extended time and plan to fly back to the US or Canada with your pet at any point, all airlines will require health certificates and proof of vaccinations. Check with your airline. Better safe than sorry.

Things to know:

• Temper your expectations. For all of its spectaculars, Mexico has fewer dog parks in than the US and Canada (although more are popping up all the time). Most, although not all dog parks, are less well-maintained and equipped. You’re a guest in Mexico. Respect local peoples and norms. Don’t project your values and expectations.
  
• Know some Spanish words. In my experience, most dogs “parques” (parks) in Mexico include words like “canino” (canine), “mascota” (pet) or perro (dog). If you’re using Google maps, searching for “dog park” won’t always show you full or accurate results.
  
• Bring pet food for only one day. The Mexican government warns tourists to bring only enough food from the US to feed your pets for one day. While I have never had dog food confiscated , it could happen to me in the future and it might happen to you. Check PetCo Mexico to see if the food that you give to your pets is available here. If not, make a plan, so you’re dogs aren’t worried or starving while you search for food.
  
• Bring you own dog potty bags. Potty stations with free dog potty bags are common in US dog parks, but almost non-existent in Mexico. Be sure to buy potty bags with you from the US or purchase them at a PetCo Mexico location.
  
• Check to see if your dog’s treats are available in Mexico. I really like Blue Buffalo’s Dental Chews for my dogs. They work great and my dogs love them. I can’t buy them in Mexico. Again, plan ahead so you’re dogs aren’t anxious or stressed that you’re mad at them because they aren’t getting their usual treats.

Dog Parks from Laredo-Nuevo Laredo-South

Nuevo Laredo Para Mascotas Park: If the border crossing into Mexico took significantly longer than you imagined and your dogs need a little exercise, stop at the Para Mascotas Park in Nuevo Laredo. It’s right off of the highway, next to the zoo. While the cleanliness of this park can be a bit hit or miss, there is plenty of space for your furry friends to play.

Note: Duko’s Dog Park in Laredo, Texas, is adequate for the US, but better than most dog parks in Mexico. Before you drive to the south of town to cross the border, be sure to let your furry friends spend 20-30 minutes paying there.

Saltillo Perron Park: This dog park isn’t close to the toll highway heading south, but if you want to stop in Saltillo for food and gas, and make time for your pups to play, it’s a good option. It has a small dog area and a large dog area.

Saltillo Perron Park Los Pinos: This is a small dog park north of downtown Saltillo. Like the other dog park it isn’t close to the toll highway, but there are numerous restaurant options nearby.

Matehuala Pet Park: If you’re driving from Laredo south towards San Miguel de Allende or beyond, be sure to plan for a nice long stop at the new Pet Park in Matehuala. This is a must-stop location because, candidly, this dog park nicer than most in the US. I take my dogs to this park every time that we drive to the border from San Miguel de Allende, and they love it. Every time that I have stopped there are maintenance workers on site keeping the park clean.