Border crossings between Tijuana and San Diego have specific processes, procedures, and rules that must be followed, and though previously crossing with pets was no big issue, today there are new pet rules entering into force.

Requirements to cross with your dog through Tijuana's ports of entry

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared on its website the new rules in order to allow for dogs to enter the United States. Previously, only a vaccination card was required, but there are now more regulations.

Starting on August 1, there are new veterinary documents and requirements taking effect that pet owners must be aware of in order to cross with their dogs through Tijuana's ports of entry. These are the following:

• Dog must be at least 6 months of age
• Must look healthy when crossing
• Veterinary documents must be shown, this includes the dog's implanted microchip number
• Submit receipt of the CDC Dog Import Form

It should be noted that CDC has stated that dog rabies-free or low-risk countries (for example, Mexico, which was certified as free of human rabies transmitted by dogs in 2019 by the WHO), will not require all the documents. The only document that will be needed is the Dog Import Form, which can be filled online here or any of the following documents:

• Rabies vaccine certificate and microchip completed in a rabies-free or low-risk country
• Rabies vaccine certificate issued in the US
• Export health certificate issued by USDA
• Export health certificate from a rabies-free or low-risk country with the microchip number

However, dogs that were vaccinated abroad but were in high-risk countries will be forbidden entry to the United States and will be turned away back to Canada or Mexico.

Dogs that have been vaccinated in the United States, but that come from a rabies high-risk country will be allowed entry as long as any of the following documents are submitted:

• Rabies vaccine certificate issued in the US
• Export health certificate approved by USDA with a valid rabies vaccine during the transition period

Keep reading: It's mandatory! Dogs in Tijuana must have microchips in order to cross to the US

It should be noted that there are several veterinary clinics in Tijuana that can apply and register a microchip, with packages that include the rabies vaccine and even a certificate form. Depending on the service chosen, the cost can range from $200 pesos ($11 dollars) to up to $3000 pesos ($160 dollars) so that you and your dog can cross through Tijuana's ports of entry with no issues at all.

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